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NFTA’s aging rail creates hurdles for riders

Problems such as increased wait times for trains due to single track use, stemming from deteriorating conditions, caused a nearly 25% drop in ridership last year for the 30-year-old system.

February 26, 2014
1 min to read


BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Buffalo News reported that because Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s 30-year-old Metro Rail system is deteriorating, it is losing riders. Problems such as increased wait times for trains due to single track use caused a nearly 25% drop in ridership last year.

The agency is currently working to improve the system but is struggling with delays caused by replacement of overhead catenary wire, four subway cars taken out of service simultaneously and nearly one-sixth of the system’s escalators being out of service. 
 
The deteriorating conditions hit the rail system just as it is poised to take on a greater role in moving workers to new employment centers. For the full story, click here.

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