Transportation Services for Individuals With Disabilities

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. The 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.

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.

General

Personal Care Attendants may ride Metro Bus or Rail for free when,
- the PCA is accompanying a person unable to travel without a PCA,
- the person requiring the PCA has valid reduced fare ID, or
- the PCA's necessity has been verified.

Individuals requiring a PCA should apply for Metro Reduced Fare benefits.

Check Metro's Reduce Fare Application page.
Or, call Metro Customer Service, 716.855.7216 | TTY/Relay 711 or 800-662-1220.

Aira - Visual Interpreting Service

The Aira app connects travelers with professionals who are trained to assist people who are blind or have low vision. The technology allows an agent, through a smart phone camera, to aid in navigating the roadways for the client as well as checking bus times, and other tasks.

AAC - Accessibility Advisory Committee

The NFTA-Metro Accessibility Advisory Committee hosts monthly meetings on the last Thursday of every month at 2:00 PM. The meetings are held in a hybrid format and individuals are welcome to attend in person at 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203. June and September meetings are held at the Independent Living Center in Niagara Falls, at 746 Portage Road in Niagara County. In the month of August and December there are no meetings held. All meetings are open to the public, if you are interested in attending, please contact the EEO Department at the NFTA at (716) 855-7486 [voice] or TTY/Relay 711 or (800)-662-1220, for more information.

Bring your suggestions, concerns or learn about all of NFTA's accessible services and programs for the disabled.

Mobility Training Anyone with a disability who would like to learn how to ride the Metro Bus or Rail system may contact NFTA's ADA/EEO Administrator at 855-7286 (voice) or TTY/Relay 711 or 800-662-1220. Individuals who are blind must be accompanied by a qualified Orientation/Mobility instructor.

Half Fares

Some passengers may qualify for reduced fares. Click here for more information.

Reasonable Modifications

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is committed to providing safe, reliable, courteous, accessible, and user-friendly services to its customers. To ensure equality and fairness, the NFTA is committed to making reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, and procedures to avoid discrimination and ensure programs and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Requests for modifications can be made by calling (716)-855-7286 or email our office at EEO.DBE@nfta.com.

Questions?

If you have difficulty accessing any portions of this website due to incompatibility with adaptive technology, or you have suggestions on how we can make this site more accessible, or you need the information in an alternative format, please contact us at:

NFTA ADA/EEO Administrator
181 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, N.Y. 14203
(716) 855-7286
TTY/Relay 711 or 800-662-1220