Proposed Metro Rail Expansion

Published September 17, 2025

UB is in the early stages of exploring Metro Rail’s proposed expansion into Amherst and Tonawanda, including UB’s North Campus, in partnership with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) and other key partners. The exploration focuses on how light rail could enhance access, align with campus plans, and integrate with UB’s on-campus mobility network.

UB’s long-range master plan envisions a day when the university transitions away from diesel-powered intercampus buses. In the near term, UB is transitioning to battery-electric buses to serve the university community. Longer term, if a light rail extension becomes a reality, UB would curtail current intercampus bus service and continue circulator, park-and-ride–style shuttles within each campus to connect parking, academic buildings and services.

Key benefits the university anticipates:

  • Enhanced connectivity for students, employees, patients and visitors; reduced transportation barriers.
  • Fewer commuting challenges for current and prospective students; stronger overall campus experience.
  • Less reliance on personal vehicles; supports UB’s climate action goals through greater mass transit use.

If light rail is built:

  • UB would scale back today’s Stampede-style between-campus service if rail provides the primary connection.
  • UB would continue circulator shuttles (park-and-ride style) within North, South and Downtown campuses.
  • If certain shopping/market destinations are not reasonably served by Metro Rail stops, UB would consider a smaller shuttle fleet to preserve this highly utilized service.

Near-term actions (independent of rail):

  • UB is currently transitioning to battery-electric buses for university transportation.

Current service (by the numbers):

  • The UB Stampede is operated by WeDriveU, Inc. under the direction of UB Parking and Transportation.
  • Approximately 50,000 service hours annually; over 2 million passenger trips per year.

Cost & funding considerations:

  • UB does not  anticipate that it will  incur costs for planning, design, station development, rail or utility infrastructure associated with a potential extension to North Campus.
  • Security, maintenance and station integration are in early planning. Funds previously allocated to campus shuttle services may offset ancillary campus costs associated with having Metro Rail on campus.

FAQs

Is the Stampede service operated by UB itself or a third party?
Third party. The UB Stampede is operated by WeDriveU, Inc. under UB Parking and Transportation’s direction. It provides approximately 50,000 service hours per year and carries over 2 million passengers annually.

If light rail happens, will students be charged a rail fee instead of a bus fee?
To be determined. UB has not set a rail-specific fee. Funds previously allocated to campus shuttle services may offset ancillary campus costs associated with hosting Metro Rail on campus.

Stampede also takes students to shopping centers in the area. Would eliminating those routes limit options, since the proposed rail doesn’t stop at those stores?
UB will maintain access. Planning is in very early phases. If market/shopping trips cannot be delivered via NFTA rail stops along the corridor, UB would consider a smaller shuttle fleet to continue these highly utilized trips.