Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that Metro Rail will extend service Saturday, Dec. 31, to accommodate passengers attending the Annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop at Roosevelt Square, activities at Canalside and the First Night Buffalo celebration and additional Metro bus service will be added to six routes.
Train service will run continuously, making stops at all stations during the extended service period at 20 minute intervals. One exception to the schedule will be the 11:50 p.m. trip on New Year's Eve from University Station will be moved up to 11:40 p.m., to transport people downtown in advance of the ball drop.
The last outbound train is scheduled to leave Erie Canal Harbor Station at 2 a.m., New Year's Day following the events, with the last inbound train leaving University Station at 2:30 a.m.
Additional one trip Metro bus service will operate from the starting point of the route, leaving at 12:40 a.m. for the #4 Broadway (Carolina & Busti), #5 Niagara-Kenmore (MTC), #12 Utica (Utica Rail Station - Outbound), #14 Abbott (Mohawk & Washington), #20 Elmwood (MTC) and #24 Genesee (Amtrak Station.)
Due to safety concerns resulting for congestion around Roosevelt Square, inbound train service will be suspended after the 11:40 p.m. departure until 12:35 a.m. Outbound service will be suspended from 11:20 p.m. until 12:20 a.m.
All Metro bus and rail schedules are available at nfta.com/metro.
NEWS RELEASE
Buffalo, NY. . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that the sounds of holiday music will be returning to the downtown bus terminal (181 Ellicott St.) for the ninth consecutive year from Dec. 7- 22, compliments of musical ensembles from 14 local schools.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, “It is really wonderful to have students from our area schools performing festive music and bringing cheer to individuals traveling through our bus terminal over the holidays.”
The following schools will be participating as indicated:
Lorraine Elementary 12/7, 11 a.m.
Hutchinson Central Technical High School 12/8, 11 a.m.
Fredrick Law Olmsted 12/9, 11 a.m.
Buff. Academy of Visual and Performing Arts 12/14, 10 a.m.
Mt. Mercy Academy Magic Belles 12/14, 11 a.m.
South Park High School 12/15, 11 a.m.
Akron High School Marching Santa Band 12/16, 8:30 a.m. (15 min.)
Southside Elementary 12/16, 11 a.m.
Middle Early College High School 12/16, 11:30 a.m.
Visit from Metro Santa 12/16, TBD
McKinley Vocational High School 12/16, 12 p.m.
Dr. Lydia T. White School of Excellence 12/16, 12:30 p.m.
Dr. Lydia T. White School of Excellence 12/20, 11 a.m.
Harriet Ross Tubman 12/20, 12 p.m.
Cardinal O’Hara High School 12/22, TBD
Each performance will feature between 15 and 60 students, who will entertain for 30 to 45 minutes. Performances may be subject to change. All are welcome to attend.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is now equipped with two Videophone units to serve hearing impaired and speech-disabled travelers. One unit is located on the arrival level (lower level) at the east end and the other is located on the departure level (upper level) post security, in the observation area just past the security checkpoint. The service, which employs televisions and high-speed Internet connections, is free and will be available at all times.
A videophone is a device that hearing impaired or speech-disabled people can use to communicate visually with another hearing impaired person or with a hearing person via an interpreter-assisted Video Relay Service. The benefits to having a Videophone in place are that hearing impaired persons have equal access to phone services, without having to depend on someone for assistance.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, "The Videophones replace older TTY/Relay phone units with new, modern technology that enhances the communication experience and creates an improved level of independence for our hearing impaired customers."
The project was a joint effort between the airport; the NFTA's Advisory Committee on the Disabled and the Buffalo Civic Association of the Deaf.
NEWS RELEASE
Buffalo, NY . . . The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that a construction project to replace the pavement at the west entrance and exit lanes to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is scheduled to commence Monday, Oct. 17.
As a result, the west entrance/exit to the airport opposite the entrance to the Kensington Expressway (Route 33), will be closed nightly starting Monday, Oct. 17 through Friday, Oct. 21, and again Monday, Oct. 24 to Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m.
Also, single lane closures on Genesee Street and at the entrance or exit lanes will occur intermittently during the day between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The construction schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions.
The work includes full depth asphalt pavement replacement, as well as milling a portion of the pavement and replacement with an asphalt overlay to restore the airport’s west entrance and exit lanes. Reconstruction of the sidewalk and handicap access ramps on either side of the entrance/exit is also included, as well as replacement of the traffic control detection loops in the pavement.
