Purpose

Metro Bus and Rail has established a Citizens Advisory Committee to support and encourage broad-based public participation in the development and review of programs and projects carried out by Metro. The CAC provides opportunities for proactive, early, and continuing public participation for Metro Bus and Rail projects, programs and decision making. The purpose of the CAC is to make recommendations and provide input to Metro Bus and Rail management staff on community transit related issues, including comments on the regularly scheduled service changes, to review, monitor and recommend service and program improvements, and to strengthen relations with the transit communities through the development and implementation of public relations campaigns, programs and events.

Guiding Principles

• Value active citizens’ involvement as essential to the future of the Metro Bus and Rail.
• Respect and consider all citizen input.
• Encourage opportunities that reflect the rich diversity of the region.
• Promote participation, based on citizen involvement opportunities, of individuals and community, business and special interest groups.
• Provide public transportation services and products that reflect the needs of the region’s diverse and unique communities.

Members

Lewanda Alston Buffalo Urban League
Richard Ashley At-Large Community Member
Connie Brown Opportunities Unlimited Niagara
Duane Diggs VOICE Buffalo
Scott Freudenheim Erie County Department of Senior Services
Carmen Gallardo Hispanics United of Buffalo
Elizabeth Giles Citizens for Regional Transit
Matthew Hartrich Buffalo Niagara Partnership
Dale Madison At-Large Community Member
Kelly Mariano Niagara Falls Housing Authority
Nathan Miller At-Large Community Member
Ryan Montgomery Buffalo Public Schools
Tim Moore Buffalo State College
Sean "Henry" Raess GO Bike Buffalo
Catherine Roberts Community Action Organziation of Erie County
Molly Short Journey's End
Bill Smith Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
Lavon Stephens Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Development Consortium
Robin Tashjian At-Large Community Member
Todd Vaarwerk Western NY Independent Living
William Yelder Partnership for Public Good

Membership

It is in the interest of all parties involved that the membership of the CAC reflects a diverse and wide representation and be current users of the NFTA Metro Bus and Rail System. The current membership of the CAC reflects a diverse and wide representation including Urban (ex. Buffalo), Rural (ex. Lancaster, Elma), Suburban (ex. Kenmore, Amherst, Hamburg, Orchard Park), Small City (ex. Niagara Falls, Tonawanda, Lackawanna, Lockport). And also represent the following interests, groups, or areas:

Transit service users (non-disabled & disabled)
Ethnic, Community and Faith based Organizations
Medical & Mental Health Community
Business/Economic Development Organizations
School Districts & Educational Community/Parent Organizations
Recreational/Bicycling/Pedestrian Advocate
NFTA management and Metro Operator(s)

Although the application period has closed, you may still apply for future consideration. You may continue to register comments and concerns through the normal channels, by calling NFTA Metro or emailing at [email protected] Please check the Citizens Advisory Committee page periodically for future information.

To apply online for the CAC click on the link below


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download a printable application