BUFFALO, N.Y.- The Niagara Falls Transit Authority along with Senator Tim Kennedy were pleased to join the community Monday night at Cold Spring Garage to announce the completion of the beautification project for the Buffalo Freedom Wall.
With the generous funding of over $700,000 from Senator Kennedy and partnerships with the Albright- Knox Art Gallery and the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor, the NFTA has enhanced the side walk area along Michigan and Ferry Streets.
The twenty eight civil rights leaders from past and present featured on the mural are now in the “spotlight” with a new state of the art LED lighting system, providing a glow to one of the city’s most recognizable works of public art. The work also includes replacement of worn street curbing, improvements of sidewalk accessibility, and a depiction of the Pan-African flag along the wall and in the outer sidewalk.
"This enhancement project ensures that the Freedom Wall is truly illuminated and appreciated in the way it deserves to be. From the very beginning of this process, it was important to us that we were collaborating with groups like the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission and members of the East Side Garden Walk to discuss what these improvements would look like and how they would be incorporated into this powerful piece of art," said Senator Tim Kennedy.
“We are so grateful to Senator Kennedy who made this important and meaningful project come to life,” said Kim Minkel, NFTA Executive Director. “Thanks to Senator Kennedy we had the money needed to improve the curb appeal around the Freedom Wall as well as the special lighting. This moving public art project has become a major destination in Western New York, and we are proud to be part of the Freedom Wall and all it represents.”
The NFTA is proud to continue its work in providing public art to the city and ensuring the beauty of Buffalo is accessible to all.
NFTA-Metro will resume regular above ground service Friday February 24.
We will continue to monitor the weather and update services changes via social media and on our website.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) is proud to announce this year’s winner of our Black History Month art contest is Tyshaun Tyson.
The artwork features a stunning depiction of Black inventor Garrett Morgan, holding his invention, the traffic signal, with red, yellow, and green lights beaming through a dark sky.
The piece was revealed Thursday, February 23 during a press conference at Cold Spring Station.
Tyson’s work will grace the side of three buses with the opportunity to be seen by thousands of people and continue to expand the growth of NFTA-Metro’s public art experiences.
Tyshaun is well known in the community for his artwork including a Main Street scape in Niagara Falls and the overseeing of the “You Are Not Alone” mural on Bailey Avenue in Buffalo.
During this month and beyond, NFTA-Metro will salute the vibrant Black legacies here on the Niagara Frontier, along with our many employees throughout the authority.
As of Thursday February 23, NFTA Metro Rail is operating underground service only due to severe weather . Shuttle buses will run between Fountain Plaza and Canalside Stations.
Bus and Paratransit service are not affected at this time.
NFTA-Metro will continue to monitor the weather and update service changes via social media and on our website: http://metro.nfta.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFFALO, N.Y.- It’s been a busy start of the year for our NFTA Transit Police K-9 Unit, and one pup has been selected for a special assignment that’s far from “ruff”!
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) is excited to announce that K-9 Eiko and Officer Elliot Justinger are in Utah to work during the NBA All Star Game!
The duo made their way out West this past Tuesday. Eiko is an Explosive Detection Canine and will work security detail at various events during All Star Weekend.
This is their first-time working security detail for the event, and they are excited to bring a bit of Buffalo to Salt Lake City.
In 2022, the pair was also selected to work the Super Bowl in Inglewood California.
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – The Niagara Frontier Transit Authority is proud to announce that the Niagara Falls International Airport has been named the 2022 Station of the year by Winner Aviation Corporation.
“The performance of the Niagara Falls team over the past year has been truly outstanding.” said Rick Hale, CEO of Winner Aviation. “They have exceeded all expectations in their service delivery and their commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. We are proud to recognize them for their exceptional performance and dedication to our mission.”
Winner Aviation Corp. is a premier ground-handling service provider and services the Niagara Falls market with ground handling to Allegiant Airlines. Last year, the Niagara Falls team provided service to over 375 Allegiant non-stop flights.
The NFTA commends the team at the Niagara Falls Airport for their dedication to safety, quality of work, and customer service.
