Upon reviewing the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s (NFTA) proposed cuts and changes to service, Legislator Joseph C. Lorigo became increasingly concerned about the negative impact they would have on the constituents in the 10th District, if approved.
“I have heard from several residents who are very worried about losing service near their homes and places of work. One constituent wrote to me and said he does not have an alternative means to get to his job. These are routes that residents rely on, and everything possible should be done to continue offering this vital service,” said Legislator Lorigo.
Of the proposed cuts suggested by the NFTA, Legislator Lorigo said two that would greatly affect residents in his district are the removal of weekday operation of Route 70 - East Aurora express that operates between downtown and East Aurora and Route 75 - West Seneca express that operates between downtown and West Seneca. These are two of the 16 Express routes proposed for elimination across Erie County, drastically reducing access to downtown Buffalo.
“The NFTA is facing significant budgetary gaps and changes are necessary, however, providing services to residents who need public transportation is its purpose. Going forward with these cuts would be detrimental for many,” Legislator Lorigo added. “Residents that stand to lose services have to let their concerns be known. I encourage residents to participate at one of the upcoming public hearings. I will be attending the hearing on February 2 at ECC South on behalf of my constituents in hopes the NFTA will take alternative measures before cutting these much-needed routes.”
The NFTA recently released its list of proposed cuts and reductions to service. Visit http://metro.nfta.com/Routes/ServiceReductions.aspx for a complete list.
Legislator Lorigo reminds residents that public hearings on these proposals will be held on the following days:
- 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30 at ECC North Campus, Building B, Bretschger Hall, Room 401
- 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Niagara Falls City Hall Chambers
- Noon and 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 at Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Auditorium
- 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 at ECC South Campus, Building No. 5 Cafeteria
To submit your comments, email: planning@nfta.com or send a letter, attention: Service Planning Department, to Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. All comments must be received by Feb. 2.
“Services are just as important to residents in the suburbs and rural areas as they are to those living in the city, and we must ensure that message is delivered to the NFTA officials. In many situations, owning and operating a vehicle is not possible due to the financial commitment. Others are not physically able to drive and rely on public transportation,” said Legislator Lorigo. “If we want this region to grow and prosper, then we must have a reliable, effective public transportation system and that can’t happen if we cut the routes residents rely on for getting to and from work, as well as medical appointments and other necessary places.”
For additional information or to speak with Legislator Lorigo, please contact his Legislative Office at (716) 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.