Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, NY

Regular

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority board meets to approve routine roofing maintenance and vehicle fuel contracts, settle a legal claim, and authorize several lease and license agreements. The board will also receive financial performance reports for June 2026.

• Authorization for Term Agreement, Grove Roofing Services, Inc., Roofing Repairs, NFTA and NFT Metro ($84K annual routine maintenance)
• Authorization to Procure, NOCO Energy Corp., Vehicle Fuels, NFTA
• Authorization for Settlement, Patricia Newton v. Niagara Frontier Transit Metro System, Inc., Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority and Destry B. Berry
• Authorization for Lease Amendment, Winon USA, Inc., 247 Cayuga Road, NFTA
• Authorization for License Agreement, Polish Community Center of Buffalo, Inc. dba Matt Urban Human Services, Outreach Initiative, NFTA

Audit, Governance and Finance

The committee is reviewing financial performance reports for June 2026 and year-to-date results. The meeting includes updates on several active revenue audits and corporate compliance reporting.

• Audit of $9,055,791.50 purchase of 12 diesel buses from New Flyer of America, Inc.
• Revenue audits of Turo, Inc., M&T Bank, and various airport rental car agencies
• Revenue audits of Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Inc. and Executive Flight Services, LLC
• Revenue audit of SUNY Erie student bus pass agreement
• Review of June 2026 net surplus of $1,459,000 against a budget of $1,103,000

Aviation

The NFTA Aviation Committee receives status updates on multiple Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BNIA) and Niagara Falls International Airport (NFIA) capital projects funded by the FAA and other sources. Projects include passenger boarding bridge replacements, terminal HVAC upgrades, standby power expansion, and runway/taxiway improvements. Financial reports show operating revenues and enplanements trending upward.

• Passenger Boarding Bridge Replacements at BNIA ($14.97M total, 14 bridges over 5 years)
• Terminal HVAC Replacement at BNIA ($7.27M, 4 roof-top units)
• Standby Power Expansion at BNIA ($1.46M, emergency generators)
• Taxiway D Realignment and Extension at NFIA ($989K design phase)
• Air Traffic Control Tower Replacement at NFIA (design contract award recommended)

Surface Transportation

The committee is reviewing Metro's June 2026 financial performance, including a $1.359 million unfavorable operating expense variance. The meeting also covers updates on light rail station rehabilitations and the Bus Rapid Transit Bailey Ave project.

• Proposed construction contract award to Resetarits Construction Corp. for Bus Rapid Transit Bailey Ave – Phase 1
• June 2026 operating expenses were $1.359 million over budget, driven by insurance and injuries ($774K)
• Update on LRRT - Church Station Rehabilitation following the termination of the contract with Greenway
• Status report on the DL&W Station project with construction completion for the stair/elevator tower expected August 2026
• Report on LRRT - Fastener & Pad Replacement Phase 12 with construction starting July 2026

Surface Transportation

The Surface Transportation Committee is discussing a shift to a $2.00 per-ride universal pass model for institutions. The body is also reviewing a $5.25 million light rail catenary replacement project and current capital project statuses.

• Metro Flex program: $2.00 per ride model for colleges and corporations
• Catenary and Insulator Replacement Ph5: $5.25 million total cost
• DL&W Station: Construction of stair/elevator tower expected July 2026
• DL&W Roof Rehabilitation: Completion expected June 2026
• Fastener & Pad Replacement Phase 11: Work at Humboldt crossover starting July

The committee received updates on the universal transit pass program and light rail system maintenance. Staff requested Board awards for a ventilation fan contract and a shoreline rehabilitation change order. No formal votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Requested Board award construction contract for LRRT Ventilation Fan and Damper to DV Brown & Associates
• Requested Board award Change Order No. 2 to Cerrone for additional shoreline rehabilitation at DL&W Station

Aviation

The committee is reviewing the status of multiple capital projects at Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport. Discussions include air service development, passenger trends, and financial performance for May 2026.

• Replacement of 14 Passenger Boarding Bridges at BNIA
• Rehabilitation of 2.6 miles of Luiz F. Kahl Way circulatory road
• Construction contract recommendation for moving walkway infill to Manning Squires Henning
• Replacement of four rooftop HVAC units at the BNIA terminal
• Design of Taxiway D realignment and extension at Niagara Falls International Airport

The Aviation Committee received updates on airport infrastructure projects and financial performance. Four resolutions regarding construction and procurement contracts were presented for board consideration.

