All Metro vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps.
A kneeling feature which lowers the bus is also available.
Two wheelchair tie-down positions are provided on newer buses. The older buses have one tie-down position.
Wheelchair riders boarding a front door lift are required to pay a fare. Those boarding from the rear door may ride free of charge.
Metro Bus operators are required to announce major stops.
Riders using canes, crutches, walkers or those who have a hidden disability (e.g. arthritis, heart/lung disease) who cannot board the bus even when the vehicle is in the kneeling position may use the wheelchair lift in the standing position to board if the lift is equipped with handrails.
Service animals are permitted on Metro vehicles.
Individuals traveling with a personal oxygen supply are permitted on Metro vehicles.
Metro Bus operators provide assistance to disabled passengers where necessary or upon request.
When the wheelchair lift is not working and the next bus is not due to arrive for over 30 minutes, riders are entitled to alternative transportation. Just ask your driver to make the arrangements for you.
Priority seating is provided for seniors and disabled.
All Metro Rail trains and stations are accessible to riders with disabilities.
Wheelchair riders must board the first door of the first railcar in the train in order to have access to boarding platforms on the Buffalo Place Mall.
Wheelchair riders traveling in the subsurface (underground) portion of the system may board any railcar.
Riders with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, are required to pay a fare.
Each railcar has two wheelchair securement locations; one at the front and one at the back of the railcar.
Wheelchairs may not block doors or aisles
Service animals are permitted on Metro Rail.
Ticket vending machines located throughout the system are equipped with Braille and raised letters. Wheelchair height machines are also provided.
Passenger assistance communication equipment (PACE) is available at each Metro Rail station. This equipment may be used to obtain information or to report an emergency.
Many of Metro's rail stations provide Telecommunication Devices for the deaf, as well as video monitors to assist riders who are deaf or hearing impaired. Volume control telephones are available, as well.
In the event of an elevator breakdown, wheelchair users may use the PACE panel to request assistance. Riders will be advised to travel to the next station with a working elevator and take the next scheduled bus back to the station you called from, or a replacement bus or lift equipped Metro supervisor van will be dispatched to pick you up. NEVER try to use the escalator or allow anyone to carry you up the escalator or stairs.
Raised letter and Braille directional signage is provided at many Metro Rail stations.
The new PAL Pass is available for Metro's Paratransit riders. Click here for more details.
Curb to curb, lift equipped van service called Paratransit Access Line (PAL) is available for qualifying individuals. PAL's service area extends three-quarters of a mile on either side of or from the end of Metro's bus and rail fixed route service. This does not apply to commuter or express route service.
To qualify for PAL you must be unable to board, ride or disembark from a Metro Bus or Rail vehicle, or travel to and from a bus stop.
Before using PAL you must fill out an application which is certified by a qualifying healthcare professional (listed on the application) and submit it to the PAL office.
Trips are made on a reservation basis.
Trips may be scheduled up to 14 days in advance or one day prior to the trip.
Riders with temporary disabilities may be eligible for PAL.
Fares are double the fixed route fare.
Sanctions may be placed on PAL riders who have a pattern or practice of late cancellations or no-show trips.
For further information or to obtain an application call 716.855.7211 | TDD / relay 711 or 800.662.1220.
Personal Care Attendants may ride Metro Bus or Rail for free when,
- the PCA is accompanying a person unable to travel without a PCA,
- the person requiring the PCA has valid reduced fare ID, or
- the PCA's necessity has been verified.Individuals requiring a PCA should apply for Metro Reduced Fare benefits.
Check Metro's Reduce Fare Application page.
Or, call Metro Customer Service, 716.855.7211 | TDD / relay 711 or 800.662.1220.The NFTA Advisory Committee on the Disabled meets on a monthly basis at 2:00 p.m. on the last Thursday of each month from September through June. The September and June meetings are held in Niagara County at the Niagara Frontier Center for Independent Living, 1522 Main Street, Niagara Falls. The October and May meetings are hosted by the NFTA at 181 Ellicott Street, Buffalo. All other meetings are held at Heritage Centers, 101 Oak Street, Buffalo. Membership on the Committee is open to the public. If you are interested in serving on the Committee please call the ADA/EEO Administrator at 855-7286 (voice) or TDD / relay 711 or 800.662.1220. for more information.
Bring your suggestions, concerns or learn about all of NFTA's accessible services and programs for the disabled.
Mobility Training Anyone with a disability who would like to learn how to ride the Metro Bus or Rail system may contact NFTA's ADA/EEO Administrator at 855-7286 (voice) or TDD / relay 711 or 800.662.1220.. Individuals who are blind must be accompanied by a qualified Orientation/Mobility instructor. This service is provided free of charge.
Some passengers may qualify for reduced fares. Click here for more information.
If you have difficulty accessing any portions of this website due to incompatibility with adaptive technology, or you have suggestions on how we can make this site more accessible, or you need the information in an alternative format, please contact us at:
ADA/EEO Coordinator
NFTA
181 Ellicott Street
Buffalo, N.Y. 14203
(716) 855-7286
TDD / relay 711 or 800.662.1220.
