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Evans Bank to have naming rights of NFTA Lafayette Square Metro Rail station

Evans Bank

Evans Bank has come to an agreement with the NFTA to purchase the naming rates for the Lafayette Square above-ground Metro Rail station.

Evans Bank and the NFTA have entered a five year agreement that will total close to $160,000 for the NFTA. In return, Evans will not only have their name on the inbound and outbound stops at Lafayette Square, but also on station shelter signs and maps, online and digital schedules and in three rail cars.

Evans Bank CEO David Nasca said seeing the Seneca-Niagara casino brand the NFTA station led to him making a call to inquire on a possible partnership.

“The idea was theirs in terms of what they’re willing to do as far as the naming rights, but the idea was our in terms of partnering with a public entity to be able to do that,” Nasca said. “One of the things I’ll be able to do, and I don’t want to speak for them, but the money that they’re getting from these naming rights allows them to continue to enhance the system.”

NFTA Public Affairs Director Helen Tederous said they are trying to be as flexible as possible in approaching this public-private partnership.

“There are of course some regulations and we’re both working together to meet those guidelines and sort of brand this appropriately but at the same time keep in compliance,” Tederous said.

Tedrous said they are hopeful that they’ll sell the naming rights for other Metro-Rail stops in the future.

“Generally speaking it will help maintain and improve our system which is needed. It’s a well-traveled system and we will use that for maintenance and improvements,” she said.

After their initial agreement with Evans ends, there will be an option to renew it for five more years if both parties wish to continue their partnership.

Nasca said besides the money being used to support public transportation, he’s excited to help beautify the 400 block of Main Street.

“This extended our presence downtown in the Central Business District,” he said. “It helped beautify an area that is up and coming and iconic. And it helped us support what was our newest entrant in to the market to serve clients that we already have and clients we are trying to get in that main court district.”

Nick Lippa leads our Arts & Culture Coverage, and is also the lead reporter for the station's Mental Health Initiative, profiling the struggles and triumphs of those who battle mental health issues and the related stigma that can come from it.
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