• Proposed construction contract for moving walkway infill to Manning Squires Henning
• Proposed construction contract for BNIA to Mark Cerrone, Inc.
• Proposed consultant services for BNIA Baggage Handling System to AECOM USA, Inc.
• Proposed procurement of Chemical Spray Trailer for NFIA from Tracey Road Equipment, Inc.
• Proposed procurement of Rotary Snow Plow for NFIA from M-B Companies, Inc.

Audit, Governance and Finance

The Audit, Governance and Finance Committee is reviewing the financial audit for the year ended March 31, 2026, which resulted in an unmodified clean opinion. The body is also monitoring several ongoing internal revenue audits and reviewing May 2026 performance metrics.

• Financial audit for year ended March 31, 2026, received an unmodified clean opinion
• Post-delivery Buy America audit for 8 battery electric transit buses costing $10,262,665.86
• Ongoing revenue audits for Turo, Inc., M&T Bank, and Delaware North
• Revenue audits for on-airport rental cars and Executive Flight Services, LLC
• Revenue audit for SUNY Erie student bus pass agreement

The committee reviewed the 2026 annual audit, which resulted in an unmodified clean opinion with no material weaknesses. The meeting primarily consisted of departmental reports on financial performance, safety, and grant applications; no formal votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Received unmodified clean audit opinion for year ended March 31, 2026

Regular

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is meeting to approve financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2026. The board will also consider various construction contracts, software procurements, and transit pass agreements.

• Approval of FY2026 financial statements for NFTA and Niagara Frontier Transit Metro System, Inc.
• Construction contracts for LRRT with D.V. Brown & Associates, Inc., LaBella Associates, Superior Utility Services, LLC, and Mott MacDonald NY, Inc.
• Procurement of Splunk and NetApp software via Insight Public Sector, Inc., and VMWare via SHL
• Paratransit vehicle procurement from Coach and Equipment Bus Sales Inc.
• College/University pass agreements with Canisius University, Bryant & Stratton College, and Villa Maria College

The Board approved several construction and procurement contracts for the light rail and airport systems. It also adopted updated Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs for corporate and airport concessions to comply with new federal rules. Additionally, new five-year transit pass agreements were established with three local colleges.

• Approved FY2026 financial statements for NFTA and Metro (7-0)
• Approved $359,560 contract to Manning Squires Hennig Inc. for BNIA moving walkway construction (7-0)
• Approved $3.076M contract to D.V. Brown & Associates and $216,265 to LaBella Associates for LRRT ventilation replacement (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved $4.386M contract to Superior Utility Services and $420,089 to Mott MacDonald NY for LRRT catenary replacement (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved $3.32M change order for Mark Cerrone, Inc. for DL&W Station shoreline work (6-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved procurement of 12 paratransit vehicles from Coach and Equipment Bus Sales Inc. not to exceed $1.56M (7-0)
• Approved 5-year transit pass agreements with Canisius University, Bryant & Stratton College, and Villa Maria College (7-0)
• Adopted revised Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE programs (7-0)

Regular

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is reviewing several state grant agreements for electric buses and infrastructure. The board is also considering a new collective bargaining agreement for transportation supervisors and various facility maintenance contracts.

• NYSDOT grant of $17,500,000 for battery electric buses and charging infrastructure
• NYSDOT Urban Master Grant of $12,107,223 for bus garage HVAC, fuel tanks, and 4 electric buses
• NYSDOT Supplemental Agreement of $26,000,000 for Lafayette Square Station and tunnel work
• Three-year collective bargaining agreement for Teamsters Local 264S Transportation Supervisors
• $690,450 contract with Hogan Glass LLC for window replacement at Metropolitan Transportation Center

The Board approved several state grants for electric buses and rail repairs, along with contracts for airport equipment and facility maintenance. A new three-year collective bargaining agreement for transportation supervisors was also authorized.