Variable message boards will be in place to alert people to use the east entrance during closure.
Buffalo, NY...
Metro Bus is looking for individuals seeking steady employment, along with a competitive wage and extensive benefits announced the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. Metro is experiencing a large number of retirements, creating immediate openings for bus operators.
"If individuals are looking for a job that provides stability and longevity, with comprehensive benefits, which includes paid training, then we have a position for them right now," said, Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director.
OPEN HOUSE
Metro representatives will be present Tuesday, August 30, at Metro's Frontier Station, 1000 Military Rd. Kenmore, NY from 4 to 7 p.m. to inform applicants about the comprehensive benefits package and job requirements.
Operator Requirements: Individuals must be 19 yrs. of age, possess a high school diploma or G.E.D., have a clean driver's license and a minimum of a CDL B license or permit with passenger and airbrake endorsements. Full employment details can be found online at nfta.com. Metro provides paid CDL training along with paying associated CDL fees.
Buffalo, NY...
The hearings will focus on modifications to the current fare structure that will let Metro take advantage of new technology and modernize the fare system.
- Wednesday, Aug. 31 Niagara Falls City Hall in Council Chambers 745 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY
- 5 p.m. One-on-one discussions
- 6 p.m. Presentation & comment session
- Thursday, Sept. 1 Buffalo & Erie County Library Auditorium
- 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY
- 5 p.m. One-on-one discussions
- 6 p.m. Presentation & comment session
Metro will also consider comments or emails received no later than Sept. 9, 2016 will also be considered. Mail to NFTA, 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203, Attn: Service Planning Department or email to planning@nfta.com.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that beginning Monday, Aug. 22 and until the morning of Saturday Aug. 26, Mero Rail's Allen Medical Campus Station will close from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. The station will be open during the day. Closings are related to the construction of a new rail station and the University of Buffalo's on-going medical campus project on the same site.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that Metro Bus and Rail has been cited as the ninth most effective public transit system among mid-cities in the U.S. for transportation viability according to a recently released study.
The study done by Walk Score, a Redfin company, created the Transit Score to rate locations and cities by the effectiveness their public transportation provides their community. Redfin, an online real estate agency that buys and sells homes nationwide; released rankings for cities with populations between 100,000 and 300,000 to rate the "usefulness of their public transportation options."
Metro received a Transit Score of 50.4, which designates Buffalo as having 'good transit,' with many nearby public transportation options. Cambridge, MA was ranked first with a score of 72.3. The complete listing can be found here.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director commented, "This study validates the dedication that each and every Metro employee puts forth every day on behalf of their customers. To be ranked ninth among all mid-size cities within the U.S. is very gratifying. We will not rest on our laurels and will continue working to improve our current position going forward."
"Although most Buffalonians don't see themselves as living in a community that's known for its public transportation, this ranking recognizes some important progress that's been made toward making it easier and more convenient to live in and get around Buffalo," said Lesley Lannan, Redfin a real estate agent in Buffalo. "With the year-round popularity of Canalside along the waterfront, always-popular sporting and music events at the Arena and the growing number of restaurants and entertainment venues downtown, more folks from the northern suburbs and other parts of the city are relying on the convenience of Metro Rail and avoiding traffic congestion and parking hassles."
On average, Metro Bus provides service for 1.8 million people each month, while Metro Rail provides rides for 370,000 people each month. In 2015, Metro Bus and Rail provided service for 26.5 million customers.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that US Customs and Border Protection will be holding a NEXUS Pass Sign Up event at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport this August. Participants must be pre-registered online before July 24.
The NEXUS program allows travelers to proceed with little or no delay into Canada, and back to the US, through dedicated lanes. It makes border crossing much quicker and easier. NEXUS includes Global Entry, which is located at most major airports, TSA Pre-Check, and expedited processing for boaters. NEXUS members may cross the border on the Whirlpool Bridge in Niagara Falls, which is now NEXUS exclusive. NEXUS application fees are $50 for adults, children under the age of 18 are free. Once received, the cards are valid for five years at which time participants must renew their membership.
The Buffalo Airport NEXUS event will be held Tuesday, August 16 and Wednesday, August 17, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, visit buffaloairport.com.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation authority announced today that Metro Rail will be using only one track beginning Monday, July 11, and through the rest of the summer. Both inbound and outbound service will run on the inbound (west-side) track between Allen Medical Campus and Humbolt Hospital Stations. All passengers traveling between these stations will need to board from the inbound platforms.
