Category: Transportation

Take the GoBNMC Commuter Survey Today!

by kbonaroin Biking, Community, Commuting, Electric Vehicle, Parking, Transportation

GoBNMC Commuter Survey

The BNMC team has launched our bi-annual GoBNMC commuter survey to help with transportation planning for our district. We use this data to continually expand and improve the many safe, cost-effective and accessible ways for everyone to get to work. This year, we’re also hoping to learn more about COVID-19’s current and future impacts on how employees and students choose to get to the Medical Campus.

Please fill out the survey by October 30th to be entered into our raffle to win 1 of 10 $25 gift certificates to the Neighborhood Explorer Business of your choice.

 

 

BNMC Offers Biking Perks for Campus Employees

by kbonaroin Employees, GO BNMC, Sustainability, Transportation

Free Reddy Bikeshare Memberships for Frontline Employees

Employees who work on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus can redeem a FREE annual pass to Reddy Bikeshare, courtesy of GOBNMC. New Reddy Bikeshare members can start by registering today at this link:  Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Employee Annual Pass.

For returning members, please email info@reddybikeshare.com to request to be re-subscribed for free. Provide your work email address as well as your account number and a Reddy Bikeshare representative will confirm your new subscription within 24 hours.

 

DETAILS

Members pay an additional $0.01/ minute to ride and must be 18 years of age or older. Employees must sign up using their work email address and a have a valid debit or credit card. Please note that parking fees and fines may still occur. The parking fee is $2.00 to end your trip anywhere outside of a Reddy Bikeshare station or free parking zone. End your trip at any other Reddy Bikeshare station at no extra cost.

The pass will allow you access to any one of 385 bikes in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, 24/7, April – mid November.

Pro Tips: 

  • Download the Social Bicycles wp-content and use it to locate bikes, or simply walk up to one and enter your account number and PIN. Unlock the bike, place the U-lock in the holster and ride! You can lock the bike to any other Reddy station, public bike rack, or secure public infrastructure at the end of your trip.
  • The seat adjusts to your height, and there are three gears on your right handle and a bell on your left, use them!
  • Press the “HOLD” button on the bike’s keypad before locking the bike in order to keep your bike reserved while you make stops along your trip.
  • Find Bounty Bikes to accrue credit. When you find a Reddy bike outside of a station, bring it back to a station for us and receive $1.00 in riding credit.

COVID-19 Update

Reddy Bikeshare is considered an essential service as a valuable transportation provider under Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s “New York on PAUSE” executive order and is available for users for essential travel only.

Reddy Fleet Team has increased bike cleaning and sanitation procedures.
Frequently touched surfaces like hand-grips, brake lever, seat and seat lever, U-locks and keypad, are undergoing more rigorous cleaning and disinfecting. Each bike is cleaned at least twice per week. Our Team is also taking additional precautions by wearing gloves and facial covers while they interact with bikes.

Hand Sanitizer Available

Courtesy of Independent Health, bikes are equipped with hand sanitizer for each rider to use before and after their trip, while supplies last.

Follow CDC and WHO recommended guidelines to stay safe and healthy.
While we will certainly do our best to disinfect bikes frequently, everyone should do their part to stay safe and healthy. Here’s some guidelines that have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization:

  • Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer
  • Provide your own personal cleaning and disinfecting measures as you see fit
  • Wear gloves to add an additional layer of protection, but remember to wash your hands before and after putting gloves on
  • Stay at home if you are sick
  • Avoid touching your face without first washing your hands
  • Avoid close contact with others

Visit reddybikeshare.com or e-mail info@reddybikeshare.com for more information.

Sign Up for BNMC’s Secure Bike Parking & Discounted GObike Buffalo Memberships

It’s the perfect time to ride! Don’t forget that the BNMC has two indoor secure bike parking locations on the Medical Campus – one at the 854 Ellicott St. parking garage and the other at Ellicott & Virginia Streets. The best part – we’re partnering with GObike Buffalo to offer you discounted memberships through the end of the summer using promo code 2020GOBNMC50. Sign up today at gobikebuffalo.org and be sure to select BNMC individual membership.

Details:

  • BNMC Individual Membership includes member-only access to secure bike parking at 854 Ellicott and Ellicott & Virginia Streets.
  • The discount cuts the BNMC Individual Membership price in half to $17.50.
  • The bike parking membership includes all of GObike’s general membership perks. All information for membership perks can be found here.

 

Grand Opening of New Indoor Bike Parking

by kbonaroin Biking, Commuting, GO BNMC, Healthy Communities, Sustainability, Transportation

Grand Opening of New Indoor Bike Parking

The team at BNMC, along with community partners, recently celebrated the grand opening of the new secure indoor bike parking at 854 Ellicott in conjunction with our annual Bike to Work Day breakfast celebration.

“We are proud to have built an active commuter-friendly culture on the Medical Campus,” said Matt Enstice, President & CEO, BNMC Inc. “We worked closely with our transportation partners to create the region’s first mobility hub here on the Medical Campus and we continue to improve our infrastructure and commuting options to ensure efficient, safe, and healthy ways for employees, patients, and visitors to access the Medical Campus.”

