September 18, 2014

Purpose and NeedProvide a fast, reliable, safe, and convenient transit ride in the Amherst-

Buffalo Corridor Link established and emerging activity centers Serve increased travel demandSupport redevelopment and other economic development

opportunities Better serve transit-dependent population segments

Transit Options – Amherst Buffalo

TO Amherst Buffalo – Study Process Overview

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Transit Options – Progress to Date o Continuous collaboration with local committees and stakeholders and

participation in community events

o Public Open Houses – November 2013

o Developed draft Purpose and Need Statement

o Developed Screening and Evaluation Methodology

o Identified Long List of Alternatives

o Conducted Tier I Analysis

o Reviewed and identified ridership forecasting approach then met with FTA to discuss (STOPS model)

o Developed Criteria for and Preliminary Station and Stop Locations

o Developed Existing and Future Conditions No Build Report

Tier I Analysis

o Began with Long List of Alternatives (36)

o Tier I Analysis results - 15 Alternatives o Mode Alternatives:

o Light Rail Transit (LRT), Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Preferential Bus Service and Enhanced Bus Service

o Alignment Alternatives:

o Bailey Avenue, Millersport Highway, and Niagara Falls Blvd.

Transit Options – Immediate Next Steps

o Hold Public Outreach Meeting – September 30th

o University at Buffalo On-Board Bus Survey – October

o Develop Tier II Alternatives o Develop conceptual service plan, running times, station locations, parking

o Conduct Tier II Screening of Alternatives o Develop ridership estimates using STOPS

o Develop order of magnitude capital cost

o Develop impact assessment