• Approved $17.5M NYSDOT grant for electric buses and charging infrastructure (8-0)
• Approved $12.1M NYSDOT grant for bus garage HVAC and electric buses (8-0)
• Approved $26M NYSDOT supplemental agreement for rail station and tunnel projects (8-0)
• Authorized 3-year collective bargaining agreement for Teamsters Local 264S (8-0)
• Approved $690,450 contract with Hogan Glass LLC for MTC window replacement (8-0)
• Approved $406,900 contract with Mark Cerrone Inc. for BNIA building demolition (8-0)
• Approved $911,268.87 procurement of a rotary snow plow for NFIA from M-B Companies, Inc. (8-0)
• Approved $1.4M contract with Patterson-Stevens, Inc. for LRRT rail fastener replacement (8-0)

Human Resources

The NFTA Human Resources Committee reviews 2025–26 recruitment efforts, operator and mechanic retention data, and a new bus mechanic apprenticeship program. Updates on Equal Employment Opportunity initiatives, including disability access and supplier diversity, are also discussed.

• Bus mechanic apprenticeship program launched with four trainees in March 2026
• NFTA hired 244 employees in 2025; 103 resigned, 76 terminated, 63 retired
• Supplier diversity spending: $4.6M SDVOB and $16.4M MWBE in FY2025
• ASL interpreting service expanded to Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports; planned for Metro system
• DBE IFR reevaluation completed for 65+ firms; policy updates pending board approval

Aviation

The committee is reviewing the status of multiple capital projects at Buffalo Niagara International and Niagara Falls International Airports. The meeting includes a review of the 2025-2026 winter snow removal season and financial updates for aviation operations.

• Replacement of 14 Passenger Boarding Bridges at BNIA
• Rehabilitation of 2.6 miles of Luiz F. Kahl Way circulatory road
• Demolition contract for 251 Cayuga Building #4 awarded to Cerrone
• Replacement of four rooftop HVAC units at the BNIA terminal
• Design phase for a new Air Traffic Control Tower at Niagara Falls International Airport

The committee received updates on construction projects at BNIA and IAG and reviewed financial data showing a 6% increase in operating revenues. Four resolutions regarding construction and procurement were noted for board consideration.

• Noted request to award 251 Cayuga Building #4 Demolition to Cerrone
• Noted resolution for Mark Cerrone, Inc. construction contract at BNIA
• Noted resolution for AECOM USA, Inc. consultant services for BNIA Baggage Handling System
• Noted resolution for Tracey Road Equipment, Inc. Chemical Spray Trailer at NFIA
• Noted resolution for M-B Companies, Inc. Rotary Snow Plow at NFIA

Audit, Governance and Finance

The Audit, Governance and Finance Committee is reviewing April 2026 financial performance and the status of several internal audits. The body is monitoring revenue compliance for airport concessions and transit passes, as well as capital project timelines.

• Audit of $10,262,665.86 purchase of eight battery electric transit buses from New Flyer of America, Inc.
• Revenue audits for Turo, Inc., M&T Bank, and Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, Inc.
• Revenue audit of SUNY Erie student bus pass agreement for 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years
• April 2026 net surplus/deficit of $2,471,000 against a budget of $2,836,000
• Capital projects moved to FYE27 including 1404 Main Street HVAC Replacement and 485 Cayuga Elevator

The committee reviewed April 2026 financial performance, showing a negative budget variance of $365,000. Staff reported the award of an $8.7 million FAA grant for airport terminal improvements and discussed pending NYSDOT agreements for $55.6 million in transit projects.

• Reported $8.7M FAA Airport Terminal Program award for 8 PBBs at BNIA
• Reviewed April budget variance of -$365,000
• Reviewed capital spending of $94,687,999 against $293,971,711 budget
• Reported 35 completed capital projects were 3.6% over budget
• Noted failure of Erie County gas tax proposal (5-5 vote)

Surface Transportation

The Surface Transportation Committee is reviewing capital project updates, including rail infrastructure repairs and the DL&W station development. The body is also discussing April 2026 financial performance and community outreach efforts.

• Construction contract request for Rail and Fastener Replacement Phase 12 totaling $1,823,723
• DL&W Station construction with anticipated completion of stair/elevator tower in July 2026
• April 2026 operating expenses reported as $834K (5.3%) unfavorable to budget
• Rail Fastener Replacement program projections ranging from $63M (5-year) to $83M (20-year)
• Tunnel Grouting 2025 project construction contract execution with Uretek

The committee received reports on community outreach, rail fastener replacement, and capital project updates. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded during the meeting.

Annual Regular

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is holding its annual board meeting to elect officers and adopt several operational policies for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The board will also consider various service agreements for aviation and surface transportation, including a transit expansion project findings statement.

