Ortt encourages NFTA to apply for transit grant program

Lines in jeopardy of being cut; funding secured by state could help save bus routes and paratransit

State Sen. Rob Ortt today is encouraging the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to apply for a transportation grant program that would help keep fixed bus routes and paratransit services from being cut.

This push follows the senator's concerns about a bus route, and subsequently its paratransit line, that's in jeopardy of being discontinued. It's in response to a recent announcement from the state in securing $47.5 million in federal transit grant money to support mobility of senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

Ortt, chairman of the Senate committee on mental health and developmental disabilities, said, "I fought for the NFTA in Albany, and was able to help secure a total of $6.4 million so that people with disabilities or impairments who rely heavily on the paratransit service wouldn't have to worry about how they would get to their next doctor's appointment if their route were to be cut. Unfortunately, the money set aside in the budget wasn't enough to avoid disruption but, upon eligibility, this transit funding program could be the solution to the NFTA's problems."

It is Ortt's understanding the NFTA could be eligible for a portion of the available funding.

Organizations would have to qualify for the funding based on certain criteria listed on the New York State Department of Transportation's website. More information about the program and how the available funding may be used can found here

Ortt is committed to keeping the lines of communication open with the NFTA's board of commissioners and the Western New York delegation to discuss alternative options.