Metro apologizes for any inconvenience. Repairs made during this period are for the continued safety and efficiency of the rail system. Thank you for your continued patience.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that Metro's Allen Medical Rail Station will close temporarily Tuesday, July 5, for one day only.
Construction of the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences will take place over the existing rail station rendering the station inoperable.
During this time, Metro will provide free shuttle service to and from the Summer Best Station, maintaining customer access to Allen Medical Campus Station. Shuttle times will coincide with the daily rail schedule. Passengers need to exit trains at Summer Best Station to utilize the shuttle service. Metro trains will be running with four cars at 15-minute intervals.
A map of the shuttle route and additional Metro information can be found at metro.nfta.com.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that it will be hosting Community Thursdays at Utica Station, June 23 through August 25. These public outreach events will occur at Metro's Utica Station every Thursday beginning at 8:00 a.m.
These events will offer customers the opportunity to meet and greet representatives from various local organizations. At the kick-off event on June 23, tables will be set up by the Witness Project, Parent Network of WNY, Veterans One-stop Center of WNY, Jericho Road Community Health Center, Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network, Rite Aid, Housing Opportunities Made Equal and True Bethel.
NFTA personnel will be on hand with employment information and Metro staff, will offer customers spins at the Metro prize wheel, with chances to win Tim Hortons coffee cards, Buffalo Zoo passes, Metro Monthly Passes, merchandise and more.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, "Community is the heart of any transit system. Thursdays at Utica gives us another meaningful way to serve this neighborhood."
Future Thursday events may include some local entertainment as well as a farmer's market. To find out more go to NFTA.com
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that Metro Bus and Rail will hold its annual Customer Appreciation Night at Coca-Cola field, June 30, before the Buffalo Bisons take on the Scranton/WB Railriders at 7:05 p.m.
NFTA and Metro personnel will be on hand at the main entrance plaza an hour before the game to meet customers and game-goers, with give-a-ways (while supplies last.) Metro will have a trolley bus on hand, and a Metro Link vehicle. A Transit Authority Police K-9 Officer will also be on-site with one of the department's amazing service dogs.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, "This event is about showing our appreciation to the many dedicated Metro customers. We work hard to provide a safe, convenient and economical service every day, but some days it is nice to go even further."
Tickets to the baseball game are available at a discounted rate of $2 per ticket to anyone who presents valid Metro fare at the box office (limit four tickets per person).
This program is part of an overall customer appreciation initiative to thank customers for being loyal riders of the Metro system and to help make others aware of Metro services.
Buffalo, NY...
The 11th Annual Dump the Pump Day is Thursday, June 16. This year Metro Bus and Rail is joining the national event by turning its headlights on key locations in the region. Metro is offering free parking and free rides from:
- LaSalle Station Park & Ride, 7 - 8:30 a.m.
- Athol Springs Park & Ride, 6 - 8 a.m.
- Appletree Park & Ride, 7 - 8 a.m.
- Niagara Falls Transportation Center, 6:30 - 7:30 a.m.
Metro also has some other surprises instore for people who come out and see just how easy taking the bus or rail can be.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, "Metro bus and rail is a vital component of our community and this is a great opportunity to show it off. The locations we have selected offer commuters the chance to see they do not need a car every day. They can help the environment, save money and still get everywhere they need to go."
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association, Dump the Pump Day is a call to action to encourage people to ride public transportation, thus reducing the consumption of gasoline and reducing their carbon footprint. For more information on Metro Bus and rail, visit nfta.com
Buffalo, NY...
Please be advised that the June 23rd meeting of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's Board of Commissioners has been cancelled. The board will reconvene Thursday, July 28, 2016, the date of their next regularly scheduled meeting.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that Metro will once again provide complementary trolley service to guests staying at participating Niagara Falls motels and hotels beginning Friday, May 13. Metro's Niagara Falls Trolley (formerly Route 55T) buses will serve Niagara Falls Boulevard, Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls International Airport and downtown Niagara Falls, USA.