We have more than doubled the indoor bike parking available to employees who work on the Medical Campus, patients, and their families with the opening of new secure bike parking with lockers in the parking garage at 854 Ellicott, adjacent to Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo General Medical Center, and the Gates Vascular Institute.

There is space for 30 bikes in the new secure parking facility, an additional 36 spots for covered bike parking in the garage, and parking for 16 bikes right outside. In addition to 24 lockers for the cyclists to use, there is a bike vending machine stocked with bike-related amenities for commuters, including tubes, patch kits, and lights.

This adds to existing amenities, including the secure indoor bike parking with space for 15 bikes in a renovated shipping container and a bike fix-it station at the corner of Ellicott & Virginia Street that the BNMC Inc. installed in 2013. In addition, there are two Reddy Bikeshare stations with a total of 12 racks with bikes available for short term use, and free parking zone anywhere on the Medical Campus to allow users to park closer to their destination on any public rack or infrastructure without a fee.

The Medical Campus already has the densest bicycle parking in the City of Buffalo with 333 spaces (an increase of 100 spaces over last year) plus the secure bike parking. GObike Buffalo will manage the Campus-wide indoor parking as part of its longtime partnership with the BNMC.

The BNMC Inc. is the region’s leader in enhancing and marketing alternative commuting options to employees in its geography and has created the region’s first mobility hub on the Medical Campus. In addition to improving amenities for cyclists, the BNMC Inc. also works closely with the NFTA to increase service options, including extending bus lines to come into the Medical Campus. The organization also helped to design and implement the NFTA’s Corporate Pass Program, to incentivize more employees to take Metro Bus and Rail to work.

“As part of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, we’re thrilled at this initiative that promotes a safe and easy way for our employees to bike to work,” said Allegra Jaros, President at Oishei Children’s Hospital. “Increased secure bike parking for Kaleida Health employees and our patient families will hopefully create more bike commuters on the medical campus throughout the community.”

“Commuting by bicycle is an efficient, healthy, and community-minded way to get to work. Safe and secure bike parking at the workplace encourages more people to bicycle to work, so we’re pleased to operate BNMC’s bike parking facility as part of our citywide initiative, GO Buffalo Niagara, to help downtown commuters use means other than driving alone to get to work.” Justin Booth, executive director of GObike Buffalo.

“Reddy Bikeshare is proud to celebrate Bike to Work Day once again with the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus”, said Jennifer White, marketing and communications executive for Reddy Bikeshare. “Campus employees have really embraced the use of Reddy bikes to get to and from work, to go to lunch, and to incorporate some activity into their day. It’s great to work with like-minded partners who encourage people to choose healthier, greener options.”

Considering an electric car? Charge it on the Medical Campus!

by kbonaroin Electric Vehicles, Energy, Sustainability, Transportation

Considering an electric car? Charge it on the Medical Campus!

Many people are interested in electric vehicles because of their performance, as well as their environmental and consumer benefits. But knowing how and where to charge an EV can be confusing.

The good news is, charging an EV at home and on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is easy!

As someone who works on the Medical Campus, you are in luck – you can also charge at work! The BNMC team has installed EVCS in many of its parking garages and lots, including 12 dual charging stations at 854 Ellicott Street, ten ECVS at 134 High Street*, and four EVCS at 589 Ellicott*, plus two curbside stations across from the Innovation Center at 640 Ellicott Street*, with the ability to charge 40 vehicles at one time. View this map to see locations of our current charging stations.  * Scheduled to be upgraded in 2019.

We are committed to ensuring that our infrastructure supports sustainable transportation, everything from making it easy to charge electric vehicles, to installing hundreds of additional bike racks, to providing reduced-rate transit passes. We are building an innovation district known for accessible, environmentally-forward ways for everyone to get here.

All modern EVs sold in the U.S. use a standard charging port for Level I (120-volt) and Level II (240-volt) charging for EVs, the J1772 port. Most EV owners charge at home, either (a) using the plug that comes with the vehicle to plug into a normal 120 volt outlet to add around 5 miles of range per hour of charging, or (b) installing a 240-volt charger to add 10-25 miles of range per hour charging. There is also more public charging available than many people think. You can learn more about charging at home and on the go at drivegreen.nationalgridus.com/charging.

Considering getting an EV? Check out discounts from local dealers through the Drive Green with National Grid program at drivegreen.nationalgridus.com.

Did you know?  Upstate NY customers can reduce their costs with the voluntary time-of-use rate by charging their electric vehicle during the off-peak hours of 11pm to 7am. Most EVs can be easily programmed to charge during these hours using an onboard timer, mobile wp-content, outlet timer, or EV charging station.

This content is provided to the BNMC through our partnership with National Grid’s Drive Green program.

GOBNMC 101: So Many Ways to Get to Work on the Medical Campus!

by kbonaroin Commuting, Employees, Sustainability, Transportation

GOBNMC 101: So Many Ways to Get to Work on the Medical Campus!

 For people who work on the Medical Campus, there are plenty of ways to commute to work that are healthy, have less impact on the environment, and save you money!

The BNMC team coordinates the planning, development, and management of a multi-modal transportation system that provides safe and efficient access to the Campus, strives toward world-class customer service, enhances transportation options for the overall community, and supports an urban, walkable environment.

