# NFTA fleet

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (also known as "NFTA" or "Metro") operates a fleet of buses and light rail vehicles in the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls and the surrounding Erie and Niagara counties. It is the second-largest transit system in New York state after New York City's.

## Rail cars

| Fleet number(s) | Model year | Mfg$^A$ | Model | Division$^B$ | Notes |
| 101-127 | 1983 | TCC | | SP | Light rail cars used on the Metro Rail line. All 27 cars are undergoing a complete mid-life overhaul and reconstruction by AnsaldoBreda in Dansville, New York a few cars at a time. 26 of the rebuilt rail cars have returned to full service as of December 19, 2021. The new amenities include LED destination signs, replacing the old roll signs, LED next stop displays, new door mechanisms, newly repainted exteriors, a new interior, automated announcements, new propulsion systems and new door chimes. |

## Buses

| Fleet number(s) | Model year | Mfg$^A$ | Model | Division$^B$ | Notes |
| 104 | 1967 | GMC | SDM-5302 | w/d | Former Grand Island Transit 104, acquired in 1975 |
| 114 | 1970 | GMC | S8M-5303A | w/d | Former Grand Island Transit 114, acquired in 1975 |
| 166, 168 | 1960 | GMC | SDM-4501 | w/d | Former Grand Island Transit 66 & 68, acquired in 1975 |
| 216 | 1959 | GMC | PD-4106 | w/d | Originally equipped with a 4 speed manual transmission, was refitted with Allison HT740 automatic in its later years of service. |
| 201-222 | 1991 | OBI/BIA | 05.501 | w/d | First wider (102") buses ordered directly by NFTA Metro. First buses equipped with front door wheelchair lifts. Retired approximately 2006-2007 |
| 300-319 | 1958 | GMC | TDH-5106 | w/d | Former Buffalo Transit, Inc. Buses |
| 301-305 | ca. 1987 (built 1970) | Flx | 111CD-D5 | w/d | Purchased second-hand from RGRTA (Rochester) to replace the prematurely retired fleet of AMG buses (4000-4099). Original Rochester fleet numbers were 530, 560, 569, 572, and 575. |
| 311-319 | 1968 | GMC | T6H-4521 | w/d | Former Niagara Falls Municipal Transit System buses |
| 311-317 | ca. 1987 (built 1968) | GMC | T6H-4521 | w/d | Purchased second-hand from Broome County Transit (Binghamton, NY) to replace the prematurely retired fleet of AMG buses. Original Binghamton fleet numbers were 802, 804, 807 and 809-812. |
| 321-367 | ca. 1987 (built 1978) | GMC | TH-8201 "RTS-01" | w/d | Purchased second-hand from DART (Dallas, TX) to replace the prematurely retired fleet of AMG buses. Original Dallas fleet numbers were 701-747. |
| 401-417 | 1992 | MCI | TC40-102A "Classic" | w/d | Retired Approximately 2006-2007 |
| 501-505 | 1993 | OBI/BIA | 05.501 CNG "Orion V" | w/d | First buses using compressed natural gas (CNG) |
| 526-540 | 1968 | GMC | T6H-4521 | w/d | Former Niagara Falls Municipal Transit System buses |
| 601-607 | 1985 | OBI/BIA | 01.509 "Orion I" | w/d | Last new non-wheelchair lift-equipped buses purchased. |
| 701-773 | 1986 | OBI/BIA | 01.508 "Orion I" | w/d | Buses 703, 756, 768 and 772 were sold to RGRTA; buses 720, 729, 741 and 757 were sold to Broome County Transit; 723 sold to City of Poughkeepsie Transit. First buses equipped with interior "Stop Requested" sign when bell is pulled. |
| 801-816 | 1988 | OBI/BIA | 01.508 "Orion I" | w/d | First electronic "flip-dot" destination signs. |
| 851-852 | 1988 | OBI/BIA | 01.502 "Orion I" | w/d | Used on 29-Wohlers route. Last buses purchased with "curtain" style destination roll signs. 30' long |
| 861-867 | 1990 | OBI/BIA | 01.507 "Orion I" | w/d | 861-862 were assigned to Main/Michigan for 29-Wohlers route. 863-867 were assigned to Frontier for use in Niagara Falls. 35' long |
| 901-912 | 1989 | OBI/BIA | 01.508 "Orion I" | w/d | First buses with "air ride" drivers seats. |
| 921-925 | 1990 | OBI/BIA | 01.508 "Orion I" | w/d | Last OBI I buses. Bus 925 was fitted with "hopper" type windows rather than sliding windows. First buses, along with 861-867 with fabric covered inserts in the passenger seats. |
| 1001-1011 | 2010 | Gillig | Low Floor T40 Hybrid | CS | Diesel-Electric Entered service April 1, 2010 All 1000-series buses mark a return to full fiberglass passenger seating. Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. 1005 retired 2025 |
| 1012-1065 | 2010 | Gillig | Low Floor T40 Diesel | CS: 12-19, BW: 20-65 | First buses delivered that met EPA 2010 Emissions standards. Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. 1047 w/d from service 1012-1027 shifted from active to contingency status. |