Service will operate May 13 - 22 and Oct. 7-30, Friday through Sunday, and May 27, Oct. 2 every day. The service, which is designated as the "Red Route," will operate from 9 a.m. until midnight and on all holidays.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, "We are once again delighted to be collaborating with Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster and the Niagara Falls Hotel Association to offer FREE, convenient, energy-efficient Metro transportation to visitors within Niagara Falls. Further, we are excited about the new connectivity of services between the Discover Niagara Shuttle and the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley this year. Through this united effort we will be better able to enhance the overall experience for people visiting the great City of Niagara Falls."
Patrons receive their FREE trolley day passes upon request at participating hotels and motels. The trolley pass, supported by the local Niagara Falls bed tax, allows pass holders FREE access to the trolley service and the entire Metro Bus and Rail system in Niagara and Erie counties. Passes must be validated in Niagara County and may be used anytime on the date the pass is punched by the Metro operator.
Individuals without a trolley day pass may ride the service by paying Metro's regular adult fare of $2, $1 for children (5-11 yrs.), seniors (65 yrs. and over), disabled and Medicare clients with valid I.D. All other Metro passes are also valid. Children four and under ride free, limit three children per fare paying adult.
Red Niagara Falls Trolley stop signs along the route indicate where riders can board a Metro trolley. In downtown Niagara Falls, trolley stops are located at The Aquarium of Niagara Falls, the Seneca Niagara Casino, and the Niagara Falls Visitors Center. Service will also be provided to hotels and shops along Third Street, Rainbow Blvd. and Buffalo Avenue.
In addition, stops are located along Pine Avenue, at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls, several motels along Niagara Falls Boulevard and Little Italy. All Metro route maps, service updates and schedules can be found online at nfta.com/metro, including trolley maps and schedules.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has announced service to the new Walmart store in Cheektowaga. With a Metro Bus stop directly on Walmart property, bus passengers will not have to cross Walden Avenue to shop.
Kimberley Minkel, executive director, NFTA said, "We are very pleased that Walmart, the Town of Cheektowaga and the NFTA came together to provide a safe and effective solution for the many workers and customers who use public transportation."
Metro Bus Route 46 will stop at Walmart several times a day, seven days a week. The Metro Bus stop is located conveniently on site. Walmart is constructing a bus shelter to further convenience transit users and plans to have it completed in June of this year.
Route 46, and all Metro maps and schedules, can be found online at nfta.com
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that they have signed an agreement with WNY Freedom Lounge, Inc. to establish a Military Lounge at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport for use by military personnel.
Transitioning military personnel frequently use the BNIA as they await connecting flights. The 495 square foot facility located on the east side of the baggage claim area on the lower level will provide private, comfortable space for military personnel to rest and recreate as they await their connections.
William R. Vanecek, NFTA Director of Aviation said, "This private area is a perfect way to show our collective appreciation to the men and women in the military how grateful we are for their service to our country. We are pleased to do all we can to make their time in our airport as personal and comfortable as possible."
Retired LTC Dan Walther, Chairman of WNY Freedom Lounge, Inc. said, "Our organization is very pleased to have the opportunity to establish this special space at the airport to accommodate our dedicated service members and veterans. I want to express our gratitude to the NFTA for their willingness to provide this private area for our military personnel using the airport."
WNY Freedom Lounge, Inc., is a NYS registered non-profit corporation, established to operate the WNY FREEDOM LOUNGE, at the BNIA. The lounge will be dedicated in the honor of all service members and veterans, who have made and continue to make our country a safe place to live.
The lounge will be staffed by local veterans, veteran organizations and military supporters. The space will provide service members and their families with a little touch of Western New York hospitality as they wait to depart the airport.
The lounge is expected to be fully operational in the next 60-90 days.
For more information about the WNY FREEDOM LOUNGE, or to make a donation to this project, contact the organization at wny.freedom.lounge@gmail.com.
Niagara Falls, NY . . .
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that for the second consecutive year the Niagara Falls International Airport set an enplanement record for outbound passengers for a one year period.
For the second time in its 88 year history, the NFIA surpassed 100,000 enplanements in one calendar year. 2015 saw the enplanement number rise to 118,154, an increase of 12.24 percent over 2014, which was a record year. In total, 233,302 (outbound & inbound) passengers utilized the NFIA during 2015.
Kimberley A. Minkel NFTA executive director said, "The continued growth at the Niagara Falls International Airport is indeed gratifying. To have record passenger totals for a second year in a row is very optimistic and bodes well for the future growth potential of this airport."
