NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- Gracie Chambers uses NFTA transportation regularly, but due to recent cuts reducing service to North Tonawanda and now the 55L route from Niagara Falls to Lockport, she may be limited in where she can go.
"At least once a day, give us transportation out there and back in the morning or in the afternoon," said Chambers.
Community members said the route was terminated on short notice and with no public hearing, despite an additional $6.4 million in state funding for the NFTA.
"The only way that somebody is going to be able to travel from Niagara Falls to Lockport is to go from Niagara Falls to Buffalo, then from Buffalo to Lockport," said Todd Vaarwerk, WNY Independent Living director.
"I can't afford an automobile and the bus is cheaper than driving there," said Niagara Falls resident Bruce Volante.
Advocates say the cuts were due to financial reasons, and not enough people were riding to support the expense of the runs. Officials said it further isolates individuals with disabilities who depend on these services.
"When these active routes, any portion of them are removed, there are folks with developmental disabilities who are displaced and now have no way to get to their doctor's visits, to get to the grocery store, to see a loved one," said state Sen. Robert Ortt, R-62nd District.
"People with disabilites are more likely to depend on public transportation because often they can't drive because of their disability," said Megan Dimond, Lockport resident.
Ortt says he is working to find other sources of revenue for the NFTA, and he has also sponsored legislation that would make the NFTA eligible for regional economic development funding.
A statement from the NFTA reads:
"With ridership averaging just 28 people over a recent three-month period or less than a full rider on average per day, it isn't fiscally prudent for Metro to continue operating this particular segment any longer. The annual cost to operate the 55L was $127,133. There were two Paratransit customers who were affected by the service adjustment and they both have been notified that Metro will continue to provide their PAL service through March 2016."