On May 15, at 6pm, UB School of Architecture Small Built Works Program (lead image) with Citizens for Regional Transit (CRT) will unveil a proposal for three new transit lines in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, and Amherst including the airport and the Belt Line. The unveiling – held at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 15 Fernhill across from ECMC – is open to the public. Anyone that is interested in learning more about the untapped potential of light rail transit, and how it could help to shape Buffalo’s future, is welcome to attend.
The proposal addresses the long-term transportation needs of the Buffalo region, which suffers from low transit ridership, high car dependency, and limited access to jobs and services. The proposal seeks to promote economic development, environmental sustainability, and social equity by providing fast, reliable, and affordable transit options for residents and visitors. It significantly expands the existing Buffalo Metro system including near-term planned extensions.
Three new transit lines are envisioned:
The “Belt Line”, which will run along the existing railroad corridor that circles the city, connecting neighborhoods, universities, hospitals, and cultural attractions.
The Airport Line, which will run from the Central Business District to the Buffalo Airport, serving the Main Street corridor, Larkinville, Central Terminal, Transit Road, Walden Galleria Mall, the Airport and Transit Road in Lancaster.
The Kensington Line, which will run from the “Belt Line” to the Buffalo airport, serving the ECMC, the Olmsted High School, the Martha Mitchell Community Center, and the Airport. It will serve the Trinidad neighborhood along the current alignment of the Kensington Expressway.
The proposal is based on research, analysis, and community engagement conducted by the University at Buffalo Small Built Works Program, a design-build studio that has worked since 2001 designing community benefit projects. The proposal is also supported by Citizens for Regional Transit, a grassroots organization that advocates for improved transit in the Buffalo region.
The unveiling event will include a presentation of the proposals, a question-and-answer session, and a display of maps and station renderings. The event will also be available on Microsoft Teams (see inset) for those who cannot attend in person.
Photo courtesy Small Built Works and CRT
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