• Election of officers for NFTA and Niagara Frontier Transit Metro System, Inc.
• Approval of 2026-2027 Investment Guidelines, Master Liability Management, and Travel policies
• Lease agreements for 485 Cayuga Road (Fencing Center of Buffalo) and 247 Cayuga Road (NavSim Services, Inc.)
• Authorization for road salt procurement and a Smartnet renewal agreement with Zunesis Inc.
• Approval of SEQR Findings Statement for the Buffalo-Amherst-Tonawanda Corridor Transit Expansion Project

The Board approved the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) findings for the Buffalo-Amherst-Tonawanda Corridor Transit Expansion Project, selecting the Light Rail Transit (LRT) alternative. The Board also elected officers for the 2026-2027 term and approved several corporate policies and procurement contracts.

• Approved SEQR findings for Buffalo-Amherst-Tonawanda Corridor Transit Expansion (unanimous)
• Elected Officers for NFTA and Metro: Vice Chair Ansari, Secretary Blue, Treasurer Baynes (unanimous)
• Approved $1.25M change order for rail repairs with Patterson-Stevens, Inc. and $75k agreement with Mott MacDonald NY, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved $421,588.15 maintenance agreement renewal with Trapeze Software Group, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved $216,725.07 Smartnet renewal agreement with Zunesis Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved $188,597.29 purchase and maintenance agreement for a Color Digital Press with Brian Parisi Copier Systems, Inc. (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year lease with Fencing Center of Buffalo for 485 Cayuga Road (unanimous)
• Approved 2-year lease with NavSim Services, Inc. for 247 Cayuga Road (unanimous)

Audit, Governance and Finance

The Audit, Governance and Finance Committee is reviewing FYE 26 financial highlights and cash management. The body is also monitoring several ongoing revenue audits for airport concessions and transit passes, as well as workplace safety and insurance renewals.

• Audit of $10,262,665.86 purchase of eight battery electric transit buses from New Flyer of America, Inc.
• Revenue audits for Turo, Inc., M&T Bank, rental car agencies, Delaware North, and Executive Flight Services
• Revenue audit of SUNY Erie student bus pass agreement
• Insurance premium summary for FY 4/1/2026 - 3/31/2027 totaling $7,638,907
• Report of six recordable injuries in March 2026 with estimated total costs of $436,968

The committee received updates on audit statuses, financial highlights for FYE 2026, and risk management reports. No substantive votes were taken during the meeting, though amended procurement guidelines were presented for consideration at a subsequent board meeting.

• Designated Commissioner Baynes as the financial expert for the Audit Governance and Financial Committee
• Recommended no changes to the Human Resources Committee Charter
• Recommended no changes to the Audit, Governance and Finance Committee Charter
• Recommended no changes to the Property/Risk Management Committee Charter

Surface Transportation

The Surface Transportation Committee will discuss urgent rail repairs, capital project updates, and seasonal bus services at this meeting. Financial and performance reports are also on the agenda, but no major decisions are scheduled.

• Declaration of Exigency for rail repairs near Delavan Station and Humboldt Crossover ($1,325,000 total)
• Parks Adventure Bus 2026 schedule with new Sprague Brook destination
• Game Day Express 2026-2027 plans to continue service to Highmark Stadium
• LRRT DL&W Station construction updates with completion anticipated June 2026
• Church Station rehabilitation project terminated due to contractor default

The committee reviewed updates on Light Rail Rapid Transit (LRRT) projects and transit performance goals. No formal votes or changes to the committee charter were recorded during the meeting.

Aviation

The Aviation Committee is discussing progress on several Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BNIA) improvement projects and reviewing traveler demand. The body is also evaluating the impact of tariffs on Canadian traveler traffic and reviewing the committee's charter.

• Replacement of 14 Passenger Boarding Bridges at BNIA
• Rehabilitation of 2.6 miles of Luiz F. Kahl Way circulatory road
• General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation including taxiways P, P1, P2, and Q
• Installation of emergency generators for terminal standby power expansion
• Taxiway D Realignment and Extension at Niagara Falls International Airport

The Aviation Committee meeting consisted of project updates and presentations. No substantive decisions, votes, or resolutions were recorded in the minutes.

Surface Transportation

The Surface Transportation Committee is reviewing the Rail Renewal Campaign and February 2026 financial performance. The body is discussing ongoing capital projects, including station rehabilitations and track replacements.