The airport continues to be a big draw with Canadians, who regularly account for 79 percent of its customer total.
The airport is served by Spirit and Allegiant airlines carrying passengers to warm weather destinations via seasonal flights. In 2015, Allegiant carried 69,590 outbound passengers to Orlando/Sanford, Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg and Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, while Spirit carried 48,564 passengers to Fort Lauderdale and Myrtle Beach.
Flight and specific airline and airport information can be found online at niagarafallsairport.com.
-30-
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that beginning Saturday, January 9, Metro Rail will be using just the outbound (east side) track between Allen Medical Campus and Humbolt Hospital Stations. All passengers traveling between these stations will need to board from the outbound platforms. Modified service is expected to last for approximately two weeks.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that Metro Rail will extend service Thursday, Dec. 31, to accommodate passengers attending the Annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop at Roosevelt Square, activities at Canalside and the First Night Buffalo celebration.
Train service will run continuously, making stops at all stations during the extended service period at 20 minute intervals. One exception to the schedule will be the 11:50 p.m. trip on New Year's Eve from University Station will be moved up to 11:40 p.m., to transport people downtown in advance of the ball drop.
The last train is scheduled to leave Erie Canal Harbor Station heading outbound to University Station at 2 a.m., New Year's Day following the events, with the last inbound train leaving University Station at 2:30 a.m.
All Metro bus and rail schedules are available at nfta.com/metro, in addition to a Metro Now board showing the status of all Metro routes.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that Santa Claus and his elves will be riding Metro Rail Thursday, Dec. 17 to see just how well everyone is behaving this holiday season.
His schedule is as follows:
- University Station 10 a.m. to noon
- Amherst Station 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Utica Station 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that the Sounds of the Holiday's will be returning to the downtown bus terminal (181 Ellicott St.) for its eighth year December 16-18, compliments of musical ensembles from five local schools.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, "Once again this year the NFTA is pleased to continue the tradition of playing host to talented choral groups from local schools to entertain the people traveling through our transit center during the holidays."
The following schools will be participating on the date and time indicated:
- Olmstead High School 12/16, 10:30 a.m.
- Visit from Santa 12/16, 11:30 a.m.
- EMount Mercy "Magic Belles" 12/16, 12:00 p.m.
- South Park High School 12/17, 11:00 a.m.
- Akron High School "Roaming Santas" 12/18, 8:30 a.m.
- Middle Early High School 12/18, 11:30 a.m.
Santa himself will be paying a visit to the MTC Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 11:30 a.m. preceding the noon performance.
Each performance will feature between 15 and 60 students who will entertain for 30 to 45 minutes. All are welcome to attend.
Buffalo, NY...
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. This hearing will be held at the office of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, sixth floor board room, Metropolitan Transportation Center, Buffalo, New York, located at 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, New York.
The purpose of this hearing is to receive public comment and testimony on the proposed Operating and Capital Budget for NFT Metro System Inc. for fiscal year ending 2017.
NFTA will afford the opportunity for all interested persons to be heard. Evidence and comments may be submitted orally or in writing.
Copies of the NFT Metro System, Inc. budget will be available on December 8, 2015 at the Buffalo and Erie County Main Library, Lafayette Square, Buffalo, New York and at the Niagara Falls Public Library, 1425 Main Street, Niagara Falls, New York.
This document will be available for examination at the offices of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, Second Floor, Metropolitan Transportation Center, Buffalo, New York, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on December 8-14, 2015.
In order that the hearing may be conducted in an orderly manner and to assure maximum public participation, those who wish to speak should register with the Authority by December 14, 2015 furnishing his/her name, address, telephone number and name of organization, if any, represented.
Please register with:
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
Metropolitan Transportation Center
181 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, New York 14203
Attn: John Cox, Chief Financial Officer
To facilitate an orderly procedure during the public hearing, the following rules will be in effect:
- Those who wish to speak must be filed at the offices of the Authority by December 14, 2015 by 3:00 pm.
- Any individual may appear and speak on the subject of the meeting for themselves or, if authorized in writing, for any group, organization, committee, association or firm. Any speaker representing more than one civic group, organization, club or association will be permitted to speak on behalf of all organizations represented.
- Each speaker must limit his/her oral presentation to five minutes. Speakers will be allowed to use their time to the best advantage without interruption from the floor. The presiding officer may interrogate or ask a speaker for clarification at any time. Relinquishing of time from one speaker to another will not be permitted.