What does that mean to you, someone who is just trying to get to work, you ask?

Essentially it means that we want to create a healthier community while ensuring easy access for patients, employees & visitors to destinations on the Medical Campus. To do that, we work with many partners to continue to grow and improve the many transportation and commuting options. Sign up for any of our transportation programs at GoBNMC.org to discover your options and savings!

Commuting Options & GoBNMC Perks:

  • Public Transit: The newly renovated Allen Street/Medical Campus Subway station is located right on Campus inside the new Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The NFTA has also extended bus routes from the Southtowns to the Medical Campus with pick-up and drop-off locations at Carlton and Ellicott streets. Ask your employer about the BNMC corporate subsidy of at least $20 for monthly metro passes and pre-tax savings for transit to make it even more economical.
  • Carpool: If driving with one or more colleagues, you can take advantage of preferred parking spaces and a carpooling pass that allows you to split the cost of parking with up to four people. Pre-tax payroll deductions may make this even cheaper.
  • Bike: We more than doubled the number of bike racks across the Medical Campus in 2018 and we have secure bike storage with 24/7 member-only access at the corner of Ellicott and Virginia and soon to be open in the new garage at 854 Ellicott. Once the weather breaks (for good!) the Reddy Bike team will get the bike share program back in action. Stay tuned for the free annual membership code (available to everyone who works on the Medical Campus).
  • Need a ride after getting to the Medical Campus without a car? Take advantage of the Zipcar Carshare program to use a vehicle for a flat rate (includes gas & insurance). Free membership and discounted rates are available for Medical Campus employees. We also offer Guaranteed Rides Home through Lyft if something unexpected comes up and you need to be there quickly!
  • Walk: Enjoy the scenery and the health benefits by getting to Campus on your own two feet!

 

More People Taking Public Transit and Walking to Work on the BNMC Than Ever Before

by kbonaroin BNMC Team, Campus-wide, Commuting, Employees, Member Institution(s), Students, Transportation

More People Taking Public Transit and Walking to Work on the BNMC Than Ever Before

Percentage of Employees Driving Alone to Medical Campus Drops, NFTA Bus & Rail Numbers Increase as BNMC Expands Efforts to Provide Alternative Transportation Options

More than 15,000 people work and study across the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus each day. As this number has nearly doubled over the past decade, the BNMC team actively works to create a safe, accessible destination while building a sustainable transportation system for employees, neighbors, and the community.

BNMC’s most recent employee survey shows that the percentage of employees driving alone has dropped to 80%, down significantly from 88% in 2012 and 84% in 2016. The percentage of employees taking public transportation has increased to 11%, up from 4% in 2012 and 7% in 2016. The percentage of employees walking to work is at 4%, a substantial increase from 1% in both 2012 and 2016.

Every several years, the BNMC team works with our transportation partners within the BNMC institutions to survey employees on how they get to work.

“We are definitely pleased with the direction our numbers are heading. We work very closely with our regional transportation partners to create convenient, safe, and affordable options for employees, patients, and visitors to get to the BNMC,” said Bill Smith, BNMC’s director of access and transportation. “Most recently, we partnered with NFTA to establish and pilot the first Corporate Pass Program, which allowed employers to provide a less expensive option for employees interested in riding the light rail to work.”

Recent workforce data on the BNMC showed an increase of employees who live within the City of Buffalo and in particular within the zip codes touching the BNMC. Our team also works closely with leaders from the BNMC institutions’ human resources and hiring teams, to ensure that we are continuing to increase access to job opportunities on the BNMC. In 2017, one-third of the new hires in our larger institutions were from the surrounding neighborhoods, and nearly 40% live in the city.

Fall Safety Reminder

by kbonaroin Employees, Safety, Transportation

The days are getting shorter, and before we know it, snow will be falling and holiday tunes will be inescapable. With the change of the season upon us,  it’s good timing to practice thoughtful parking lot safety. Although the distractions are tempting, try to avoid texting, listening to music, or talking on the phone when walking to and from your car. Looking down or wp-contentearing preoccupied can make you easily targetable.
Here are some important tips and reminders to stay safe this season:

  1. Don’t leave gifts or valuables visible
  2. Be cautious and aware of your surroundings when walking in the parking lot – keeping your head up and shoulders back
  3. Don’t assume drivers can see you, even when you see them
  4. Remember to wear proper footwear especially when it’s snowing and the grounds are slick
  5. Consider buddying up or walking in groups
  6. Walk in well-lit areas

Infrastructure Improvement Alert!

by kbonaroin Employees, Infrastructure, Transportation

The City of Buffalo will be paving the following streets on the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus from Monday, October 8ththrough Friday, October 12th. There will be no parking on these blocks beginning 10/8 at 12:01am. Work is anticipated to take a week (weather permitting). Traffic will be maintained via flag persons. The impacted blocks are: High Street from Main to Ellicott, Washington Street from High to Virginia, and Virginia Street from Ellicott to Michigan. Employees are asked to please take other routes through the Medical Campus if possible to ensure ease of patients and visitors in getting to their destination.
PLEASE NOTE: Asphalt is placed at temperatures in the 240-270 degrees Fahrenheit range. For your safety, please avoid stepping onto freshly placed asphalt!