Meetings of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s Board of Commissioners has been scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2023, in the sixth-floor Board Room/Main Conference Room at the NFTA, 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, N.Y. Commissioners of the NFTA may choose to meet in person or participate remotely. The NFTA Chair (or Acting Chair), Executive Director, and essential staff of the NFTA will be present in person. The meetings below are not open to the public but can be viewed and listened to by accessing the NFTA’s website at www.nfta.com. The meeting will be recorded and later transcribed.
Thursday, January 26 Audit and Governance Committee
10:00 a.m.
Aviation Committee
10:30 a.m.
Surface Transportation Committee
11:00 a.m.
Human Resources Committee
11:30 a.m.
Board Meeting
12:30 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFFALO, N.Y. – No matter who wins in the playoffs, Buffalo will be at State Farm Stadium Super Bowl Sunday! The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) is excited to announce that two good dogs from the NFTA Transit Police K-9 Unit will travel to Arizona to attend Super Bowl LVII!
Pups Liza and Eci with their handlers Officer Luke Whelan and Officer Dina Bigham will head out West to work security detail at various event locations before and during the big game. The duo will work alongside different K-9 handlers from around the country.
“It’s an honor to be selected to represent our department and the City of Good Neighbors at such a large-scale event,” said Officer Dina Bigham. “We both are very excited for the opportunity to work at another Super Bowl.”
Three years ago, Liza and Eci had the opportunity to work Super Bowl LIV in Miami. Their owners say they are hoping this time around the Buffalo Bills will be joining them there!
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) held a press conference Thursday, January 19 to announce its new campaign encouraging passengers of the Metro Rail to “Ride Nice.”
The goal is to take proactive measures ensuring riders feel safe with an overarching campaign that ties in the NFTA code of conduct with informational changes to Metrorail.
With increased Transit Police presence, along with coordination from Senator Tim Kennedy, the Buffalo Board of Education, and Buffalo Peacemakers, the NFTA will work with the community to put forth a positive message and create a comfortable environment for all passengers.
"This is truly a collaborative initiative; I'm pleased to see the NFTA partnering with the Buffalo Peacemakers and the Buffalo Board of Education to unveil this important campaign," said Senator Tim Kennedy. "By implementing these changes, the NFTA is demonstrating a commitment to improving rider safety and experience throughout the Metro Rail system."
“My number one priority is keeping our riders and community safe,” said Kim Minkel, executive director, NFTA. “We are doing everything in our power to enhance rider experience with a focus on safety and security.”
BUFFALO, N.Y.- NFTA-Metro is holding an Open House Thursday January 12 to inform the community on current job opportunities. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 181 Ellicott St.
Those interested can take advantage of new wages, a guaranteed 40-hour work week, as well as a competitive benefits package.
NFTA-Metro staff will be on site to hold in person interviews. Employment opportunities range from custodians and operators, to mechanics and electronic specialists working at one of our three bus garages, or in one of our specialty shops.
Applicants will be given a tour of the facility, as well as the opportunity to take the NFTA's Skills Test. This test determines a person's mechanical aptitude and expertise.
For more information, or to print an application, visit jobs.nfta.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFFALO, N.Y. -After assessment of current conditions, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced the airfield at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport will remain closed until 11:00 a.m.Wednesday December 28, 2022, due to extreme weather.
High winds and low visibility at the airport over the holiday weekend created hazardous conditions.
Pittsburgh Airport has reached out and will be sending some snow plowing equipment to assist
and airport crews are working around the clock to ensure safe travels as soon as possible.
Please continue to check on the website for the latest information at buffaloairport.com.
About the NFTA
The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara counties. NFTA/NFTM businesses include a bus, rail and ADA paratransit system, two commercial airports, and transportation centers in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In 2019, a J.D. Power study ranked the Buffalo Niagara International Airport highest in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFFALO, N.Y. – As of Wednesday December 28, The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) will restore bus service on the following routes,
4 Broadway
8 Main
11 Colvin
24 Genesee
25 Delaware
34 Niagara Falls Boulevard
35 Sheridan
40 Buffalo-Niagara Falls
47 Wehrle
48 Williamsville
49 East Amherst
50 Buffalo Ave
52 North End Circulator
55 Pine Ave
59 NCCC
Metro Rail service will continue with trains leaving every half-hour.
