The GBNRTC is currently conducting an Urban Area Freight Study.
Purpose and Background of Study:
- Dramatic shift in economic base over past thirty years
- Freight transportation industry has adapted to the new economic environment
- Niagara Frontier continues to be a critical freight transportation hub
- The Port of Buffalo continues to play a critical role meeting the region’s freight transportation needs
- In recent years, significant modifications and improvements have been made to the freight network
- After several major mergers of the region’s rail system, there has been a major reduction of terminal operations
- We must meet changing transportation needs now and in the future
Goals and Objectives:
Work Tasks:
Describe the Existing Economy of the Niagara Frontier Region and the Relationship between the Niagara Frontier’s Freight Transportation System and its Economy, and Analyze Transportation’s Impact on Economic Growth.
Establish a Benchmark of Existing Freight Demand, Capacity and Operating Characteristics.
Determine Projected Freight Levels in the Niagara Frontier Region for Five-Year increments through 2025.
Estimate the Current Level of Cross-Border Trade Between the Niagara Frontier and Canada for Five-Year Increments Through 2025. Examine the Origin/Destination, Including Transshipment Points Near Border Areas of Cross Border Freight Movement.
Assess the Local Transportation System’s Ability to Accommodate Future Freight Growth.
Develop Project or Program Proposals that Address Future Freight Transportation Needs.
Provide an Analysis of Public vs. Private Benefits of the Proposals and a Sensitivity Analysis of Their Impact on the Future Economy of the Area.
Complete a terminal volume feasibility study which will look at the amount of overseas shipping containers arriving or departing the Buffalo/Niagara region via Canadian ports.
Prepare Final Report.