| 1066-1067 | 2010 | Gillig | Low Floor T40 Trolley Replica | Fr | Initially offered in 29 or 35 feet, the NFTA was the first agency to receive the 40' version. Primarily used for the 55T Niagara Falls tourist line, but are also occasionally used on regular NFTA routes, especially during the winter. Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. |
| 1101-1130 | 2011 | Gillig | Low Floor T40 Hybrid | CS | Diesel-Electric Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. 1130 came equipped with a Voith transmission, which allowed for conversion to full diesel. 1106 retired 2024 |
| 1201-1214 | 2012 | Gillig | Low Floor T40 Hybrid | BW: 01-12 CS: 13,14 | Diesel-Electric Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. 1201-1213 came equipped with Allison B500 transmissions. 1214 came equipped with a Voith transmission. |
| 1301-1304 | 2013 | Gillig | Low Floor T40 Trolley Replica | Fr | Primarily used for the 55T Niagara Falls tourist line, but are also occasionally used on regular NFTA routes, especially during the winter. Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. |
| 1501-1520 | 2015 | Nova | LFS CNG | Fr | First buses equipped with driver partition door that allows for full enclosure if desired. Currently the NFTA is the only transit agency in the United States to use the buses. CNG buses. First fleet to use LED headlights. Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. 1502 involved in head on crash in 2024. Out of service |
| 1601-1624 | 2016 | Nova | LFS CNG | Fr | Currently the NFTA is the only transit agency in the United States to use the buses. CNG buses. First fleet to use LED headlights. Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. |
| 1701-1716 | 2017 | Nova | LFS CNG | Fr | CNG Buses Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. |
| 1717-1724 | 2017 | Nova | LFS Diesel | CS | Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. |
| 1801-1816 | 2018 | Nova | LFS CNG | FR | CNG Buses Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. New sign graphics distinguished by broader lettering and four digit block signs |
| 1817-1824 | 2018 | Nova | LFS Diesel | BW | Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. New sign graphics distinguished by broader lettering and four digit block signs |
| 1901-1923 | 2019 | Nova | LFS CNG | Fr | Equipped with new Quantum wheelchair restraint systems and second message sign. |
| 2001-2021 | 2000 | Nova | LFS Diesel | w/d | First "Low Floor" buses for NFTA. First buses delivered in the blue-silver "wave" livery. First production buses able to announce major stops along route. Bicycle racks were installed on buses in 2015. 2021 was withdrawn after a collision with a pick-up truck that caused extensive damage to the driver's side. 2008 withdrawn after fatal accident caused extensive damage to front end of bus. Retired as of 2022 |
| 2101-2141 | 2001 | Gillig | Advantage T40 | w/d | First buses to be equipped with amber colored LED destination signs. Bicycle racks were installed on buses in 2013. 2102, 2103, 2104 and 2105 were withdrawn due to structural issues. 2115 was withdrawn after catching fire on the corner of Walden Avenue and Hoerner Avenue. 2118 was withdrawn after catching fire in front of East High School. The same fire that caused 2118 to be withdrawn also destroyed bus 9538. Retired as of 2022 |
| 2201-2242 | 2002 | Gillig | Advantage T40 | w/d | Bicycle racks were installed on buses in 2013. Retired as of 2023 |
| 2251-2260 | 2022 | NFI | Xcelsior XE40 | CS | First 10 full electric buses.. First buses with new livery |
| 2261-2270 | 2022 | Nova | LFS Diesel | BW | New Driver Window eliminates dangerous blind spot |
| 2301-2314 | 2023 | NFI | Xcelsior XE40 | CS | First buses since 1996 not to be equipped with rear destination sign in process of delivery |
| 2315-2324 | 2023 | Nova | LFS Diesel | BW | First buses since 1996 not to be equipped with rear destination sign |
| 2401-2422 | 2004 | Gillig | Advantage T29 | w/d | Currently these are the only 29-foot (8.8 m) buses in the fleet. First buses fitted with front bicycle racks, which were equipped with the buses. Retired as of 2023 |
| 2451-2463 | 2024 | NFI | XcelsiorXE40 | CS | In process of delivery |
| 2464-2473 | 2024 | Nova | LFS Diesel | BW | In process of Delivery Last New Novas purchased from the Plattsburgh, NY plant as NovaBus is ceasing operations in the US as of 2025 |
