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Schedule & Project Milestones

The timeline for the environmental review is:

  • 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

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