Buffalo's East Side receives $102 million for new bus rapid transit line

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A new bus rapid transit line is coming to Bailey Avenue on Buffalo's East Side, thanks to over $100 million in federal funding, announced Monday by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

The funding -- $102,692,562, to be exact -- will be received through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Neighborhood Access and Equity Program to provide affordable transportation to the East Side.

According to a release from the senators, the goal of the investment is to modernize Bailey Avenue, make streets safer, increase walking and biking ability and improve traffic flow by adding dedicated bus lanes to help those who travel between University Station and South Park.

“Bailey Avenue is the spine of the East Side and one of Buffalo’s busiest corridors, but ask anyone who has been stuck behind an NFTA bus while trying to get to work, it can also be one of its most frustrating for traffic and dangerous with dozens of collisions every year," Schumer said. "This $100 million to create the new Bailey Avenue bus rapid transit line is how we can turn congestion and collisions into a smoother commute for Buffalonians.” 

Schumer highlighted the Clinton-Bailey farmers market and the VA hospital as major stops along the route, in addition to local pharmacies and community centers.

Senator Gillibrand vowed to continue fighting in Congress to deliver for the Queen City.

The release also cited Bailey Avenue as having "some of the NFTA’s strongest ridership with 2,600+ riders every weekday," but noted its need for upgrades.

According to an NFTA study, there have been over 2,500 collisions in the past 5 years on Bailey Avenue. The plan is for the new bus route to make the street safer.

Schumer is scheduled to speak on the funding at 2 p.m. News 4 plans to livestream his comments in the video player above.