Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority

The committee meeting addressed updates on aviation infrastructure projects, including apron rehabilitation, runway and taxiway realignment, and terminal power expansion. A detailed financial and business update was provided for the BUF and IAG airports, covering enplanement trends, operating revenues, maintenance expenses, and utility costs. Additionally, the committee discussed airline market share, upcoming flight service additions, and a presentation regarding reduced demand from Canadian travelers.

The board discussed and authorized several corporate, aviation, and surface transportation projects. These included the authorization of NYSDOT aviation capital project agreements, the award of an agreement for Oracle ERP and HCM system implementation and Gartner, Inc. for phase 3 consultation services, and a network services agreement with Crown Castle Fiber, LLC. Additionally, the board approved lease agreements for Rise Bakery, LLC and Nanuvo Labs, LLC, authorized a reimbursable agreement with the FAA for airport ramp reconstruction, a license agreement for a snow plow rodeo, and awarded construction contracts for the light rail transit tunnel grouting project.

The committee reviewed the 2026 Transit Development Plan, which outlines strategic direction and project timelines for Metro. Financial reports were presented covering operating revenues, assistance, and expenses. The capital project report included updates on the tunnel grouting project between Allen and University Stations and a change order for the DL&W Core & Shell project. Performance goals were discussed, noting metrics for ridership, on-time performance, and service interruptions. Stakeholder involvement initiatives were highlighted through the Citizen Advisory Committee and Accessibility Advisory Committee. Additionally, a public safety report provided statistics on transit police calls, arrests, and prevention activities.

The board discussed corporate, aviation, and surface transportation business groups. Key topics included the authorization of a network connection agreement with Crown Castle Fiber LLC, the adoption of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority's Sustainability Plan, procurement of Chevrolet Tahoe police vehicles, and several lease agreements for property at 247 Cayuga Road. Additionally, the meeting covered aviation resolutions for the air carrier incentive program, surface transportation resolutions regarding supplemental agreements for infrastructure projects, procurement of electric buses, and a fare waiver for bus services.

The meeting covered several key discussion points and financial reviews. The Surface Transportation Committee reviewed the PAL Grocery Shuttle Pilot, noting modest participation and limited impact on weekday peak demand, leading to the decision to discontinue the program. Financials indicated that Total Operating Revenues were 3.0% unfavorable for the month, while Key Operating Assistance was 14.2% favorable year to date. In the Metro Capital Project Report, updates were provided on the LRRT - DL&W Station, where staff requested the award of a Supplemental Agreement for monitoring services; the LRRT - Fastener & Pad Replacement, Phase II, involving a request to award Change Order No. 2 for material replenishment; and the completion of bus wash equipment installations at all three garages. Performance measures showed favorable bus ridership year to date and improved On-Time Performance, despite complaints for bus service being up due to bus cuts. The Transit Police Department reported on calls for service, including incidents related to unattended bags and juvenile trouble, and highlighted prevention activities.