May 16, 2022
Albany, NY

Governor Hochul Announces NFTA to Suspend Bus Fare Collection in Wake of Tragic Shooting in Buffalo

Fares Suspended on Routes #12-Utica, #13- Kensington, #18-Jefferson and #24-Genesee Through End of May

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that in response to Saturday's tragic shooting at Tops supermarket in Buffalo, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority will suspend bus fares on the following Bus Routes: #12-Utica, #13- Kensington, #18-Jefferson and #24-Genesee through the end of May. These four routes go through and around the impacted community, helping those who need assistance access groceries, as well as connect community members to essential services including grief and mental health counseling. Staff from the State Office of Mental Health and the State University of New York will be available to provide counseling and support to those impacted by this tragedy.

"It is imperative that the victims of this unthinkable act of terrorism by a white supremacist receive all the resources and support they need," Governor Hochul said. "As members of the community heal from this terrible tragedy, bus service in the area will be free of charge through the end of the month, and my administration will continue to support Buffalonians in any way we can."

Executive Director of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority Kim Minkel said, "I am deeply saddened, troubled and outraged by this event. We need to make certain that our city's love and goodness are louder than hatred and chaos and as an agency we hope to bring people together by providing service and connecting our community."

Yesterday, Governor Hochul announced resources to support the Buffalo community in response to the horrific shooting at Tops Supermarket, including additional state investments, rides to local grocery stores, and funding to cover funeral expenses for victims.

Governor Hochul has directed that $2.8 million in federal and state funding be available to provide additional services and support to individuals and families affected by the shooting. The state Office of Victim Services (OVS) will administer the funding from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, and the state's Community Violence Intervention Act, which annually designates a portion of the state's federal Victims of Crime Act funding for programs serving communities hardest hit by gun violence.

Additionally, the Governor announced a partnership with ride-share companies Lyft and Uber to provide rides to and from local grocery stores; the site of the shooting was located in a so-called "food desert" and served as the lone supermarket within walking distance for many Buffalonians. Riders in the zip codes 14208 and 14209 can receive a ride to and from two local grocery stores: Tops Friendly Markets (425 Niagara Street, Buffalo) and Price Rite (250 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo). Lyft riders can use the code 'BuffaloLyftUp' for up to $25 in the Lyft app. Uber riders can use the code 'SHOPBUF' in the Uber app for up to $20 off a ride, with a maximum of eight rides per customer.

About the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
The NFTA is a regional multi-modal transportation authority responsible for airport and surface transportation in Erie and Niagara Counties. NFTA/NFTM businesses include a bus, rail and paratransit system, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the Niagara Falls International Airport. In 2018, a J.D. Power study ranked the Buffalo Niagara International Airport number one in customer satisfaction for medium sized airports in North America. https://www.nfta.com

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Translations

الترجمة إلى العربية
বাংলা অনুবাদ
Tradiksyon kreyòl ayisyen
Traduzione italiana
Polskie tłumaczenie
Перевод на русский язык
Traducción al español
אידישע איבערטייטשונג