- Prepared statement may be submitted in writing, prior to or at the hearing. Such written material must be legible on normal business size paper (8.5" x 11").
- If maps, charts or visual aids are to be used, the speaker must make all arrangements, however the Authority's staff will assist to the extent possible.
- The Metropolitan Transportation Center is accessible to disabled individuals and NFTA will provide an interpreter for the deaf and/or hard of hearing upon request.
After all registered speakers have been heard, the presiding officer will allow additional oral statements by other persons in attendance between 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is soliciting proposals from concessionaires and/or restaurateurs to provide one, or a combination of freshly prepared restaurant style food and beverage service, retail, including newspapers, souvenirs, phone and greeting cards, candy, basic traveler health, hygiene needs and machine vending services at any or all of its locations.
Locations include eight underground Metro Rail stations, (excluding Allen Medical Campus Station, which will be bid independently) the Metropolitan Transportation Center at 181 Ellicott Street, and Metro transportation centers in Niagara County located at 2250 Factory Outlet Blvd., Town of Niagara and 1124 Portage Road, Niagara Falls. Vending options should include service for cold drinks, hot beverages and snacks.
The Food, Beverage and Concession Services request for proposal is available online at bids.nfta.com.
Proposals must be received by the NFTA's purchasing department at 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203 prior to 11 a.m. Monday, January 18, 2016.
Buffalo, NY...
Metro Rail will be operating abbreviated service over the next two weekends starting at midnight Friday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 22, and again from midnight Friday, Nov. 27 through Sunday, Nov. 29, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today.
Catenary wire and insulation replacement work will limit Metro Rail service to operating only between University Station and Lafayette Station.
Metro will provide shuttle bus service in both directions between Lafayette Station and Erie Canal Harbor Station.
Inbound shuttles will operate from Court Street (northwest corner) to Pearl Street to Scott Street.
Outbound shuttles will operate from Scott Street to Washington Street to Lafayette Square to Court Street.
The full length of the line will be open with the start of service Monday, Nov. 23, and Monday, Nov. 30. Additional information can be found at metro.nfta.com.
Buffalo, NY...
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport has opened a special, private lactation room in the terminal to accommodate new mothers and their babies the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today.
The new Nursing Lounge is located in the airport's east concourse directly across from gate 14. The room is equipped with a vanity counter, running water, power, table, mirror, nursery type pictures on the walls and a comfortable leather chair. Mothers now have a private, quiet room equipped with the necessities they will need to nurse their children or pump.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, "I am very proud that our airport is setting the trend to accommodate nursing mothers ahead of mandated legislation. We now have a specific area that provides moms with a serene, clean, private room for their personal use. I commend Senator Kennedy for taking the lead to ensure traveling nursing mothers across the state will hopefully have similar accommodations in the near future. "
"When we first made our call for more lactation rooms in airports statewide, we stressed that our moms deserve more, and today, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is giving them just that," said Senator Tim Kennedy. "As the NFTA officially opens its Nursing Lounge, we're not only opening up a safe, sanitary place for mothers to nurse and pump, but we're opening up new opportunities for them as well. With this new room, mothers won't have to make the tough choice between providing the best nutrition for their infant or traveling for work; here they can do both. The NFTA's decision to help accommodate nursing moms voluntarily is a progressive one, and one that should be applauded."
"On behalf of all the patients we serve at the Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, I want to thank and congratulate Senator Kennedy and the NFTA for helping build a more breastfeeding-friendly culture for our community," said Dr. Stephen Turkovich, Chief Medical Officer at Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo. "Hopefully, more airports throughout the state will follow our lead now and give mothers the same opportunity that they enjoy here at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport."
"The NFTA and Senator Kennedy clearly understand the importance and need for women to breastfeed or pump in sanitary conditions, and acted quickly to make these accommodations for nursing mothers," said Rachel Jackson. "I commend them for constructing the lactation room prior to the enactment of the legislation, and I hope other airports follow Buffalo's lead. Together, they took these health issues seriously and this lactation room will improve lives of many women and children. Thank you on behalf of myself and for the many families that this will benefit."
Further Family Friendly Amenities . . .
