Buffalo, NY — Canisius students now have free, unlimited access to all Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) buses and Metro Rail routes—a new benefit that expands student mobility across Buffalo and beyond during the academic school year.
The initiative, launched this fall, is part of a pilot partnership between Canisius University and the NFTA. It builds on the success of the NFTA’s College Riders Accessing Metro (CRAM) program and represents the next iteration of that effort. Canisius is among a select group of campuses helping test and refine this new model.
“This program is about access,” says Harold Fields, EdD, vice president for Student Affairs. “Transportation to campus is a crucial resource for student success. For students without consistent or reliable access to a car, this partnership helps fill that gap—ensuring everyone has a sustainable way to get to classes, work, and everything that enriches their Canisius experience.”
How It Works
Once enrolled in the program, students can simply tap their Canisius ID card on any NFTA fare reader to board. The pass covers all NFTA routes and vehicles—including those reaching suburban destinations and locations like the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport and the Niagara Falls Airport.
Students were invited to register their ID cards through the link shared in Today@Canisius. If a student hasn’t registered yet, they can still do so by clicking here. Passes are valid only during the academic year; they are inactive over summer break. Students enrolled in fully online programs are not eligible.
Before registering, students need to be sure their ID card includes a UID number (found on the back of the card, below the black stripe). If a card does not have a UID, students can request a free replacement for a limited time by clicking here.
Beyond the Commute
While many students will use the program as their primary transportation to and from campus, Fields and others hope it inspires broader exploration of the Buffalo-Niagara region.
“We’re excited to see students using this benefit to experience more of Buffalo—whether it’s attending Canisius hockey games at Harborcenter, visiting local museums, or joining off-campus service projects,” says Fields. “It’s an opportunity to make the city part of their Canisius education.”
A Gateway to Connection: Enhancing the Student Experience Through Free Transit Access
The new transit access also opens the door for greater engagement in academic and social opportunities. Faculty can more easily incorporate off-campus learning into courses, while student clubs can plan events without transportation costs or logistics posing a barrier.
“As more students take advantage of this program, it enhances campus life holistically,” Fields explains. “It creates opportunities for community, for learning, and for belonging.”
Canisius students are already seeing the benefits of the new NFTA access in their daily lives—from saving money on transportation to connecting more deeply with Buffalo’s vibrant culture, many say the NFTA partnership has opened up new opportunities.
“Having access to the NFTA has made getting around Buffalo a breeze and has saved me a lot of money on bus passes,” says Mo Hill ’28. “Free train access has allowed me to finally go to a Canisius hockey game, which I otherwise wouldn’t have done if I had to pay. This program allows me to branch out into the community more because I no longer have a restriction on where I can go.”
For Mikayla Boyd ’26, the new benefit has strengthened her connection to both the university and the city. “Having free access to NFTA buses and Metro Rail has allowed me to become more involved in Canisius athletics, especially attending hockey games at Harborcenter with other students,” she explains. “The passes make a world of difference when it comes to attending events together. I’ve seen Metro rides filled with Canisius students, which builds shared experiences and a stronger sense of community—not just on campus but throughout Buffalo.”
Junior Kaitlin O’Meara ’26 agrees, noting that the passes have transformed the student experience downtown. “With the new free Metro passes, it’s so much easier to navigate Buffalo and get around the city,” she says. “It’s made going to hockey games so much easier and less stressful. Last year, cost and inconsistencies with the Metro were a bit of a burden, but now it’s simple—and we’re seeing more people coming out to support C-Block and the Griffs.”
Graduate student Brandon Gaspar ’25 adds that the program enhances both convenience and community. “Having free access to NFTA buses and Metro Rail has changed the way I get around because it makes transportation more efficient—especially for my friends without cars,” he says. “It’s easier to go downtown, catch a hockey game, and not worry about expenses like parking.”
These first-hand experiences highlight how the new NFTA partnership is more than a transportation benefit—it fosters connection, community, and pride in Buffalo—while also advancing Canisius University’s ongoing commitment to student access and community engagement.
Questions?
Canisius students who have questions about the program are encouraged to contact @email. For a complete list of NFTA schedules and destinations, visit NFTA.com.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