• Rail Renewal investment of over $200 million funded primarily through State Rail Capital funds
• Cars on Main Street project to replace track and trackbed between Church and Exchange Streets starting April 2026
• DL&W Station construction completion anticipated May 2026
• Church Station Rehabilitation expected completion in May 2026 following a contract default by Greenway
• February 2026 financial report showing total operating expenses of $14.6 million against a $14.8 million budget

The committee received updates on the $200 million Rail Renewal campaign and various station rehabilitations. Staff requested Board awards for the Babcock Bus Garage roof replacement and monitoring contracts. No formal votes were recorded during the meeting.

• Requested Board award Babcock Bus Garage roof replacement contract to Jameson Roofing
• Requested Board award design support/construction monitoring contract to Bell and Spina

Aviation

The NFTA Aviation Committee reviews updates on multiple Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BNIA) and Niagara Falls International Airport (NFIA) infrastructure projects, including passenger boarding bridge replacements, terminal HVAC upgrades, and taxiway realignment. Financial reports show operating revenues and enplanements for both airports.

• Passenger Boarding Bridge Replacements at BNIA: 14 bridges to be replaced over 5 years, with Gates 18 and 21 scheduled for July and August 2026
• Terminal HVAC Replacement at BNIA: 4 of 27 units replaced; cooling systems to be commissioned in May 2026
• Luiz F. Kahl Way Rehabilitation at BNIA: 2.6-mile roadway project paused due to seasonal asphalt plant closure; resumes April 2026
• Taxiway D Realignment and Extension at NFIA: Design ongoing; construction bids to be advertised October 2026
• $99.87M total budget for AIP projects, with $98.13M encumbered to date

The committee received updates on capital projects, including a request to award construction contracts for the BNIA general aviation apron rehabilitation to Union Concrete and C&S. Members reviewed February 2026 financial reports and flight activity for BUF and IAG. No formal votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Requested construction and design contracts for BNIA General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation be awarded to Union Concrete and C&S

Audit, Governance and Finance

The Audit, Governance and Finance Committee is reviewing the revised FYE’27 operating and capital budget and the five-year operating and capital plan for 2027-2031. The meeting also includes reports on audit statuses, financial performance, and safety.

• Discussion of Revised FYE’27 Operating & Capital Budget
• Discussion of Five Year Operating & Capital Plan for Fiscal Years 2027-2031
• Audit of agreement with New Flyer of America Inc. for 22 battery electric buses not to exceed $30,313,895
• Audit of agreement with New Flyer of America Inc. for 8 battery electric transit buses for $10,262,665.86
• Revenue audits for Turo, Inc., M&T Bank, rental car agencies, Delaware North, and Executive Flight Services, LLC

The committee reviewed a revised FY 2026-2027 budget that decreases the total budget by $16.6 million to $305.3 million. A revised budget resolution and a Five Year Operating Capital Plan for 2027-2031 were scheduled for presentation at a subsequent board meeting. No votes were taken during this committee session.

• Revised FY 2026-2027 budget presented for board consideration (decreased to $305.3M)
• Five Year Operating Capital Plan (2027-2031) presented for board consideration

Regular

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is deciding on revised operating and capital budgets for FY 2026-2027 and five-year plans through 2031. The board will also consider several construction and service contracts for the airport and transit systems.

• Adoption of Revised FY 2026-2027 Operating and Capital Budgets
• Adoption of Five-Year Operating and Capital Plans (ending March 31, 2031)
• Construction contract award to Union Concrete & Construction Corporation and monitoring to C&S Engineers, Inc. for BNIA
• Construction contract award to Jameson Roofing Company and design support to Bell & Spina, Architects-Planners, PC for Metro
• Agreement with Frey Electric Construction Co. Inc. for three emergency backup generators for Metro

The Board approved revised operating and capital budgets for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and adopted five-year financial plans through 2031. Several construction and service contracts for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Metro bus system were also awarded.

• Adopted Revised Operating and Capital Budgets for FY 2026-2027 (Unanimous)
• Adopted Five-Year Operating and Capital Plans through March 31, 2031 (Unanimous)
• Approved $906,278.40 agreement with SHI for Microsoft Office programs (Unanimous)
• Authorized GBNRTC and NITTEC to use NFTA IT and Engineering consultant agreements (Unanimous)
• Awarded $20,254,890.00 BNIA apron and taxiway contract to Union Concrete & Construction Corp and $1,597,750.00 monitoring contract to C&S Engineers, Inc. (Unanimous)
• Approved $294,497.00 change order for Union Concrete & Construction Corp for BNIA pavement maintenance (Unanimous)
• Awarded $5,787,996.10 Babcock Bus Garage roof contract to Jameson Roofing and $370,000.00 monitoring contract to Bell & Spina (Unanimous)
• Approved $798,000.00 agreement with Frey Electric Construction Co. Inc. for three backup generators (Approved; Baynes and Perry abstained)

Surface Transportation

The NFTA Surface Transportation Committee meets to discuss the 2026 Transit Development Plan, financial performance, capital project updates, and performance metrics. The agenda includes updates on Metro Capital projects like the DL&W Station, financial summaries, and community involvement reports.

