© 2024 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
WBFO Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Your NPR Station
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

NFTA restricts ridership to 15 passengers per bus

NFTA Metro bus riders
File Photo
/
WBFO News
NFTA Metro bus riders

Look for some changes on local buses as the Niagara Frontier Transportation Autority continues to adapt to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to April Baskin, chair of the Erie County Legislature, buses will now be limited to only 15 passengers. Also, buses will carry signage reminding riders of the need to remain socially distant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In a written release, Baskin points out how many so-called "essential workers" in Buffalo include retail clerks, home healthcare aides and public employees, many of whom are low-paid and rely on public transportation.

"I am thankful that we are beginning with these measures," Baskin said on Twitter. "Other cities have set public transportation passenger safety limits and it's time Erie County’s@NFTAMetro system do the same."

The NFTA had previously suspended fare collections on buses and Metro Rail. Additional bus service will be implemented on the heavily used 19-Bailey route.

Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Jay joined Buffalo Toronto Public Media in 2008 and has been local host for NPR's "Morning Edition" ever since. In June, 2022, he was named one of the co-hosts of WBFO's "Buffalo, What's Next."

A graduate of St. Mary's of the Lake School, St. Francis High School and Buffalo State College, Jay has worked most of his professional career in Buffalo. Outside of public media, he continues in longstanding roles as the public address announcer for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League and as play-by-play voice of Canisius College basketball.
Related Content