BNMC Joins Auto, Utility, Labor & Environment Leaders Unveiling Report Charting Path to Cut Transportation Energy Use in Half

by kbonaroin Electric Vehicles, Energy, Innovation, Sustainability, Transportation

BNMC Joins Auto, Utility, Labor & Environment Leaders Unveiling Report Charting Path to Cut Transportation Energy Use in Half

Matthew K. Enstice, BNMC CEO, Serving on National Commission Launching Campaign to Capitalize on New Technologies and Huge Economic Opportunities to Save Energy

WASHINGTON – September 26, 2018 –A prominent national transportation commission, including the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), released a new report today and launched a campaign to cut U.S. transportation energy use by 50 percent by 2050 (dubbed the “50×50” goal) while also improving mobility. Read the column on this initiative in today’s Buffalo News.

Amid rapidly evolving transportation trends like ride-sharing, electrification, autonomous vehicles, and other technologies, the Alliance to Save Energy’s 50×50 Commission on U.S. Transportation Sector Efficiency issued consensus recommendations calling on policymakers – at all levels of government – to act urgently in a coordinated manner to lead a successful energy efficiency transformation of the transportation sector.

“As the U.S. transportation system continues to evolve, it is critical that we develop an integrated, leading-edge wp-contentroach connecting technology, urban planning, and optimization,” said Matthew K. Enstice, CEO, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. “Our goal is to improve broad community access to an equitable and sustainable transportation system, with an eye on reducing energy use and meeting future mobility needs. From supporting infrastructure and technology to increase electric vehicle use and piloting autonomous vehicles to integrating artificial intelligence and improving streetscape design, we are building the system of the future.”

The 50×50 Commission is a diverse coalition of leading vehicle manufacturers, utilities, environmental and consumer groups, unions, technology companies, and public officials, including Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto (D) and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price (R). The group says the U.S. could fall behind foreign competitors if federal, state, and local policymakers don’t act to adopt the policy recommendations.

Transportation represents roughly one-third of U.S. energy consumption and recently displaced electricity generation as the leading source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also the second biggest daily expense for American families. Demand for transportation services is set to rise significantly in the future, potentially increasing congestion on U.S. roads, and putting more stress on the already overburdened public transportation systems. But these challenges can be overcome. The 50×50 Commission united to develop a policy agenda that seizes the opportunities of new transportation technologies and business models to transform mobility for passengers and goods while using energy more efficiently.

“Right now, we have the chance to shape the future for the better, achieving multiple goals at once. We can simultaneously unlock innovation and new technologies and make mobility easier, faster, and better, all while using dramatically less energy,” said Jason Hartke, president of the Alliance to Save Energy, which convened the Commission. “Charting the right path now will help us avoid unpredictable fuel costs, rising greenhouse gas emissions, and lost American competitiveness. These policy recommendations set the course to make transportation more accessible and convenient for all while cutting our energy use dramatically.”

The Commission’s report, released at a forum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning, provides recommendations to policymakers focused on three themes, including:

Transform. Policymakers should not only seek to enhance the energy efficiency of vehicles and components, but also to capitalize on new technologies to transition to an efficient, integrated, and improved “transportation services” model. Transportation services should be allocated efficiently, affordably, and effectively according to geographic and service needs, with policies encouraging consumers to select the most efficient transportation modes.

Innovate. The U.S. should prioritize its leadership in pursuing research, development, deployment, and demonstration for efficient transportation innovation opportunities. Congress and federal agencies should continue to support the development of electric vehicles, which are currently the most efficient vehicles on the market. Federal agencies should maximize their impact through measures including public-private partnerships that stimulate research into market-transformational technologies.

Invest. Policymakers should focus on improving the efficiency of all vehicle types by promoting fuel economy standards and accelerating vehicle turnover and incentivizing the deployment of and infrastructure for energy-efficient vehicles, especially electric vehicles (battery-electric vehicles and hydrogen electric vehicles), plug-in and non-plug in hybrid vehicles, and highly efficient vehicles running on renewable natural gas. Policymakers should support electric vehicles, which are highly efficient, through standardization of adaptors and customer experience, the promotion of practices to ensure optimal grid stability, and the redesign of the Highway Trust Fund to ensure the growth of efficient vehicles is balanced with equitably-funded infrastructure investments. Such solutions should take equity and jobs into account by ensuring low-income and under-served consumers have access to improved mobility and ensuring a well-prepared workforce through the sector’s transitions.

