metro bus and rail

NFTA says bus and rail service may never return to normal

By • Oct 16, 2020
Mike Desmond / WBFO News

For public transit in Buffalo, there are two key items for improvement: an end to the pandemic so people will ride again and a lot more outside money, probably from Washington. Both were discussed at a public meeting Thursday evening.

NFTA restricts ridership to 15 passengers per bus

By • Apr 29, 2020
File Photo

Look for some changes on local buses as the Niagara Frontier Transportation Autority continues to adapt to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

750 new parking spaces created in downtown Buffalo

By • Dec 12, 2018
File Photo / WBFO News

It's going to be easier to park in Buffalo's Central Business District, although it might cost a buck or two more.

Metro changes aimed at modernizing dated system

By • Sep 1, 2016
File photo

The NFTA is rolling out major changes in the operation of Metro Bus and Rail as it prepares to go to a new fare collection system and to put in a turnstile system for the subway.

Metro Bus and Rail looking for customer input

By Chris Caya • Aug 29, 2016
WBFO file photo

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is offering Metro Bus and Rail riders a nice reward for sharing their thoughts on its new fare system. The old one is being replaced with technology.


Local leaders tout the benefits of public transportation

By Chris Caya • Jun 16, 2014
Chris Caya/WBFO News

Ahead of the ninth annual National Dump the Pump Day Thursday, regional leaders are encouraging residents to ride public transportation.

NFTA studying transit options for Buffalo-Amherst corridor

By Chris Caya • Nov 18, 2013
File photo

Given the large number of people currently using public transportation between Amherst and downtown Buffalo, a study is being done to determine what the best options are for meeting future demand.

Legislators want beer ads removed from NFTA trains

By Eileen Buckley • May 28, 2013

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is being urged to remove alcohol advertising from its public transportation vehicles.

Audit suggests NFTA cut police department, end free zone

By Eileen Buckley • Feb 5, 2013
File photo

A state audit released Tuesday calls for reforms at the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

Despite recent fare hikes, Metro ridership is up

By • Oct 18, 2012
WBFO News file photo

Despite recent increases in Metro bus and rail fares, there has been an increase in ridership in the last year.  The reason appears to be the ongoing spike in gasoline prices at the pumps.

All through last winter, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority wrestled with the problems of not having enough money to pay for the bus and rail system, with a series of plans considered. In the end, some service was cut and the fare rose to $2, roughly half the current cost of a gallon of gas.

NFTA approves fare hike, reduced service cuts

By • Mar 26, 2012
WBFO News file photo

The NFTA's Board of Commissioners today unanimously approved a 25 cent increase in the basic Metro Bus and Rail fare. 

The basic fare will go from a $1.75 to $2 in the coming weeks. Holders of daily, weekly, or monthly passes will also see similar increases. 

The Commissioners also pared some bus routes, but NFTA Executive Kimberly Minkel says the service reductions pale in comparison to what was originally proposed.

Forum raises questions on public transit sustainability

By & • Mar 9, 2012
WBFO News file photo

Public transportation is at a crossroads.   Though ridership is up, so too are the costs of operation. 

At a public transit forum Friday, experts sat down with members of of the public for a 90 minute give-and-take discussion on funding.  It's a problem because ridership revenues cover only about 25 percent of what it takes to keep mass transit up and running.