| 2501-2515 | 2005 | Gillig | Advantage T40 | w/d | 2505 removed from revenue service and converted to a training bus used at public events. Renumbered as 1581 2506 was withdrawn after being involved in accident with a tractor-trailer that severely damaged its frame. Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. Retired as of 12/15/2023. |
| 2601-2630 | 2006 | Gillig | Advantage T40 Hybrid | w/d | First batch of "Hybrid" buses, using combination diesel/electric technology. Energy is returned to batteries during braking. Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. Retired as of November 2024 |
| 2701-2713 | 2007 | Gillig | Advantage T40 Hybrid | w/d | Diesel-Electric 2709 retired July 2023 Fleet came equipped with bicycle racks. Last NFTA buses with padded seats. Retired as of November 2024 |
| 3001-3012 | 1975 | HP | TC-31B "Twin Coach" | w/d | First buses equipped with wheelchair lifts. |
| 3051-3063 | 1976 | GMC | S8H-5304A | w/d | Suburban (front door only) configuration used on suburban services. High back vinyl seats, raised floor and overhead baggage racks. |
| 4001-4070 | 1975–1976 | AMG | 9640A "Metropolitan" | w/d | Remainder of buses retired prematurely due to serious structural issues, and were replaced temporarily in 1987 with surplus Flxible buses from Rochester and GMC RTS-01 series buses from Dallas. |
| 4071-4099 | 1975–1976 | AMG | 9635A "Metropolitan" | w/d | Remainder of buses retired prematurely due to serious structural issues, and were replaced temporarily in 1987 with surplus Flxible buses from Rochester and GMC RTS-01 series buses from Dallas. |
| 5001-5065 | 1978–1979 | GMC | T8H-603 "RTS-03" | w/d | The NFTA was the first recipient of this model; were serial numbers 001-065. |
| 5066-5078 | 1980 | GMC | T8H-603 "RTS-03" | w/d | First order of buses with installed wheelchair lifts (at rear of bus), following new Federal ADA compliance laws for all new bus purchases. Last buses with yellow/black/white livery. |
| 6001-6110 | 1983 | GMC | T8J-604 "RTS-04" | w/d | First buses with earth tone (orange/gold/brown) livery. |
| 6200-6244 | 1957 | Mack | C49-DT | w/d | Former Niagara Frontier Transit System buses |
| 6300-6359 | 1958 | Mack | C49-DT | w/d | Former Niagara Frontier Transit System buses First order built with Mack "New Look" front. |
| 7001-7030 | 1954 | GMC | TDH-5106 | w/d | Former Niagara Frontier Transit Buses |
| 7100-7114 | 1957 | GMC | TDH-5106 | w/d | Former Niagara Frontier Transit buses |
| 7401-7459 | 1960–1961 | GMC | TDH-5301 | w/d | Former Niagara Frontier Transit System buses |
| 7501-7549 | 1963 | GMC | TDH-5304 | w/d | Former Niagara Frontier Transit System buses |
| 7600-7684 | 1966 | GMC | TDH-5304 | w/d | Former Niagara Frontier Transit System buses |
| 7685-7719 | 1967 | GMC | TDH-5304 | w/d | Former Niagara Frontier Transit System buses |
| 7720-7794 | 1968 | GMC | T6H-5306 | w/d | Former Niagara Frontier Transit System buses 7754 retained as "heritage" bus |
| 9301-9375 | 1993-1994 | NFI | D40HF | w/d | 9312 was withdrawn in 1999 after being involved in a deadly accident with a construction truck in front of the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. 9318 was painted in International Railway Company colors: dark green with cream and rust accents and gold crest logo and the name "INTERNATIONAL" on the sides; later repainted in the blue/silver livery. Retired by the end of 2010. |
| 9501-9567 | 1995 | AI | 416 | w/d | Built in early 1996. Retired in 2011-12. 9538 was withdrawn after 2118 caught fire in front of it and it spread to the bus in front of East High School. |
| 9601-9641 | 1996 | Nova | TC40-102A "Classic" | w/d | 9604 was the last high floor bus to be retired as of 5 July 2016. Last high floor buses ever ordered. |

## Abbreviations

A: Manufacturer :
| AI | American Ikarus | Anniston, Alabama |
| AMG | AM General | South Bend, Indiana |
| Flx | The Flxible Company | Loudonville, Ohio |
| Gillig | Gillig Corporation | Hayward, California |
| GMC | General Motors Corporation | Pontiac, Michigan |
| HP | Highway Products, Inc. | Kent, Ohio |
| Mack | Mack Trucks | Allentown, Pennsylvania |
| MCI | Motor Coach Industries | Roswell, New Mexico |
| NFI | New Flyer Industries | Winnipeg, Manitoba |
| Nova | NovaBus Corporation | Saint-Eustache, Quebec |
| OBI/BIA | Orion Bus Industries/Bus Industries of America | Oriskany, New York |
| TCC | Tokyu Car Corporation | Yokohama, Japan |
B: Division assigned :
| BW | Babcock/William |
| CS | Cold Spring (Main/Michigan) |
| Fr | Frontier (Kenmore/Military) |
| SP | South Park |
| w/d | withdrawn |