Accessibility

Metro Bus

• All Metro vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps
• A kneeling feature which lowers the bus is also available
• Two wheelchair tie-down positions are provided on newer buses, older buses have one tie-down position
• Metro Bus operators are required to announce major stops
• Riders using canes, crutches, walkers or those who have a hidden disability (e.g. arthritis, heart/lung disease) who cannot board the bus even when the vehicle is in the kneeling position may use the wheelchair lift in the standing position to board if the lift is equipped with handrails
• Service animals are permitted on Metro vehicles
• Individuals traveling with a personal oxygen supply are permitted on Metro vehicles
• Metro Bus operators provide assistance to disabled passengers where necessary or upon request
• When the wheelchair lift is not working and the next bus is not due to arrive for over 30 minutes, riders are entitled to alternative transportation. Just ask your driver to make the arrangements for you
• Priority seating is provided for seniors and disabled

Metro Rail

• All Metro Rail trains and stations are accessible to riders with disabilities
• Wheelchair riders must board the first door of the first railcar in the train in order to have access to boarding platforms on the Buffalo Place Mall
• Wheelchair riders traveling in the subsurface (underground) portion of the system may board any railcar
• Riders with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, are required to pay a fare
• Each railcar has two wheelchair securement locations; one at the front and one at the back of the railcar
• Priority seating is provided for seniors and disabled
• Wheelchairs may not block doors or aisles
• Service animals are permitted on Metro Rail
• Ticket vending machines located throughout the system are equipped with Braille and raised letters. Wheelchair height machines are also provided
• Passenger assistance communication equipment (PACE) is available at each Metro Rail station. This equipment may be used to obtain information or to report an emergency
• Many of Metro's rail stations provide Telecommunication Devices for the deaf, as well as video monitors to assist riders who are deaf or hearing impaired. Volume control telephones are available, as well
• In the event of an elevator breakdown, wheelchair users may use the PACE panel to request assistance. Riders will be advised to travel to the next station with a working elevator and take the next scheduled bus back to the station you called from, or a replacement bus or lift equipped Metro supervisor van will be dispatched to pick you up
• NEVER try to use the escalator or allow anyone to carry you up the escalator or stairs
• Raised letter and Braille directional signage is provided at many Metro Rail stations

Aira – Visual Interpreting Service

NFTA Metro is an Access Partner Location within the Aira Network. Aira is an app that connects people who are blind or low vision to professional visual interpreters for secure access to visual information. 

What is Visual Interpreting? 
Visual interpreting makes visual information accessible for people who are blind or low vision (BLV). You can think of it as similar to how sign language or video relay interpreting makes audible speech accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. 
Visual interpreting conveys vital information through verbal communication. Interpreters audibly describe, read, explain, and navigate in real-time for people in the BLV community. 
Download the Aira App to your mobile device for iPhone or Android. The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is an Aira Access Partner, you can access the service for free when at the BUF Airport.