Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The NFTA is looking for your input in a pair of virtual public meetings Wednesday on the planned expansion of the rapid transit.
The expansion of the Metro Rail would take it from University station into Amherst.
Project Manager Scott Sibert tells WBEN the goal of the expansion is to take rapid transit from University Station into Tonawanda and Amherst.
"We want to connect key regional activity centers and expand access to choice riders and transit dependent riders," says Sibert. "It's about seven miles. The intent is to connect University station to the 990 at Audubon Parkway."
Sibert says the project is at the phase where federal grant money is being sought. "We did some meetings under the state environmental process, but now we're into the federal process, the public has the first opportunity to provide additional comments on the scoping," explains Sibert. He says topics of the scoping will include identification of alternatives, environmental impacts and benefits, and the purpose and need of the expansion.
Those interested can go to www.nftametrotransitexpansion.com to register for the public hearings, which take place Wednesday from 1pm-2:30pm and again from 6:30pm-8pm.
"We have over 70 individuals registered to participate in the scoping meetings. We are encouraged the public and agencies are interested in the project," says Sibert.
Sibert says the project itself is about five years from completion.