The 50×50 Commission includes Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America (co-chair); Dean Seavers, President, US, National Grid (co-chair); Melissa E. Adams, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, WGL Holdings/Washington Gas; John Di Stasio, President, Large Public Power Council; Bruce Edelston, VP, Energy Policy, Southern Company; Matt Enstice, President & CEO, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus; Jack Gillis, Executive Director, Consumer Federation of America; Thomas R. Kuhn, President, Edison Electric Institute; Eric J. McCarthy, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Public Policy and Legal Affairs, Proterra; Arlen Orchard, CEO & GM, Sacramento Municipal Utility District; Giovanni Palazzo, CEO, Electrify America; Thomas S. Passek, President, Copper Development Association; Gil C. Quiniones, President & CEO, New York Power Authority; Norman Saari, Commissioner, Michigan Public Service Commission; Kevin B. Self, SVP of Strategy, Business Develop & Government Relations, Schneider Electric; Paul Skoutelas, President & CEO, American Public Transportation Association; Lonnie Stephenson, International President, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Rhea Suh, President, Natural Resources Defense Council; Dan Turton, VP, North America Public Policy, General Motors; Bert Van Hoof, Partner – Group Program Manager, Microsoft; Ted Walker, Managing Director, Navigant; and Greg White, Executive Director, National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

The Commission’s recommendations were informed by the work of more than 100 experts from across the country serving on technical committees. The committees issued five “sector baseline” reports evaluating a wide range of transportation sectors and technologies. The technical committees were chaired by Robert Chapman, Vice President, Energy and Environment, Electric Power Research Institute; Robert Horton, Vice President, Environmental Affairs, DFW International Airport; Roy Kuga, Vice President, Grid Integration & Innovation, PG&E Corporation; Dr. Philip Lavrich, Director, Strategy and Advanced Technologies, Ingersoll Rand; and Patricia Monahan, Program Director, Transportation, Energy Foundation.

The 50×50 Commission’s full report and biographical information for all Commissioners is available at: www.50x50transportation.org. Quotes from Commissioners and Technical Committee Chairs are included below, followed by press contacts for all Commission organizations.

About the BNMC

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC) is a multi-anchor social enterprise focused on driving innovation in partnership with our community. As the non-profit charged with addressing shared issues among our member institutions, the BNMC plays a significant role in driving positive change that builds a vibrant, innovative environment. We focus on improving infrastructure, managing our transportation system, creating a culture of health and wellbeing, driving innovation, and working with our partners to continue to build an innovative district that reflects the best of our community. Learn more at bnmc-old.local.

About the Alliance to Save Energy

Founded in 1977, the Alliance to Save Energy is a nonprofit, bipartisan alliance of business, government, environmental and consumer leaders working to expand the economy while using less energy. Our mission is to promote energy productivity worldwide – including through energy efficiency – to achieve a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and greater energy security, affordability and reliability.

Contact: Kari Bonaro, BNMC, kbonaro@bnmc-old.local, 202-904-7034

BNMC Stands with National Coalition in Announcing Policy Recommendations to Transform, Innovate and Invest to Reduce Transportation Energy Consumption in the US

by kbonaroin Energy, Innovation, Sustainability, Technology, Transportation

BNMC Stands with National Coalition in Announcing Policy Recommendations to Transform, Innovate and Invest to Reduce Transportation Energy Consumption in the US

A prominent national transportation commission, including the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), released a new report today and launched a campaign to cut U.S. transportation energy use by 50 percent by 2050 (dubbed the “50×50” goal) while also improving mobility.

Amid rapidly evolving transportation trends like ride-sharing, electrification, autonomous vehicles, and other technologies, the Alliance to Save Energy’s 50×50 Commission on U.S. Transportation Sector Efficiency issued consensus recommendations calling on policymakers – at all levels of government – to act urgently in a coordinated manner to lead a successful energy efficiency transformation of the transportation sector.

“As the U.S. transportation system continues to evolve, it is critical that we develop an integrated, leading-edge wp-contentroach connecting technology, urban planning, and optimization,” said Matthew K. Enstice, CEO, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. “Our goal is to improve broad community access to an equitable and sustainable transportation system, with an eye on reducing energy use and meeting future mobility needs. From supporting infrastructure and technology to increase electric vehicle use and piloting autonomous vehicles to integrating artificial intelligence and improving streetscape design, we are building the system of the future.”

The BNMC is part of a diverse national coalition of stakeholders – including automakers, technology companies, utilities, mayors, environmental and labor leaders – dedicated to setting a policy agenda to reach these goals. Matt Enstice is a founding member of the coalition established in November 2017. Read the BNMC’s press release on the recommendations and the column in the Buffalo News about its importance.

The BNMC received the EE Visionary Americas Award from the Alliance to Save Energy in 2012, one of four international leaders in energy to receive prestigious awards from the global organization that year.

BNMC to Host NYSERDA Electric Vehicle Ride + Drive Event

by kbonaroin Campus-wide, Community, Electric Vehicles, Employees, Energy, Healthy Communities, Innovation, Neighbors, Sustainability, Transportation

Curious about what it is like to drive an electric vehicle (EV)?

Come experience the quiet, fast, and smooth ride for yourself!

Join us at the NYSERDA EV Ride & Drive event to test drive a variety of electric vehicles and learn about available savings and incentives! This free event is open to employees who work on the BNMC and members of the community.

Date: Thursday, September 20th

Time: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM

Place: 589 Ellicott St. (parking lot)

The BNMC was the region’s earliest adopter of electric vehicle charging station infrastructure, installing 21 units in 2011. Currently there are 46  stations across the Medical Campus, making it even easier for employees, visitors, and neighbors to “green” their commute using electric vehicles.

