Niagara County launches rebranded 'Connect Niagara' bus service

Replaces Rural Transportation with new routes, better integration

Submitted by the Public Information Office

Niagara County on Wednesday announced the launch of the Connect Niagara bus service, which replaces the former Niagara Rural Transportation service. Connect Niagara offers new routes and better connectivity, including free transfers to connecting routes and NFTA Metro buses. The new routes go into effect Monday, March 4.

“This is more than a cosmetic change, although people will see new buses with the Connect Niagara name in coming weeks,” said Legislator Shawn Foti, chairman of the county’s infrastructure committee. “The significant improvements are tweaking the routes to reach more areas of the county, providing more frequent reliable routes, and creating a schedule that better integrates with NFTA Metro bus service. We very much appreciate the help of the NFTA planning experts in developing the new routes.”

Connect Niagara service is available weekdays, except for legal holidays. The system is comprised of four buses that cover five routes:

√ Blue Route – Niagara Falls/Lockport

√ Gold Route – Lockport/Middleport/Gasport

√ Green Route – Lockport/Newfane/Barker

√ Purple Route – Lewiston/Porter/Wilson/Cambria

√ Red Route – North Tonawanda/Wheatfield/Niagara/Niagara Falls/Lewiston

A full schedule for all bus routes and stops can be found at https://www.niagaracounty.com/government/county_information/public_transportation_schedule.php.

“One of the best things about Connect Niagara is that we literally go out of our way to accommodate our riders,” said Garret Meal, Niagara County Public Works commissioner. “You can board at one of several new posted bus stops, simply wave a bus down on route to hop on, or you can call the day before to schedule a pick up within three quarters of a mile of an existing route.”

Meal said the fare for Connect Niagara is $2 on route and $4 off route; transfers to connecting routes and the NFTA Metro are free. Connect Niagara is operated through a partnership between Niagara County and Niagara Falls Coach Lines. To schedule a pickup, call 716-282-8544.