The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is offering Metro Bus and Rail riders a nice reward for sharing their thoughts on its new fare system. The old one is being replaced with technology.
The NFTA will begin upgrading its outdated fare system in the spring. But before then - the transit authority's Director of Communications, Douglas Hartmayer says, Metro is looking for customers who will get a sneak peak - and talk about the new smart card based system.
"You'll certainly be able to continue to use cash. But we're going to offer incentives to people who transition over to smart cards...It's technology that's used around the country and honestly we're a little bit late to the game. But we are catching up. And it'll totally revolutionize the Metro Bus and Rail system," Hartmayer said.
Riders selected for the September 14th focus group will receive a $75.00 monthly boarding pass - for free. There will also be two public hearings on the changes this week.
"The first one will take place on Wednesday, August 31st, at the Niagara Falls City Hall, starting at 5 p.m. And the next one will take place on Thursday, September 1st, at the Buffalo and Erie County [Central] Library, [in downtown Buffalo], starting at 5 p.m," Hartmayer said.
Metro Bus and Rail riders interested in joining the September 14th focus group can contact the NFTA at 1-866-433-7762.