NFTA Prepares to Cut Jobs and Services BUFFALO (wned) - The NFTA board voted Monday afternoon to make major cuts in bus and rail service when its new budget starts April 1.

There are still public hearings to listen to reaction to the planned cuts in service, including major cuts in the staff of the authority Police Department.

Executive Director Kim Minkel says the budget calls for 50 staff cuts on April 1 and more than a 100 more when the operating cuts require fewer drivers and mechanics.

It's all blamed on rising costs and frozen state and federal aid.

Ellicott Councilmember Darius Pridgen says the cuts will hit his constituents.

"The effect of not raising fares is very important to them. But we have constituents who do need bus service out into the suburbs so I think its going to be a wait-and-see depending on what's cut and what's moved," Pridgen said.

"The one thing that I am encouraged about is this board's willingness to work with this community. There have been several board members who have reached out to me and reached out to others."

Authority Chairman Henry Sloma says it's unfair of Albany not to help Upstate transit authorities when it cut taxes to pay for public transit Downstate and shifted $250 million in subsidies to general state spending.


© Copyright 2012, wned