Light Rail Transit (LRT)

The LRT Build Alternative is an approximately 7-mile extension of Metro Rail, Metro's existing electric-powered LRT system.

The LRT extension would be primarily at grade, except for two segments. One is a 0.8-mile underground segment from the existing Metro Rail University Station (which is currently underground) to Niagara Falls Boulevard where the LRT Build Alternative would exit the tunnel and operate at street level. The other is a 0.3-mile underground segment at the intersection of Maple Road and Sweet Home Road. At this location, the LRT Build Alternative would operate under the Maple Road and Sweet Home Road intersection then continue adjacent to Sweet Home Road under the I-290 Interstate overpass.

Ten stations are proposed (two with park-and-ride facilities) and an overnight storage and light maintenance facility which would be located near the proposed I-990 Station and northern termini or end of the line.

LRT Alternative Alignment

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Niagara Falls Boulevard at Treadwell Road (Boulevard Mall Station)

John James Audubon (Near Bryant Woods)

Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)

The BRT Build Alternative would provide electric-powered transit service north from the existing Metro Rail University Station for approximately 7 miles along the same alignment as the LRT Build Alternative. The main difference is that the BRT service would not operate underground from University Station, rather travel along Kenmore Avenue and onto Niagara Falls Boulevard at street level. The segment at the intersection of Maple and Sweet Home Roads would also be at street level. The BRT Build Alternative would have the same number of stations in the same locations; however, a transfer would be required between the existing Metro Rail operations at University Station to the BRT service. A new BRT vehicle storage and maintenance facility would also be required at the proposed I-990 Station and northern termini or end of the line.

BRT Alternative Alignment

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Niagara Falls Boulevard at Treadwell Road (Boulevard Mall Station)

John James Audubon (Near Bryant Woods)

No Build Alternative

The No Build Alternative is a required alternative as part of the NEPA environmental analysis and is used for comparison purposes to assess the relative benefits and impacts of implementing the proposed Project Build Alternatives: LRT and BRT.

The No Build Alternative represents the future conditions of transportation facilities and services in 2040 without the Project being built. Metro would continue to operate the existing Metro Rail system between University Station and Canalside Station, however a short extension of the system and a new station, DL&W Station, is under construction and scheduled for completion in 2025. Metro would continue to operate Metro Bus service in the study area, and it is assumed UB will continue operation of the Stampede bus service between their North and South Campuses. The No Build Alternative also includes projects that are already committed to and planned by other agencies and entities.