CRT Public Comments

NFTA Metro Transit

19 August 2025

My name is Douglas Funke. I am a 45-year Amherst resident (Willowridge area) and the President of Citizens for Regional Transit, a nonprofit transit advocacy organization.

We strongly support this project and the light rail transit (LRT) alternative, which we believe is the only one that meets the project objectives, especially:

  • “Providing attractive high-quality transit service.”
  • “Mitigating growth of traffic congestion ...”
  • “Supporting sustainable economic growth ...”
  • “Minimizing adverse community and environmental impacts.”

Here’s why the bus rapid transit (BRT) alternative fails to meet objectives.

  • BRT retains the transit barrier at University Station. Riders must exit high-capacity trains (hundreds per train), go to street level and wait for the next 60-person bus.
  • BRT buses will operate in mixed traffic on Main and Kenmore, degrading speed and reliability.
  • Articulated buses can have trouble in snow. Just ask Toronto.
  • BRT will attract fewer riders pushing more people to drive – more congestion and disease-causing pollution.

Here’s why LRT is the best (and only viable) choice.

  • LRT offers a “one seat” ride from downtown to Amherst and connects all three UB campuses.
  • LRT is high capacity; enough to handle: (1) the thousands of daily UB students and workers; and (2) thousands going to large events like Sabres’ games and events at UB.
  • The LRT tunnels under Main and Kenmore providing a dedicated, traffic-free right-of-way.
  • LRT will stimulate business investments. We are already seeing this.
  • LRT doubles both distance and ridership, strengthening the foundation for future extensions.

Let’s not let perceived interests of the few stifle this keystone opportunity for the many. Contrary to what some believe, we think residents along the transit expansion route will benefit more from LRT than BRT – less noise and pollution once construction is over and property values will go up.

Many criticize Buffalo Metro Rail as a “train to nowhere” – it is actually a high performing system in riders per mile. And this extension will add key destinations, and other extensions are in process. An extension into the old DL&W terminal will open soon and the NFTA plans to evaluate others (like to the airport) in 2028 when this extension construction begins.

A train to nowhere? Hardly! Please join us in supporting this keystone Buffalo Metro Rail extension. Let’s make transit a competitive, attractive alternative to driving for everyone!