Paratransit service remains suspended.
Please continue to check for service updates via social media and on Metro’s website: metro.nfta.com.
About the NFTA
The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara counties. NFTA/NFTM businesses include a bus, rail and ADA paratransit system, two commercial airports, and transportation centers in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In 2019, a J.D. Power study ranked the Buffalo Niagara International Airport highest in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America.
CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y., At the start of the blizzard on Friday, Demetrice and Danielle lost power at their home in Williamsville, so they packed their kids up Aayden, (8), Aubree (4), Jordynn (2), and Judah (9 months) and headed to a local hotel. The roads and visibility were treacherous and their vehicle got stuck. Demetrice and Danielle were one of many motorist stuck in the roundabout on Aero and Youngs Road. Buffalo Airport Fire Fighters, Mike Carrubba, Mark Wolhfiel and Joel Eberth rescued 42 people, and brought them to the ARFF Facility. Demetrice and Danielle were the only ones with young children so they stayed in the firehouse and even through they were away from home, they had a great holiday for the family and firefighters. Aayden asked if he could be in uniform with us and was given a uniform and department T-shirt and learned about dispatch.
“It was an amazing experience for our firefighters and it definitely made us better people.” Said Joel Eberth, Assistant Chief Buffalo Airport Fire Department. “With them being here, Christmas became a big concern because Aayden was so excited that Santa would know he was here and he would get to celebrate at a real firehouse and we didn’t want to disappoint, so we were able to find several items in the firehouse to wrap for the family and with the amazing help from the field office delivering some items from the terminal, we were able to make sure Santa paid a visit.”
This was certainly a very different, but joyful holiday for everyone.
About the NFTA
The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara counties. NFTA/NFTM businesses include a bus, rail and ADA paratransit system, two commercial airports, and transportation centers in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In 2019, a J.D. Power study ranked the Buffalo Niagara International Airport highest in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFFALO, N.Y. -After careful assessment, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced the airfield at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport will remain closed until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday December 27, 2022.
High winds caused snow drifts and low visibility at the airport over the holiday weekend but airport crews are working to ensure safe travels as soon as possible.
Please continue to check on the website for the latest information at buffaloairport.com.
About the NFTA
The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara counties. NFTA/NFTM businesses include a bus, rail and ADA paratransit system, two commercial airports, and transportation centers in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In 2019, a J.D. Power study ranked the Buffalo Niagara International Airport highest in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced the airfield at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport will remain closed until 11:00 a.m. Monday December 26, 2022 due to high winds and low visibility.
The NFTA Transit Police, Buffalo Airport Fire and Airfield teams have worked tirelessly to help rescue stranded motorists and have provided shelter for roughly 60 people.
Airport officials state there are a number of cars stranded around the area of Genesee Street and Cayuga Road and are asking the public to heed the driving ban.
Please continue to check on the website for the latest information at buffaloairport.com.
About the NFTA
The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara counties. NFTA/NFTM businesses include a bus, rail and ADA paratransit system, two commercial airports, and transportation centers in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In 2019, a J.D. Power study ranked the Buffalo Niagara International Airport highest in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America.
AIRFIELD AT BUFFALO AIRPORT CLOSES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced the airfield at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport has closed due to extreme weather.
All evening flights at the Buffalo airport are canceled. Please continue to check on the website for the latest information at buffaloairport.com.
About the NFTA
The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara counties. NFTA/NFTM businesses include a bus, rail and ADA paratransit system, two commercial airports, and transportation centers in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In 2019, a J.D. Power study ranked the Buffalo Niagara International Airport highest in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced it will suspend all bus service until further notice due to inclement weather. The Metro Rail *******. Paratransit service *********NFTA-Metro will continue to monitor weather conditions and update service changes via social media and on the Metro’s website: metro.nfta.com.
