Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have announced Monday over $102 million in funding for the NFTA's Bus Rapid Transit project.
The NFTA recently received $3.2 million for the design portion of the project, which will improve bus travel along a 7.5-mile stretch of Bailey Avenue.
"This $100 million to create the new Bailey Avenue bus rapid transit line is how we can turn congestion and collisions into a smoother commute for Buffalonians," said Sen. Schumer in a statement Monday morning.
"This is a long overdue investment in Buffalo's East Side, and I'm proud to have advocated hard to deliver it," added Sen. Gillibrand.
The money will be used to improve safety for drivers and pedestrians on Bailey from Main Street to South Park. The improvements will include a new dedicated bus lane, transit signal priority and more comfortable waiting areas for travelers.
"This massive infusion of federal dollars will transform one of Buffalo's most congested and hazardous streets, helping to create a better Bailey Avenue for all who use it," says New York State Senator Tim Kennedy, who was also present at the initial announcement of the project in February.
The money comes from the federal government's Neighborhood Access and Equity Grant Program.
