Erie County Legislator Joseph C. Lorigo reminds anyone who is interested that the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has set two public hearings to collect public input on its proposal to increase fares, and change or cut some of its current routes. The proposed changes reflect the NFTA’s ongoing efforts to reduce its multi-million dollar budget deficit.

Legislator Lorigo encourages residents to visit the NFTA’s website to review the changes that the NFTA made since holding its first round of public hearings in January and February. The NFTA restored some routes targeted for elimination, opting for fare increases in response to public comment received during at those hearings.

Public hearings will be held on the following days:

• 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at Niagara Falls City Hall Chambers, 745 Main St., Niagara Falls
• 6 p.m. Thursday, March 22 at Buffalo & Erie County Central Library, auditorium, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo.

“I attended the hearing held at ECC South, bringing forward the issues that residents shared with me. Many of them had serious concerns about losing access to public transportation and I was pleased to see the NFTA heeded what the users had to say by restoring or restricting many routes. A large number of riders voiced their preference of a modest fare increase over losing services,” Legislator Lorigo said. “Residents will once again have an opportunity to weigh in on the issue next week if they still have concerns.”

For information on the NFTA’s proposed changes, please visit metro.nfta.com/Routes/ServiceReductions.aspx. The average proposed fare hikes range from 12.5 to 25 percent. For example, the adult base fare will increase from $1.75 to $2, under this proposal.  

For additional information, or to speak with Legislator Lorigo, please contact his Legislative Office at 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.