In Buffalo Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority will suspend bus fares on four Metro Bus routes that serve the community most affected by Saturday's mass shooting.
Bus rides will be free on the 12 Utica, 13 Kensington, 18 Jefferson and 24 Genesee routes through the end of May to allow residents to access grocery stores due to the forced closure of the Tops market on Jefferson Avenue.
The buses can also be used by residents to access essential services, as the State Office of Mental Health and the State University of New York will be made available to provide grief and mental health counseling.
The governor's office had already allocated $2.8 million in federal and state funding for services to individuals and families affected by the shootings. Arrangements were also made by the state with Lyft and Uber to transport citizens in the 14208 and 14209 zip codes for free up; to $20 to the Tops market on Niagara Street and the Price Rite on Elmwood Avenue.
Developer Douglas Jemal also said Monday that he is committing to either raise or donate at least $100,000 for the families of the victims. Jemal told the Buffalo News that he and his team will contact the victims' next of kin directly so that families will not have to apply, and will offer condolences in person if they want.
Meanwhile, KeyBank said it will donate $250,000 from the KeyBank Foundation to support families of the victims. The bank will work with community partners in Buffalo "to understand how best to dedicate these funds so that this support is directed where it can be most impactful."
KeyBank will also provide a 2-for-1 employee matching gift program, once details are finalized.
