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44 Town of Aurora Transit Service the station on December 31, 1973, marking the end of over a century of commuter rail service in East The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Aurora. Today, the historic station building has been provides transit service to Erie County with one bus repurposed and operates as Riley Street Station, a route serving the Town of Aurora. The 70 route (East gastropub that preserves and celebrates the rich Aurora Express) is an express route that operates railroad heritage of East Aurora. Existing Amtrak between Downtown Buffalo and East Aurora. This services are available nearby in the City of Buffalo or route runs only on weekdays and arrives in the the Village of Depew. Village four times per day, twice in the morning at 7:08 am and 7:43 am, and twice in the evening at According to the United States Department of 4:40 pm and 5:10 pm. This route reaches the Town Transportation, there is one active rail line in the via the Maple Street exit on NYS Interstate 400, Town of Aurora. The Buffalo Line is the main line Continuing through the Village via Maple Street rail owned by the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad. again. Bus stops within the Town are both located There are nine over-grade crossings, four at-grade on Maple and Main Street. crossings, and two under-grade crossings in the town and village. The Going Places Transportation Program is a program provided by the Erie County Department In May 2020, a significant train derailment occurred of Senior Services. This service provides van in the Village of East Aurora. A freight train operated transportation for health-related services, food and by Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad derailed near nutrition, personal business, and social activities, Main Street and Riley Street, resulting in 15 cars and is available Tuesday through Friday (except leaving the tracks. Fortunately, there were no holidays) to Town of Aurora residents over the age injuries reported among the crew or residents, of 62. This program has a suggested donation of and no substantial damage to nearby structures. $8 per person each way; however, donations are The derailment led to the evacuation of 41 homes confidential. as a precautionary measure due to a diesel fuel spill from the locomotive. Investigations revealed Rural Transit Service (RTS) is a non-profit that the incident was caused by a track crew transportation service that provides transportation leaving a siding switch unlocked, which allowed to senior citizens, low/moderate income individuals the switch to move and misalign the tracks. This and clients with disabilities. Eligible residents are event highlighted concerns about rail safety in the transported to dialysis clinics, medical offices, community, especially regarding the transportation physical therapy, pharmacies, colleges, workplaces, of hazardous materials. senior centers, nutrition sites, adult day cares, grocery stores, banks, salons/barbers, etc., with Air Travel medical trips taking priority. The Rural Transit vans run between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday The Town of Aurora does not have its own airport. through Friday, except holidays. Rural Transit riders Residents typically rely on nearby airports for air are not required to contribute to services utilized travel. The closest major airport is Buffalo Niagara through RTS, although donations are accepted and International Airport (BUF), situated approximately encouraged. 17 miles from Aurora. The airport offers numerous daily flights to various destinations and serves as the Railroads primary hub for travelers in the region. The Town of Aurora, particularly the Village of East For general aviation, several smaller airports are Aurora, has a rich history of commuter rail service accessible within a reasonable distance: dating back to the 19th century. Initial proposals for a rail line from Buffalo to East Aurora emerged • Buffalo Airfield (9G0): Located in West Seneca, as early as April 1832 by the Buffalo and Aurora this public-use airport is approximately 6 miles Railroad Company. However, due to economic southeast of downtown Buffalo. challenges, the project was delayed. It wasn’t until • Akron Airport (9G3): Situated near Akron, New December 23, 1867, that the first passenger train York, this privately owned, public-use airport is arrived in East Aurora under the direction of the about 12 miles northeast of Aurora. Buffalo & Washington Railroad Company, which later became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad. • Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport (BQR): Found near Lancaster, New York, this public- At its peak, Riley Street Station in East Aurora saw use airport is approximately 3 miles northeast 18 passenger trains daily, serving approximately 300 of Lancaster and serves the surrounding passengers traveling to and from Buffalo. However, communities. with the rise of automobile travel, demand for rail services declined. The last passenger train departed These facilities primarily accommodate private pilots and small aircraft operations.