• DL&W Station construction completed and open to public
• Bailey BRT Design and Environmental study ongoing
• Metro Transit Expansion in preliminary engineering phase
• January 2026 revenues $15.5M vs. budget, expenses $16.5M
• $1.8M favorable variance in Transit Fuel/Power costs

The committee reviewed the 2026 Transit Development Plan, which includes projects such as the Shelter Expansion Plan and Bailey Bus Rapid Transit. Staff requested Board awards for LRRT tunnel grouting and a change order for the DL&W Core & Shell project. No formal votes were recorded in the minutes.

• Staff requested Board award construction contract to Uretek for LRRT Tunnel Grouting 2025
• Staff requested Board award Change Order No. 3 to Cerrone for LRRT DL&W Core & Shell

Aviation

The committee is reviewing the status of several Airport Improvement Program (AIP) projects at Buffalo Niagara and Niagara Falls International Airports. Members are discussing a data-driven strategy to enhance guest experiences and integrate airport services with NFTA transit. The meeting includes a financial update for the Aviation Group through January 2026.

• Replacement of 14 Passenger Boarding Bridges at BNIA
• General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation with Board award anticipated March 2026
• Luiz F. Kahl Way rehabilitation (2.6 miles) with completion expected August 2026
• Terminal HVAC replacement for four roof top units
• Taxiway D Realignment and Extension at Niagara Falls International Airport

The Aviation Committee met to receive updates on capital projects, financial performance, and flight activity for BNIA and IAG. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during the meeting.

Audit, Governance and Finance

The Audit, Governance and Finance Committee is reviewing internal audits of airport concessions and transit contracts. The body is also evaluating January 2026 financial performance reports for the Metro system and airports.

• Pre-award Buy America audit for 22 battery electric buses costing up to $30,313,895
• Revenue audits for Turo, Inc., M&T Bank, and various airport rental car agencies
• Revenue audits for Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services and Executive Flight Services
• Revenue audit for SUNY Erie student bus pass agreement
• January 2026 financial report showing a net surplus of $67,000 against a budgeted deficit of $8,869,000

The committee reviewed financial performance, audit statuses, and grant awards. No formal votes were recorded in the minutes, though several items were presented for consideration at the full Board meeting.

• Reported positive budget variance of $8,936,000 for January
• Reported total cash of $330,696,000 at end of January
• Announced $21.6M FTA grant awarded for Metro bus garage roofing
• Proposed IBM ERP system costing ~$20.3M over ten years
• Proposed Gartner consulting services costing $3.7M over two years
• Presented updated Agency Safety Plan for Board approval
• Presented two NYSDOT agreements for $857,345 in matching funds for Board authorization

Regular

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is meeting to authorize several aviation capital project agreements and transit system contracts. The board will also review financial performance reports for January 2026 and the year-to-date period.

• NYSDOT Aviation Capital Project Agreement (Contract No. T042300) for $26,772.00
• NYSDOT Aviation Capital Project Agreement (Contract No. K007651) for $830,573.00
• Lease agreement for Rise Bakery, LLC at 247 Cayuga Road
• Construction contracts for LRRT awarded to Uretek USA, Inc. and Mark Cerrone Inc.
• Acceptance of Final Environmental Impact Statement for Buffalo-Amherst-Tonawanda Corridor Transit Expansion Project

The Board approved a $20.3M contract with IBM for a new ERP and HCM system and accepted the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Buffalo-Amherst-Tonawanda Corridor Transit Expansion Project. Several aviation and surface transportation construction contracts and lease agreements were also authorized.