BNMC Celebrates Dump the Pump Day on June 21st

by kbonaroin Biking, Buffalo, Commuting, Employees, Event, GO BNMC, Healthy Communities, Sustainability, Transportation

Join the BNMC for our annual Dump the Pump Day celebration on Thursday, June 21st!
Dump the Pump Day is a nationally recognized day to encourage people to travel around their cities in a way that supports and raises awareness for the benefits of sustainable transportation. Ride to work on public transit, bike, join a carpool, or walk to reduce fossil fuel emissions and your carbon footprint.

The BNMC will be hosting a celebration for employees and neighbors who “dump the pump” for the day, June 21st from 8:00 – 10:00 AM, at Allen/Medical Campus Metro Rail Station. There will be live music and free coffee for everyone who takes the pledge!

Take the Dump The Pump pledge and remember that when it comes to bettering the environment every little bit counts!

Collaboration Among Our Transportation Partners

by kbonaroin Biking, Commuting, Employees, Sustainability, Transportation

Check out our Bike to Work Day video that captures the celebration and highlights the important collaboration among our many transportation partners, including GObike Buffalo, Reddy Bikeshare, NFTA, The City Of Buffalo Department of Public Works, NYSDOT, NITTEC, Greater Buffalo-Niagara Regional Transportation Council, and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Together we’re building a healthier & more active community!

BNMC Drives Smart Infrastructure on Main Street

by kbonaroin Buffalo, Technology, Transportation

BNMC Drives Smart Infrastructure on Main Street

See what we did there?! Our transportation team is working with the City of Buffalo and other partners to ensure the redevelopment of Main Street along the BNMC integrates smart transportation infrastructure and technology. We received$75,000 in funding from NYSERDA to support this effort, as featured in the Buffalo News recently.  The Smart Corridor Plan will focus on opportunities for improving multi-modal traffic efficiency, emissions reduction, access and mobility, and safety by incorporating leading-edge technology such as Internet of Things sensors, artificial intelligence, and streetscape design in the corridor’s transportation system. Design elements and technology improvements to be considered are wireless communications; sensing technologies; dynamic traffic control and crossing signalization; smart parking technologies; transit technologies including real time data and systems coordination; and renewable energy and energy efficiency wp-contentlications. Specific recommendations and anticipated costs for improvements to the City’s central thoroughfare between Goodell Street and Humboldt Parkway will be included. Stay tuned for more information as we begin the study.

Employees Invited to Share Commuting Story!

by kbonaroin Employees, GO BNMC, Sustainability, Transportation, Wellness

Do you carpool with a friend, take the subway or bus to work? Do you walk, bike, or run here? We want to hear your commuting story! There are a thousand ways to get to the BNMC—what’s your mode?
Email us at gobnmc@bnmc-old.local with the following information for a chance to be featured in our upcoming transportation campaign.

  • Name
  • Employer
  • Mode of transport
  • Sentence or two on why you love your commute!

Thanks for sharing your story with us! We’ll be in touch soon.

Change Up Your Commute this Spring!

by kbonaroin Campus-wide, Commuting, Employees, GO BNMC, Healthy Communities, Transportation

Change Up Your Commute this Spring!

It might not feel like spring quite yet, but pretty soon the weather will turn and it’ll be time to dust off your bicycle and break out your walking shoes. As an employee on the BNMC, there are plenty of ways to commute to work that are not only healthy, but have less impact on the environment, and can save you money!

With a focus on creating a healthy community, our GoBNMC program encourages the use of fewer single-driver cars on and to Campus. Sign up for any of our transportation programs at GoBNMC.org to discover options and savings!

Commuting Options & GoBNMC Perks:

  • Public Transit: The newly renovated Allen Street Subway station is located right on Campus inside the new Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The NFTA has also extended bus routes from the Southtowns to the Medical Campus with pick-up and drop-off locations at Carlton and Ellicott streets. Ask your employer about the BNMC corporate subsidy of at least $20 for monthly metro passes and pre-tax savings for transit to make it even more economical.
  • Carpool: If driving with one or more colleagues, you can take advantage of preferred parking spaces and a carpooling pass that allows you to split the cost of parking with up to four people (only one car can park at any given time).  Pre-tax payroll deductions may make this even cheaper.
  • Bike: We have plenty of bike racks on Campus and bike storage with 24/7 member-only access at the corner of Ellicott and Virginia. Need to get to a meeting or make a quick trip for lunch or errands? Grab one of the many Reddy Bikes on Campus at your convenience! Annual memberships are free for Medical Campus employees with the promo code GOBNMC2017 at reddybikeshare.com.
  • Need a ride after getting to campus without a car? Take advantage of the Zipcar Carshare program to use a vehicle for a flat rate (includes gas & insurance). Free membership and discounted rates are available for Medical Campus employees. We also offer Guaranteed Ride Home if something unexpected comes up and you need to be there quickly!
  • Walk: Enjoy the scenery and the health benefits by getting to Campus on two feet!

BNMC to Explore Ways to Create Greener, Safer and More Accessible Main Street Through Smart Infrastructure

by kbonaroin BNMC Team, Healthy Communities, Infrastructure, News, Technology, Transportation

BNMC to Explore Ways to Create Greener, Safer and More Accessible Main Street Through Smart Infrastructure

When the City of Buffalo begins its $13 million streetscape improvement project on Main Street this spring, the BNMC team will work alongside them to identify opportunities for integrating smart transportation infrastructure and technology into the design to create a greener, safer, and more efficient streetscape ready for future transportation advancements.

