If you live in Buffalo, then you know that transportation (without a car) around this city can be challenging. From cabs showing up 45 minutes after being called, to a single spine Metro Rail system, there are improvements that must be made. Whether it’s bringing Uber to Buffalo, extending the Metro Rail, enhanced bike infrastructure, and/or even introducing cable cars and trolleys… we need to be looking at better ways to get people around in cost effective and efficient manners.
Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC) has announced that a consortium of transportation organizations are setting out to solve some of these issues. Partners behind the initiative include NFTA, GObike Buffalo, Buffalo Niagara Partnership and Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC).
In order to get a better grip of the situation, GO Buffalo Niagara is asking people who work in the city of Buffalo to fill out a five-minute survey, which will help the group to identify the most popular, sustainable, transportation alternatives.
“As we see Buffalo’s renaissance continuing to take shape, it’s important that we examine all aspects of our region in order to see that renaissance come to full fruition, and sustainable modes of transportation are a critical component for that realization,” said Kelly Dixon, AICP, Senior Planner, GBNRTC.
I know that it sounds as if we’ve all been here before, but remember, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
“NFTA-Metro Bus and Rail employees have provided sustainable transportation options that enhance the quality of life in Western New York for over 40 years,” said, Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA Executive Director. “The last decade of urban transportation innovations in the United States has shown that thriving, attractive regions to live, work and play provide their residents and visitors with easy access to quality, multi-modal transportation alternatives. “
As this city continues to bounce back, there will be more and more cars flooding into downtown. An optimal multi-modal transportation system must be identified, in order to alleviate issues that relate to vehicle maintenance, gas prices, parking, access to job opportunities, the environment, and overall accessibility.
“At the Medical Campus, we see firsthand both the need and the benefits of our commuters and residents using alternative transportation modes rather than driving alone,” said Bill Smith, Director of Campus Access, BNMC. “By promoting a multi-modal transportation system that includes parking, transit and other sustainable options, we will see the acceleration of job growth, development of more walkable neighborhoods, and better health and quality of life for all members of our community. Because of that, we are an enthusiastic partner to GBNRTC on this new endeavor, and look forward to having a conversation on how access to quality transportation choices can help make our community thrive.”
Now is the time to give your input on this issue that continues to haunt us. Let’s tell the parties responsible for future transportation efforts what they need to be doing when it comes to providing sustainable mobility options in Buffalo.