The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority says it may layoff one-fifth of its police force as the agency tries to manage a $15-million budget gap.
NFTA Executive Director Kim Minkel said that laying off 20 of the department's 100 officers is a major hit, but she maintains that the safety of riders and that of the remaining officers can be preserved though new technologies and strategic redeployments.
Minkel said the police force cuts -- that will save about $2-million -- are part of a plan to eliminate 50 positions all-told that will save the Authority close to $7-million.
4 officers have already received layoff notices effective December 4th. The other 16 police position are slated to be cut in March. The layoffs will affect Metro Bus and Rail, since Federal law mandates staffing levels at the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport.