NFTA Project No. 10MG1208 Presented by NFTA, GBNRTC and AECOM USA, Inc.

Metro Amherst-Buffalo Corridor Transit Options

Public WorkshopNovember 19, 2013

Agenda Welcome and Introductions

Study Background

Overview of Study Steps and Process

Draft Purpose and Need

Alternatives Identified to Date – Draft Long List

Evaluation Process

Next Steps

Welcome and Introductions

STUDY SPONSORED BY

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority In association with

The Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council

Study Background – An Overview

Study Area

Overview of Study Steps/Work Plan

• Review Prior Studies, Available Data & Plans

• Establish Project Study Area• Develop Public Outreach Program• Assess Existing Conditions• Choose Ridership Forecasting Model• Develop Long List of Alternatives• Develop Draft Purpose and Need

Statement• Developed Screening & Evaluation

Methodology• Screen Long List of Alternatives• Conduct Environmental Impact Screening

Overview of Study Process- Another View

Public Outreach Program Website Committees:

Project Steering Committee

Project Advisory Committee

Regional and Local Stakeholder Groups

Agency Coordination Committee

Elected Officials Public Input

Open house workshops

Surveys

Draft Purpose and Need Statement

Why does it matter?

It is the foundation of the study. It provides the underlying reason and

justification for a possible, future investment.

It forms the basis for the range of alternatives to be studied.

Draft Purpose and Need StatementPurpose: To provide a fast, reliable, safe, and convenient

transit ride in the Amherst-Buffalo Corridor and linking established and emerging activity centers

Needs: Expanded transit service to serve increasing

development/redevelopment and leverage development opportunities

High quality transit service to key activity centers Better serve transit-dependent population

segments

Alternatives – Draft Initial Long List Developed based on concepts identified by prior studies and plans

Vintage studies and plans from the 1970’s

More recent studies: • NFTA Strategic Transit Assessment, 2001

• Buffalo Transit Supportive Development - Case Study, 2009

• NFTA-Metro Strategic Assessment, 2010

• 2035 Long-Range Transportation Plan UPDATE, 2010

• Erie-Niagara Framework for Regional Growth

• University at Buffalo 2020 Plan

• Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Master Plan Update,

2010

• Town of Amherst Comprehensive Plan

• City of Buffalo Comprehensive Plan

• Queen City Hub – Regional Action Plan for Downtown Buffalo

• Achieving a Greater Buffalo • Western New York Regional

Strategic Economic Development Plan

• 2011 Regional Agenda Augmented by field view Long list will be added to based on committee and tonight’s

meeting

Long List of Alternatives

Next Steps

Your input tonight on the Long List of Alternatives(PLEASE visit one of the ideas work stations!)

Ridership forecasting Narrow the list to feasible alternatives

based on collective input and technical analyses

Next Round of Meetings (committees and public) to review short list of feasible alternatives

Thank you!

Metro Amherst-Buffalo Corridor Transit Options

Public WorkshopNovember 19, 2013