In addition to the new Nursing Lounge, the BNIA has other family friendly features to accommodate traveling families such as little step stools under the sinks in most restrooms so little kids are able to step up and wash their hands, a children's play space, water bottle refill stations, companion care restrooms large enough to allow multiple people or a wheelchair and a liquid retention system at the checkpoint to dump liquids into prior to clearing security so passengers can save their containers.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that an informational public open house regarding their Canalside and Cobblestone Access Enhancement Study will be held Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Niagara Center. The public is invited to attend to learn about and evaluate the study's status, review the two alternatives being presented and offer input regarding the alternatives.
Alternative #1 is a South Park Avenue alignment
Alternative #2 is a Buffalo River alignment
The NFTA's project team and its consultants have developed the two alternatives for Metro Rail extension to the DL&W Terminal with a new station located in or around the terminal. In advance of the open house, information is available online at to.nfta.com.
"Before the NFTA and the project Steering Committee select one of these two alternatives to move forward for further development, we want to present them to the community and obtain as much additional input as possible as to which alternative they favor,""said Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director.
The First Niagara Center is located at One Seymour Knox III Plaza, Buffalo. The facility is accessible by Metro Rail and any Metro bus that connects to the train. In addition, parking is free in the FNC parking ramp.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced today that an informational public open house regarding their Canalside and Cobblestone Access Enhancement Study will be held Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the First Niagara Center. The public is invited to attend to learn about and evaluate the study's status, review the two alternatives being presented and offer input regarding the alternatives.
Alternative #1 is a South Park Avenue alignment
Alternative #2 is a Buffalo River alignment
The NFTA's project team and its consultants have developed the two alternatives for Metro Rail extension to the DL&W Terminal with a new station located in or around the terminal. In advance of the open house, information is available online at to.nfta.com.
"Before the NFTA and the project Steering Committee select one of these two alternatives to move forward for further development, we want to present them to the community and obtain as much additional input as possible as to which alternative they favor,""said Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director.
The First Niagara Center is located at One Seymour Knox III Plaza, Buffalo. The facility is accessible by Metro Rail and any Metro bus that connects to the train. In addition, parking is free in the FNC parking ramp.
Buffalo, NY...
The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that the Niagara Falls International Airport will welcome its one millionth passenger into the terminal this morning.
The passenger arriving via Allegiant from Sanford, FL will be chosen by William R. Vanecek, NFTA Director of Aviation at random, to symbolize the airport's one millionth passenger who has passed through its doors since the first flight departed the new terminal Dec. 18, 2009.
Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director said, "The NFTA made a $42.5 million investment in 2008 to construct a new state-of-the-art terminal that would be efficient, user-friendly and ready to meet the sophisticated needs of 21st century aviation. It has become an engine for growth and development with a yearly economic impact of $200 million."
To celebrate the occasion, the lucky passenger will receive two round trip tickets courtesy of Allegiant for a future flight, travel luggage from the airport, an NFTA proclamation to commemorate the event, a gift basket complements of the Niagara Tourist & Convention Corp. including a one night's stay at The Giacomo Hotel, $50 gift Hard Rock Cafe certificate, a bottle of wine from the Flight of Five Winery, a gift certificate to Encounter Niagara, tasty treats from DiCamillo's Bakery and a matted photograph print of Niagara Falls, USA.
William R. Vanecek, NFTA Director of Aviation said, "The airport continues to mature and has become a valued regional asset as a direct result of our dedicated workforce that keeps the airport running professionally and efficiently. Further, by working closely with our airline partners we continually discuss opportunities to add flights and new destinations for our customers."
In 2014 the NFIA surpassed the 100,000 enplanement mark for the first time and ultimately set a record with 105,273 passengers departing the facility. In total, 207,597 (outbound & inbound) passengers utilized the NFIA during 2014. This year the airport is on target to surpass the 2014 total having already served 87,571 departing passengers through August, a 17.5 percent increase year-to-date.
Allegiant and Spirit operate from the airport with service to warm weather destinations. Allegiant travels to Fort Lauderdale and Myrtle Beach, while Spirit connects to Orlando/Sanford, Punta Gorda/ Fort Myers and Tampa/St. Petersburg.
The airport's four-gate facility provides for efficient, customer oriented passenger processing, a two level layout with jet bridge boarding, free Wi-Fi, food and beverage concessions, convenient on-site parking, a federal inspection station, in-line baggage screening, 12 stationary ticket counter stations, an ATM, tourist information counter, car rental and a Metro transit center, for convenient access to public transportation.
Flight and specific airline and airport information can be found online at niagarafallsairport.com.