NFTA Urges Riders to Reschedule and Limit Travel Amid Storm Disruptions in Buffalo, New York

Published on December 30, 2025

As Western New York braces for an intense winter storm, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) is urging residents, particularly those relying on paratransit services, to reconsider travel plans. NFTA Public Information Officer Kelly Khatib emphasized that the safety of both riders and drivers is the highest priority during extreme weather conditions.

In light of the storm, the NFTA has reached out to paratransit customers with scheduled rides, asking them to reschedule if possible. Khatib urged that if travel was unnecessary, riders should delay their trips until the storm subsided. She mentioned that they were contacting people to check if rescheduling was possible in order to avoid unnecessary travel in such severe conditions.. For assistance with rescheduling rides, paratransit users are encouraged to call the NFTA paratransit line at (716) 855-7268.

Subheading 2: Limited Impact on Regular Bus and Rail Services, But Caution is Advised

In addition to the disruptions for paratransit riders, NFTA advised all passengers to closely monitor Metro Alerts before heading out to bus or rail stations. The standard bus and metro rail services have not been heavily impacted by the storm so far. However, NFTA officials remain concerned about potential delays or cancellations as the weather worsens. Travelers are strongly encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to Metro Alerts, a service that offers real-time updates about bus and rail schedules, delays, or cancellations.

As of midday Monday, only one bus route, which usually travels the Skyway, was impacted due to the closure of the Skyway. NFTA’s quick response to these developments showcases the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the traveling public.

For anyone unable to access Metro Alerts online, Khatib reminded travelers that they can always call the NFTA customer service line at (716) 855-7211 for the most current information on routes and services.

Subheading 3: Buffalo-Niagara International Airport Faces Flight Cancellations Due to Weather

At Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, travelers faced significant disruptions due to the storm, with dozens of flights already canceled over the last 24 hours. The ongoing storm, with high winds and poor visibility, has led to flight delays and cancellations, and there are concerns that more cancellations may follow as the weather worsens throughout the evening and into the next day.

As of 2:30 p.m. on Monday, approximately 30 flights were reported canceled by FlightAware, and airport officials remain on alert. Khatib shared that, although the NFTA does not control flight operations, it would not be surprising if more cancellations occurred as the storm intensifies.

For travelers planning to fly, the NFTA strongly recommends downloading the respective airline’s app to receive up-to-date notifications about flight cancellations and delays. “That way, you’ll have the information before you even leave your home or head to the airport,” Khatib suggested.

Subheading 4: Safety Remains a Priority for NFTA and Travelers

With the storm continuing to affect the Buffalo region, NFTA officials are also reminding everyone to put safety first, especially in these extreme weather conditions. Khatib stressed the importance of staying off the roads if travel is unnecessary. Khatib emphasized that with such powerful winds, the priority was to ensure that no passengers were put in a dangerous situation.

The storm has created hazardous travel conditions, including white-out conditions in some areas. While NFTA services are working to limit disruptions, they advise all riders to exercise caution and monitor alerts frequently.

For any riders who must travel, it is crucial to sign up for Metro Alerts to receive real-time information about service disruptions, detours, or cancellations.

Subheading 5: Preparing for the Storm: Tips for Riders and Passengers

To ensure maximum safety, NFTA urges all riders to take the following precautions:

• Reschedule trips: If your trip is not essential, postpone it until conditions improve.
• Stay updated: Sign up for Metro Alerts to get live updates or call NFTA customer service at (716) 855-7211 for the latest information.
• Check flight statuses: If flying, track your flight via your airline’s app to receive notifications of cancellations or delays.
• Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather advisories and road closures to plan your travel accordingly.

With the storm likely to continue throughout the evening, these tips will help mitigate any potential disruptions and ensure safe travel for all NFTA riders and passengers.

Subheading 6: Community Support Amid the Storm

As the storm continues to make its way through the region, it’s essential that the Buffalo community continues to support one another. Many riders with essential trips, especially those relying on paratransit services, need to reschedule their rides to avoid being caught in dangerous conditions.

By remaining flexible with travel plans and utilizing NFTA’s resources, both residents and visitors can navigate these challenging circumstances safely. NFTA remains dedicated to providing timely updates and ensuring the safety of everyone using their services during this severe storm.

Table: Flight Cancellations at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (as of 2:30 p.m. Monday)