- August 2021 Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS
- August 2021 - October 2021 Scoping comment period
- September 2021 Scoping Meetings
- Winter 2024 Listening Sessions (Additional community outreach)
- Spring 2025 Agency review of DEIS
- July 2025 Notice of Availability of DEIS and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation
- July 2025 - September 2025 DEIS and Section 4(f) Evaluation comment period
- Winter 2025/2026 Final EIS and Record of Decision
About
Schedule & Project Milestones
The timeline for the environmental review is:
Metro Rail History
NFTA initiates Transit Options Amherst-Buffalo Alternatives Analysis (AA) for Amherst corridor
2012
NFTA completes 3-tier screening evaluation to identify Locally Preferred Alternative Light rail ranks highest
2017
NFTA designated as Lead Agency to conduct an environmental review for LRT Alternative under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR)
2019
FTA designated as Lead Agency to conduct environmental review for LRT and BRT Alternatives under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
2021
Transit-Oriented Development Study
LPA Refinement
SEQR Environmental Impact Statement
NEPA Environmental Impact Statement
1960s
NFTA proposes a 43 mile network of rapid transit rail lines, including a 14 mile line from Downtown Buffalo to Amherst
2016
GBNRTC initiates comprehensive Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) study to support AA
2018
Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)is refined, based on stakeholder input
2020
NFTA releases SEQR Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and initiates public comment period, including public hearings
Metro Rail History
Transit-Oriented Development Study
LPA Refinement
SEQR Environmental Impact Statement
NEPA Environmental Impact Statement
1960s
NFTA proposes a 43 mile network of rapid transit rail lines, including a 14 mile line from Downtown Buffalo to Amherst
2012
NFTA initiates Transit Options Amherst-Buffalo Alternatives Analysis (AA) for Amherst corridor
2016
GBNRTC initiates comprehensive Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) study to support AA
2017
NFTA completes 3-tier screening evaluation to identify Locally Preferred Alternative Light rail ranks highest
2018
Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)is refined, based on stakeholder input
2019
NFTA designated as Lead Agency to conduct an environmental review for LRT Alternative under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR)
2020
NFTA releases SEQR Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and initiates public comment period, including public hearings
2021
FTA designated as Lead Agency to conduct environmental review for LRT and BRT Alternatives under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Last Updated: July 23, 2025
