Federal funding to provide new shuttle buses for Buffalo airport

Cheektowaga, N.Y. (WBEN) - Western New York Congressman Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26) was in the region Monday to announce federal funding to help upgrade the way people take in the experience at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

A total of $1.8 million in federal funding has been secured for the airport to replace four parking lot shuttle buses, several of which have registered more than 150,000 miles and are showing wear and tear from thousands of pick ups and drop offs over the years.

The new shuttles will help ensure travelers a safe and comfortable ride to-and-from their cars in the parking lots at an airport that continues to grow, while also earning national recognition as one of the best airports in the nation.

"The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the first impression tens of thousands of visitors have of our region, and we have to put our best foot forward," said Kennedy on Monday. "With the airport's fleet of parking lot shuttle vans aging and racking up miles on the odometer, these new vans mean that families traveling in and out of the Buffalo and Niagara region will be able to enjoy comfort and the latest amenities every step of the way from the parking lot to their gate."

Surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the airport sees 11,000 passengers per-day, and has surpassed 5 million travelers in each of the last two years. The airport generates $1.7 billion in annual economic activity, supports nearly 14,000 jobs, and generates $139 million in state and local taxes.

"This is one of the best airports in North America. All you have to do is travel through here," Kennedy said. "To see the new amenities, to see the new entire wing, to see the investments that are taking place; from the $8.7 million that we just announced for new bridges at the gates to the new circular road on your way in, to this announcement today to make it easier for the traveling public when they park in these large long-term parking lots to make their way to the gates with ease and very conveniently, especially in inclement weather. So these are major funding investments that are happening here, and we're excited about it."