The Smart Corridor Plan will focus on opportunities for improving multi-modal traffic efficiency, emissions reduction, access and mobility, and safety by incorporating leading-edge technology such as Internet of Things sensors, artificial intelligence, and streetscape design in the corridor’s transportation system. Design elements and technology improvements to be considered are wireless communications; sensing technologies; dynamic traffic control and crossing signalization; smart parking technologies; transit technologies including real time data and systems coordination; and renewable energy and energy efficiency wp-contentlications. Specific recommendations and anticipated costs for improvements to the City’s central thoroughfare between Goodell Street and Humboldt Parkway will be included.

The BNMC received $75,000 in funding for the project from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and New York State Department of Transportation.

All Aboard! Connecting People to Places on the BNMC

by kbonaroin Employees, GO BNMC, Transportation

All Aboard! Connecting People to Places on the BNMC

Getting around the BNMC just got easier! We recently launched the Discovery & Link shuttles, allowing worry-free transportation for employees from their car to their destination. With the temperatures regularly below freezing this winter, our shuttles eliminate cold, snowy walks and provide (car) door-to- (workplace) door service! The Discovery shuttle route goes around the BNMC, stopping at Conventus, UB Jacobs School of Medicine, Oishei Children’s Hospital, Buffalo Medical Group, Allen/Medical Campus NFTA station, and parking lots at 1145 Main Street, 980 Ellicott Street and 589 Ellicott Street. The Link shuttle runs from the Gallagher Lot at the old Children’s Hospital to the new Oishei Children’s Hospital and the UB Jacobs School of Medicine. The schedule for both shuttles is located here.

What’s next for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus?

by kbonaroin BNMC Team, Buffalo, Business Development, Campus-wide, Career Opportunities, Children's Hospital, Community, Construction, Development, Employees, Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurship, Environment, Expats, Health care, Healthy Communities, Infrastructure, Innovation, Innovation Center, Member Institution(s), News, Students, Technology, Transportation, Workforce and Procurement, Youth And Education

What’s next for the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus?

By Karen Robinson | The Buffalo News | Published | Updated

The newly opened $270 million John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital was a page turner in the latest chapter of the burgeoning downtown Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

So was the December opening of the University at Buffalo’s $375 million new home for its Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

The completion of the new projects mark a turning point for the 120-acre campus at the epicenter of Buffalo’s renaissance.

In 2002, the campus was in its infancy with just three companies. Now boasting 4.5 million square feet of development and $1.4 billion in investments, the campus has moved beyond just medical institutions. It has taken shape with a diverse mix of health care, life science and technology companies, becoming fertile ground for entrepreneurs and their startups.

There is still more to come.

Campus planners are aiming for BNMC to rival medical campuses in places like Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Among the next steps are strengthening ties with higher education and the private sectors.

“We are so well positioned with all the institutions and assets that are here and now want to embrace the excellent universities and colleges,” said Matthew K. Enstice, CEO and president of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Inc. “We plan to build out” – meaning renovate – “more space for them to have a location so they can interact and be a part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem that we have here.”

A big part of that vision is twp-contenting into local small and large companies, especially mature ones, and including them in the campus’ vision for its innovation district. “The world is changing so quickly in technology, that we’re putting a structure in place to help multiple, different companies innovate,” Enstice said.

Here’s what’s coming next on the Medical Campus:

• Design work is expected to start for renovation of existing buildings on the former Osmose Holdings site. In 2016, BNMC bought the 4.4-acre parcel, which is located at the northern edge of campus at Ellicott and Best streets and has parking for 200. It is expected to be a magnet for mature private-sector companies, along with universities and colleges, but will not be a second incubator, BNMC officials say.

• Ellicott Development Co. has a $4 million adaptive reuse development project underway at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, just north of the campus at Main and Best streets. To the south, Ellicott is planning a six-story retail and office building at 1091 Main St.

• Along the western edge of the campus, design work will begin for a redo of a critical stretch of Main Street from Goodell toward Canisius College. Meanwhile, a $7.5 million overhaul of Allen Street, including redesigned sidewalks and widened sections of the street, is expected to begin. Work will be done in phases, stretching from the eastern end of Allen toward Wadsworth.

• Workers will put the finishing touches on the exterior of UB’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, which opened to students earlier this month at 955 Main St. Final terra cotta panels are being installed on the Washington Street side of the building by spring. Most of the university’s labs are being moved in from mid-January through mid-March. With the medical school fully operational, 2,000 faculty, staff and students will be there daily.

• The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s newly renovated Allen Medical Campus Station has been integrated into the medical school. The station features “Gut Flora,” a colorful public art sculpture by Shasti O’Leary Soudant, and a newsstand opens this month. A one-block tunnel that serves as a pedestrian passageway to Washington Street will open beneath the medical school.

• The campus’ ninth pedestrian skybridge will be designed and constructed later in the year. It will span High Street, linking the Conventus medical office building to the UB Medical School. The new $1.5 million connector comes after three other skybridges just opened in November: one from Conventus to Oishei Children’s Hospital, another from Children’s Hospital to Buffalo General Medical Center/Gates Vascular Institute, and a third leading out the back of Children’s Hospital to a new parking ramp at 854 Ellicott St.