For Immediate Release December 8, 2022
Meetings of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s Board of Commissioners has been scheduled for Thursday, December 8, 2022, in the sixth-floor Board Room/Main Conference Room at the NFTA, 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, N.Y. Commissioners of the NFTA may choose to meet in person or participate remotely. The NFTA Chair (or Acting Chair), Executive Director, and essential staff of the NFTA will be present in person. The meetings below are not open to the public but can be viewed and listened to by accessing the NFTA’s website at www.nfta.com. The meeting will be recorded and later transcribed.
Thursday, December 8 Audit and Governance Committee
10:00 a.m.
Aviation Committee
10:30 a.m.
Surface Transportation Committee
11:00 a.m.
Board Meeting
12:30 p.m.
For Immediate Release December 8, 2022
Meetings of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s Board of Commissioners has been scheduled for Thursday, December 8, 2022, in the sixth-floor Board Room/Main Conference Room at the NFTA, 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, N.Y. Commissioners of the NFTA may choose to meet in person or participate remotely. The NFTA Chair (or Acting Chair), Executive Director, and essential staff of the NFTA will be present in person. The meetings below are not open to the public but can be viewed and listened to by accessing the NFTA’s website at www.nfta.com. The meeting will be recorded and later transcribed.
Thursday, December 8 Audit and Governance Committee
10:00 a.m.
Aviation Committee
10:30 a.m.
Surface Transportation Committee
11:00 a.m.
Board Meeting
12:30 p.m.
BUFFALO, N.Y.- The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, in collaboration with the WNY Urban Arts Collective, is looking for local artists to create a design that will be showcased on Metro buses for Black History Month.
The theme is “Black Inventors”, and artists are encouraged to be creative and inspiring as this is an opportunity to positively contribute to the daily experience of the many people who utilize the NFTA-Metro services.
The deadline for submissions is Thursday, December 22, 2022, by midnight. Beginning December 27, submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee from the NFTA and the WNY Urban Arts Collective. Artists will be notified of their submission status by January 2, 2022.
The contest is open to any Western New York artist to submit their proposal for consideration. Submitted artwork can be new or existing. Upon selection, artists will be paid a flat fee for their work and completed designs should be sent to local artist, John Baker at presbaker.wny.uac@gmail.com
Submission Requirements
Artists are required to submit the following for consideration:
- Name
- Address
- Phone
- Title of image
- Description of proposed artwork
- Bio
- Artwork JPEG format file attachment
- Save file as: firstname_lastname_JAI_Proposal.jpg(jpeg)
By creating vibrant artwork for our bus, we hope to generate feelings of pride and continue to expand NFTA-Metro’s public art experiences while spotlighting local talent.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) will resume bus service Tuesday morning, November 22. Because of the condition of many local side streets, the agency is asking Paratransit riders to reschedule if possible.
Due to the massive winter storm, and subsequent travel bans, bus and rail service were suspended, a difficult but necessary measure due to safety concerns.
NFTA-Metro operators and the entire team did an amazing job handling the obstacles that come with a snowstorm of this magnitude and helping to restore routes as quickly as possible.
Details on service updates can be found via social media and on Metro’s website: metro.nfta.com.
BUFFALO, N.Y. – As of Monday, November 21, The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) will restore select bus service outside of areas impacted by the travel ban.
Details on specific routes can be found on metro.nfta.com.
NFTA-Metro Rail is returning to normal operations. Paratransit service will continue to operate to the fullest extent but due to severe weather, we are asking riders to reschedule if possible.
Metro will continue to monitor the situation and update any changes via social media and Metro’s website.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced it will immediately resume limited bus service Sunday, November 20. NFTA-Metro is operating its underground rail service only.
Paratransit service will operate to the fullest extent but due to extreme weather, we are asking riders to reschedule if possible.
