Frequently asked questions relating to the Bailey Avenue BRT project.
What is Bus Rapid Transit or BRT?
Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a high-capacity and more frequent type of bus service with transit-priority elements and customer amenities. BRT systems can include a mix of features which help the bus travel faster or just make the trip more comfortable than typical local service. Depending on the extent of the features and amenities, BRT is often compared to light rail or other high-capacity and high-frequency transit systems.
What special elements or features will be included in the Bailey Avenue BRT?
NFTA is introducing various new elements in the Bailey Avenue BRT project based on the Bailey Ave. Corridor Improvements Feasibility Study. Project elements and features include: o Transit priority improvements like bus lanes, queue-jump lanes, and special traffic signals that reduce the wait time for buses at red lights (transit signal priority).o BRT stations with larger shelters that may include heating, extra seating, and other customer amenities.o Frequent service and fewer stop locations than local service that will reduce overall travel times in the corridor.o New low-emission buses.o NFTA is also working with the City of Buffalo to make pedestrian and streetscape improvements throughout the corridor.
How is BRT different from the local NFTA-Metro bus service?
BRT buses, with features listed above, will be branded to differentiate them from local NFTA-Metro bus service which will continue unchanged on many existing bus routes. To learn more about Bailey Avenue BRT, please visit our fact sheets and project documents.
Where will the new BRT buses stop?
The prior feasibility study recommended BRT stops at the following intersections along the current Route 19 (Bailey Avenue corridor), from north to south:• University Station• Veteran’s Hospital/Coal Road• Minnesota Avenue• Kensington Avenue• Langfield Drive/Connelly Avenue• East Delevan Avenue• Genesee Street• Walden Avenue• Broadway• William Street• Clinton Street• Seneca Street• South Park Avenue
The current project will further evaluate these locations, lead community outreach, gather public feedback, and then finalize the list before beginning design. Please visit our Open House Boards – Concepts to learn more about the Bailey Ave BRT station area concepts.
Why Bailey Avenue?
Bailey Avenue is an important transit corridor with some of the highest ridership numbers in the region. Carrying more than 2,600 riders per weekday (2023), the north end of the corridor provides access to University Station, connecting to Metro Rail and thirteen other fixed route bus services. The prior study, Bailey Avenue Corridor Improvements Study (2021) by the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC) ), and our open house introduction board provides more information about what makes Bailey Avenue an ideal location for BRT.
How is Bailey Ave BRT different from the City of Buffalo Project, “Build Back Bailey”?
“Build Back Bailey” is a project administered by the City of Buffalo to develop general improvements along the Bailey Avenue corridor in two segments: Phase 1 from Winspear Avenue to Kensington Avenue and Phase 2 from Kensington Avenue to Delavan Avenue. The project is focused on roadway and streetscape improvements but will also provide upgrades to water, sewer, electric, and utility systems underground as well as lighting, trees, and green infrastructure outside of the roadway. For more information on “Build Back Bailey”, please visit the City of Buffalo website.
Phase 1 of the City’s project is in design development and NFTA is working with them to determine where BRT elements can be integrated. The same objectives for streetscape and roadway improvements will be carried through the rest of the corridor (north of Winspear Avenue to Main Street / University Station and south of Delavan Avenue to South Park Avenue).
While Build Back Bailey and Bailey Ave BRT are technically two separate projects, NFTA and the City of Buffalo are committed to collaborating to get the best results for all residents, businesses, and commuters in the corridor.