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NFTA plans to cut back on bus routes

Bus riders in Buffalo
WBFO News file photo
Bus riders in Buffalo

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority has voted cut jobs and services.  But fares will remain the same. 

The Transportation Authority is trying to deal with a $7.1 million budget deficit next year.

The NFTA Board of Commissioners voted Monday to balance the budget  by cutting up to 170-jobs and will make changes to bus routes by April 1st.

"A lot of that depends on exactly where and how we cut service," said  Kimberley Minkel is executive director at the NFTA.  "This is the last thing we want to do."

The NFTA is working to set up five public hearings the last week of January. 

Minkel said this will give citizens a chance to voice their concerns about bus route change.

"We are very aware as to how many people, who use our system, who have no other means to where they need to go, so cutting service is not something we take lightly.  In making recommendations as to where and how we cut, were' trying to do it in a way that it will have the smallest impact on the least amount of people possible," said Minkel.

 Also discussed Monday was a piece of waterfront property that the city wants to regain control from the Authority. 

Commissioners have agreed to meet with the city on the matter.  Last week the NFTA was a no-show at a Common Council hearing to discuss the property sale.

South District lawmaker Michael Kearns attended Monday's commissioners meeting. But Minkel says it won't be a simple hand over to the city.

"I know there was a question regarding a 2004 settlement agreement where I believe Council member Kearns thought that the property should
revert back to the city.  It's clear that's not the case," said Minkel.

The NFTA is seeking proposals for the purchase of Gallagher Beach, the Small Boat Harbor and the old port terminal complex.