BUFFALO, NY - The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority held its first of a series of five public hearings tonight to find out what riders have to say about a proposed plan to cut Metro Bus and Rail service.
With rising costs and less state aid the agency is looking to reduce services, and lots of people spoke out at this first meeting about it, especially those with disabilities. These individuals say the cuts will trap people in their homes, hurting those who use the service the most.
Lloyd Marshall was outspoken tonight as he and his wife share one car and he takes the bus to get to work at Geico on a daily basis.
"I don't relish the thought of driving myself or my wife driving because we only have one car," Marshall said. "And I don't relish the thought of driving, especially with gas going up. We try to encourage people to use mass transit, and this will defeat that purpose."
Marshall says the state should take some of the money that may go to renovate Ralph Wilson Stadium and help the transit agency. He also says the NFTA should immediately sell the waterfront property it owns to help with the agencies multi-million dollar deficit.
In addition, Marshall said he isn't afraid if a small rate hike.
"I don't mind up to $2.20 or $2.50 a ride. I don't mind breaking down the routes so as to make it less frequent during the day but still have service available for people that need it in those areas."
There are four meetings left for those who want to make recommendations to the NFTA:
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m., Niagara Falls City Hall Chambers
Wednesday, Feb. 1, Noon & 6 p.m., Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Auditorium
Thursday, Feb. 2, 6 p.m., ECC South Campus, Building #5 Cafeteria