2024 Transit On-Board Survey

Between September and November of 2024, the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC) along with Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), with consultant support, conducted a regional transit on-board survey of all NFTA metro bus and rail services. The purpose of the survey was to better develop customer profiles for transit agency planning and marketing purposes, provide various fare media and transfer activity for analysis, provide insights on transit riders, and meet FTA Title VI requirements. Data from the survey will also be used to inform GBNRTC’s travel models.

What is an on-board survey?

An on-board survey is a study of how people use transit to travel in the Buffalo-Niagara region. Questions focus on trip behavior and demographics. Survey responses help transit planners better understand travel patterns and transportation choices of transit riders. Data from the survey is used to plan transit infrastructure improvements as well as service modifications and expansion.

How often are on-board surveys conducted?

On-board surveys are typically conducted every three to five years. The region’s last survey was conducted in 2021. Since that time, travel patterns in our region have changed, prompting the need to review how transit riders use NFTA-Metro services.

Who participated in the survey?

The survey was conducted on all NFTA-Metro fixed bus routes and light rail. A total of 6,283 surveys were collected based on a targeted sample size of 11%.

What did we learn from the survey?

The data collected provides current information on travel patterns and demographics for transit riders as well as service characteristics. Some key statistics include:

  • 62,000 average weekday boardings

  • 35% of riders live in households with at least one vehicle

  • 65% of riders do not have a car in their household

  • 47% of riders have a valid driver's license

  • 53% of riders would take a ride-share/taxi service if NFTA service was not available

  • 70% of riders are currently employed

  • 22% of riders are currently unemployed

  • 7% of riders are either retired, a caregiver or homemaker

  • 26% of riders are students

  • 41% of riders live in households with an income less than $15,000 per year

Survey Documentation

The full report and executive summary may be downloaded using the links below.