• Awarded $20.3M ERP/HCM system implementation to IBM (6-0)
• Awarded Phase 3 Consultation Services to Gartner, Inc. not to exceed $3.7M (6-0)
• Approved Final Environmental Impact Statement for Buffalo-Amherst-Tonawanda Corridor Transit Expansion (6-0)
• Awarded $1.69M LRRT Tunnel Grouting 2025 contract to Uretek USA, Inc. (6-0)
• Approved $1.3M increase (Change Order No. 3) for Mark Cerrone Inc. LRRT renovation (6-0)
• Authorized $2.9M network services extension for Metro Fare Collection with Scheidt & Bachmann USA Inc. (6-0)
• Approved $577,256 procurement of 25 CAD/AVL onboard systems from Conduent Transport Solutions (6-0)
• Authorized $830,573 NYSDOT Aviation Capital Project Agreement for BNIA (6-0)

Regular

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority board will discuss corporate, aviation, and surface transportation resolutions. Key items include the adoption of a Sustainability Plan and various procurement and lease agreements.

• Procurement of 22 battery electric buses from New Flyer of America, Inc.
• Adoption of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s Sustainability Plan
• Agreement with Crown Castle Fiber LLC for network service at an estimated $49,579.20
• Procurement of three Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles from G&H Auto Group dba Mohawk Chevrolet
• Lease agreements for 247 Cayuga Road with Erie Ultrasonic Technologies, LLC and Ivergent, Inc.

The Board approved several major procurements, including new electric buses and paratransit software. The Authority also adopted a formal Sustainability Plan and renewed air carrier incentive programs for its airports.

• Approved procurement of 22 battery electric buses from New Flyer of America, Inc. (max $30,313,895.00)
• Approved $1.75M agreement with Spare Labs Inc. for paratransit scheduling and dispatching software
• Adopted the NFTA Sustainability Plan
• Approved $169,703.76 for three Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles
• Approved $49,579.20 network agreement with Crown Castle Fiber LLC
• Approved amendment and renewal of Air Carrier Incentive Programs for BNIA and NFIA
• Approved lease with FAA for 2,062 sq ft at 175 Aero Drive (total $1,080,415.78)
• Approved waiving fares for the 2026 parks bus service

Aviation

The committee is reviewing the status of several Airport Improvement Program (AIP) projects at Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport. The meeting also includes discussions on air service incentives and financial performance reports for December 2025.

• Replacement of 14 Passenger Boarding Bridges at BNIA
• General Aviation Apron Rehabilitation at BNIA with bids due January 2026
• Luiz F. Kahl Way (Circulatory Road) Rehabilitation
• Terminal HVAC Replacement and Standby Power Expansion at BNIA
• Taxiway D Realignment and Extension at Niagara Falls International Airport

The Aviation Committee met to review the status of infrastructure projects at BNIA and IAG. The committee received financial reports indicating a 2% increase in operating revenues and updates on flight activity and enplanements. No formal votes or policy decisions were recorded.

Audit, Governance and Finance

The Audit, Governance and Finance Committee is reviewing December 2025 financial performance and the status of several internal audits. The body is also monitoring the progress of five-year capital and operating plans due March 25, 2026.

• Audit of $9,055,791.50 purchase of 12 diesel buses from New Flyer of America Inc.
• Revenue audits in progress for Turo, Inc., M&T Bank, and various airport rental car agencies
• Revenue audits for Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services and Executive Flight Services
• Revenue audit of the SUNY Erie student bus pass agreement
• December 2025 net deficit of $346,000 compared to a budgeted deficit of $214,000

The committee reviewed financial reports, audit statuses, and safety data for December 2025. No substantive votes or decisions were recorded during the meeting.

Surface Transportation

The Surface Transportation Committee will hear final evaluations of the PAL Grocery Shuttle Pilot, financial reports for December 2025, and updates on several Light Rail Rapid Transit (LRRT) capital projects including DL&W Station, DL&W Core & Shell, and station rehabilitations. The meeting also includes discussions on performance goals, financials, and public safety reports.

• PAL Grocery Shuttle Pilot discontinued after modest participation and high staff effort
• December 2025 operating revenue $81K below budget, primarily due to $92K lower passenger fares
• DL&W Station construction completion anticipated May 2026 with new crossover, catenary, and station upgrades
• Church Station rehabilitation delayed until May 2026 due to contractor default
• Lafayette Square Station 95% design under NFTA review

The Surface Transportation Committee decided to discontinue the PAL Grocery Shuttle Pilot due to modest participation and the expansion of regular weekend services. The meeting also included reports on capital projects, financial variances, and transit police activity.

• Discontinued the PAL Grocery Shuttle Pilot