NFTA-Metro will continue to monitor the situation and update any changes via social media and details on service updates can be found on the Metro’s website: metro.nfta.com.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced the airfield at the Buffalo Airport has re-opened after closing down at 4:00 a.m. this morning due to extreme weather of zero visibility and massive snow amounts. Since midnight, the Airfield has received an estimated 14 inches of snow. Officials are asking travelers to check their airlines and the NFTA website for the latest flight information: buffaloairport.com.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced it will suspend all bus service until further notice. The Metrorail will operate on a limited basis. Paratransit service has not been suspended, but riders are being asked to reschedule if possible. NFTA-Metro will continue to monitor weather conditions and update service changes via social media and on the Metro’s website: metro.nfta.com.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced it will restore bus service in areas that are outside of the travel ban in Erie County at noon today. NFTA-Metro is operating its rail service and there is full bus service in Niagara County. Paratransit service has not been suspended, we are asking riders to reschedule if possible. NFTA-Metro will continue to monitor the situation and update any changes via social media and details on service updates can be found on the Metro’s website: metro.nfta.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) announced it will suspend bus service on all routes serving Erie County for Friday, November 18, due to unsafe winter weather conditions. The only bus routes that will be operated will be the 50, 52, 55, and 59, which operate solely within Niagara County. The Metrorail will remain operational at this time. Paratransit service has not been suspended, we are asking riders to reschedule if possible. NFTA-Metro will continue to monitor the situation and update any changes via social media and on Metro’s website: metro.nfta.com.
About the NFTA
The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara counties. NFTA/NFTM businesses include a bus, rail and ADA paratransit system, two commercial airports, and transportation centers in Buffalo and Niagara Falls. In 2019, a J.D. Power study ranked the Buffalo Niagara International Airport highest in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America.
BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) is preparing for the upcoming inclement weather expected to hit parts of Western New York late Thursday.
Crews at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport held a series of dry runs to ensure all equipment is working properly including five snowblowers, multitask plows that can run all day, and a snow melting trailer that melts 135 tons of snow in an hour.
“While every snow event is different, we are prepared to respond to ensure our operations remain safe while minimizing impacts to the community,” said Tom George, Vice President, Operations, NFTA. “Our award-winning crews at the airports and NFTA-Metro have many years of experience dealing with the challenges of severe weather.”
NFTA-Metro, with its fleet of close to 300 buses and rail system is getting ready for the winter blast as well, and will be communicating any weather related service changes that may occur via social media and on Metro’s website: metro.nfta.com.
BUFFALO, N.Y., - Transit Police officers are doing their part to make this a brighter Halloween for children being treated at Oishei Children’s hospital this year. The officers will hand out Halloween-themed bags to the children with comforting treats featuring a canine paw print blanket. The very popular TAPD K9, Eci, will also be there greeting kids.
“We love to go out in the community to bring joy to children at Oishei,” said NFTA Police Chief Brian Patterson. “Our officers volunteer their time, and it is worth every moment, when they see the smiles, our small gifts bring to these kids.”
The Transit Authority Police Department was established in 1984. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority created the Transit Police Department to protect and serve the traveling public. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is a provider of public transportation for Erie, Niagara, and Genesee counties in New York State. Additionally, the authority functions as a port authority, managing the Buffalo International Airport, and Niagara Falls International Airport. The NFTA operates a bus and rail transit system with origins dating back more than 150 years.
Congratulations to Prentise Moss, named one of 50 Black Achievers in Western New York. Moss has been with the NFTA since 1987, and through hard work and dedication was promoted to his current position of Air Terminal Supervisor in February 2003.
“Prentise is dedicated, hard working, and passionate, he truly takes customer service to a new level,” said Kim Minkel, executive director, NFTA. “Prentise is one of the many airport team members who made it possible for the Buffalo Airport to achieve the J.D. Power award for best customer satisfaction in 2018.”
Prentise is a true professional who’s 35-year commitment to his job is an inspiration, and the NFTA is grateful for his service and proud to have him as part of the organization. Congratulations to all of the honorees.
The 2022 Black Achievers Awards honor 50 exceptional individuals who have distinguished themselves in a variety of ways and have had exceptional careers.
Award recipients were recognized during the 50th Annual Black Achievers Awards Celebration on October 7, 2022.