NFTA: NF Blvd. the most cost-effective path for Metro Rail expansion

There's long been plans to expand the NFTA Metro Rail from the University at Buffalo's South Campus to the North Campus. Now, we're getting a better idea of where those proposed tracks will be.

The NFTA says it will be more cost effective to construct tracks on Niagara Falls Boulevard compared to Bailey Avenue.

“It makes more sense to us,” said Brian Kulpa, the Amherst town supervisor. He believes the proposed light rail will help business on Niagara Falls Blvd.

“Every community in the U.S. who is serious about revitalization, who is serious about revitalization of some of the big box retail, who is serious about bringing in dynamic companies to set up within a university district, are doing so around mass transit options,” said Kulpa.

The new proposed route puts the above ground tracks right on the Amherst-Tonawanda border. The route would cut $200 million off the final price tag. The project is expected to cost $1 billion. 

The train would go above ground in-between traffic on the Boulevard just north of Kenmore Avenue and turn towards UB on Maple Road.
 
NFTA plans to have shovels in the ground by 2025, and service to UB North by 2030. The NFTA wants to know what you think about this project. They're hosting a public meeting on December 6th.

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