Maziarz: Member of WNY disabled community gets a seat at NFTA

State Sen. George Maziarz (R-C, Newfane) has announced that legislation he sponsored in the State Senate calling for a member of the Buffalo/Niagara disabled community to have a seat on the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority board was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

"This is a huge victory today for the disabled community of Western New York that will undoubtedly result in a better quality of life for many people," Maziarz said. "This new law will allow vital input from the very people who most utilize public transportation resulting in the NFTA providing better public service."

The legislation (S.6536/A.9455) was introduced by Maziarz and Assemblyman Robin Schimminger in February after they received a letter from then acting chairman of the NFTA board of commissioners Henry M. Sloma urging them to do so. Sloma wrote, "The transit dependent/disabled community represents a significant percentage of our ridership base. The appointment of this member would ensure their interests are properly represented and taken into consideration by the board. This member would also provide real-time input and put us in a position to better serve and connect with our customers."

"If ever there was a reason to reserve a seat at the table in the NFTA board room it is truly for this purpose."

"I want to sincerely thank Senator Maziarz and Assemblyman Schimminger for immediately acting on this important issue and delivering results," Sloma said,

This new board seat, which will be appointed by the governor, will provide a member of the Buffalo/Niagara transit dependent/disabled community to serve in a non-voting position on the NFTA board of commissioners.

This new law amends section 1299-c of the public authorities law by adding a new subdivision. It will go into effect immediately.