NFTA’s proposal impacts quality of life

If proposed cuts in services take place in April, then the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority should consider a name change involving Buffalo, because the bulk of the Niagara Frontier would be shut out from receiving bus services.

Facing a $15 million deficit to start its budget process, the NFTA cut nearly $7.7 million in administrative costs and are looking at removing bus routes in the Southtowns altogether as part of its plan to reduce the debt.

Many people rely on taking the bus to get from one place to the next. Some people cannot drive for a variety of reasons, including disabilities or the inability to afford a car.

This is not simply a case of making difficult fiscal choices, it is about decisions that impact the quality of life for many people.

What happens for those people who work in the City of Buffalo and take the bus to work everyday? What are their options going to be if this proposed change takes place?

For many people, the ability to save money by not driving a car allows them to spend their cash at other venues. In some cases, it may be going into the city to a place like Shea’s to see a performance, or to the First Niagara Center to enjoy a Sabres game or concert.

On the flip side, it is not just Buffalo and its businesses and culturals that would be hurt, it would also be those who live in the Southtowns.

Many people catch a bus to come to places such as the McKinley Mall to shop or to enjoy a Buffalo Bills home game on Sundays in the fall.

Under the proposed plan, Route 74, the Hamburg Express that runs weekdays and has a route which goes from downtown Buffalo to Boston, would be eliminated; Route 76, the Lotus Bay Express which operates from downtown Buffalo and Seneca Bingo to Farnham weekdays would be eliminated; Route 211, the ECC Circulator which runs between ECC North, City and South Campuses weekdays would be cut, as well as the Saturday service between ECC City and South; and Route 216, the Gowanda-McKinley Mall route that currently runs weekdays between the McKinley Mall and the Gowanda Rehabilitation and Nursing Center would be eliminated.

Also, Route 16, that currently runs between downtown Buffalo and the McKinley Mall seven days a week, would be eliminated.

We understand that some difficult decisions have to be made, but this move would cut out bus service to Southern Erie County.

The NFTA needs to go back to the drawing board and come up with a plan that includes raising rates and finding ways to save bus routes, both south and north of the city. It is time to sit down with area lawmakers and see what can be done to keep the NFTA active in the suburbs.

While many people would not be happy about the possibility of seeing a rate hike, the alternative of having no way to get to their jobs, shopping or some kind of entertainment, would be far worse then having to pay more to travel.

These are difficult economic times and it is understandable that even a group like the NFTA is feeling the pinch. No matter what, there is no easy answer.

However, separating the city from the suburbs altogether would be a totally drastic, unnecessary and detrimental decision.

Many people in The Sun’s coverage area would be adversely impacted if this plan moves forward in its current state.

The rapid transit system is not something that is a luxury, it is a need. It is a link between all areas of Western New York. To cut down on some routes is understandable. To cut them all out is not.

We plead with the NFTA to come up with alternative solutions and allow customers to maintain their quality of life.