• By late May, the $40 million, 1,825-space parking ramp behind Oishei Children’s Hospital at 854 Ellicott will be completed. The top half of the eight-story ramp has been under construction since late 2017. The bottom half of the eight-story ramp opened Nov. 10 with Oishei Children’s Hospital.

• The 128,000-square-foot Thomas R. Beecher Innovation Center at 640 Ellicott St. will be completely full by the end of March.

BNMC to Create Smart Corridor for Main Street

by kbonaroin BNMC Team, Campus-wide, Community, Environment, Infrastructure, News, Technology, Transportation

Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) to Create Smart Corridor for Main Street

Plan to be developed to integrate smart transportation infrastructure and technology to create an innovative, greener, safer, and more accessible street

Buffalo, N.Y., January 11, 2018 – The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC) has received $75,000 in funding to develop an innovative solution for smart transportation infrastructure and technology, on Main Street along the BNMC, in downtown Buffalo. The BNMC project will complement the City of Buffalo’s ongoing Complete Streets initiative.

The project, Creating a Smart Corridor Plan for Main Street in Buffalo, N.Y., will focus on the current conditions, best practices and opportunities for improving energy efficiency, emissions reduction, access and mobility, and traffic safety on a densely populated section of Main Street. The study will result in specific recommendations and anticipated costs for improvements to the City’s central thoroughfare that runs from downtown, northeast to the City’s northern suburbs.

The study, which is being funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and New York State Department of Transportation, supports Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s nation-leading energy goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.

The study will be conducted at the same time that the City of Buffalo is beginning the design process for a large-scale $13 million streetscape improvement project on Main Street from Goodell Street to Ferry Street, adjacent to the Medical Campus. The BNMC and the City of Buffalo plan to work together to identify opportunities for the implementation of smart transportation infrastructure and technology at the same time. The primary goal of the project will be to create a more innovative streetscape to ensure a greener, safer, more efficient and integrated transportation system for the future.

Main Street in the City of Buffalo, already a densely populated, mixed-use street with a multiple transportation options, has undergone a tremendous amount of new development, particularly near the thriving BNMC. It has been identified as a top priority for reconstruction though multiple planning efforts.  As the area grows, there has been increasing interest in updating aging infrastructure, adding traffic calming measures, improving pedestrian and bicycling access and infrastructure, and improving access to the Metro Rail Stations along Main Street.

According to William Smith, Director of Access and Planning for BNMC, “The funding affords us the ability to identify opportunities to improve the street for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists while at the same time, to plan for the future with new technologies such as sensing technologies, wireless communications, autonomous vehicles, and dynamic and smart parking technologies that can help Buffalo become a model of efficiency, safety, and more sustainable environmental wp-contentroaches.”  He added, “The timing is ideal, as we have the opportunity to work with the City of Buffalo as they embark on streetscape improvements that may allow us to integrate our recommendations simultaneously, vastly improving Main Street for all.”

“The Main Street corridor through the Medical Campus area is ripe for infrastructure improvements to compliment the development that continues to transform this area.  My administration has led the way in initiating the transformation of Buffalo’s transportation network following the Complete Streets model that accommodates bicycles, pedestrians and motorists in an equitable manner.  Working with the BNMC on this grant will afford the opportunity to advance the Complete Streets model with the latest technology,” Mayor Byron W. Brown said.

Work on the Smart Corridor Plan will begin this year and include developing an RFP process to choose a subcontractor who will work with BNMC and the City on smart corridor design considerations, anticipated benefits and associated costs; developing a project steering committee to guide the project, ensure coordination among stakeholders, provide relevant data, insight and information, and to review and comment on project findings; and developing a Smart Corridor recommendations report  which will include a review of existing plans, technologies and conditions, an outline of best practices and potential opportunities, and specific recommendations and anticipated costs.

As part of its effort to develop a set of recommendations on design and technology considerations, BNMC expects to focus on elements including wireless communications; sensing technologies; connected and autonomous technologies including connected safety systems; dynamic traffic control and crossing signalization; smart parking technologies; transit technologies including real time data and systems coordination; and renewable energy and energy efficiency wp-contentlications.

In addition to the City of Buffalo, BNMC expects to work with representatives from BNMC member institutions, transportation service providers, utility companies, surrounding neighborhoods, and local and national experts in the field of smart transportation and city planning. The overall project is expected to be completed in 12 months.

About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.           

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC) is a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. It serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community. www.bnmc-old.local.

 

For more information, contact:
Susan Kirkpatrick, BNMC, skirkpatrick@bnmc-old.local
716.866.8002(m)

New Year, New Look!

by kbonaroin Allentown, Campus-wide, Community, Development, Employees, Environment, Infrastructure, News, Transportation

There’s a new gateway to the BNMC, for both pedestrians wp-contentroaching from the Allentown neighborhood, as well as transit riders disembarking at the Allen-Medical Campus station. UB’s new building, the state-of-the-art Jacobs School of Medicine, provides employees, students, and neighbors a new experience as they enter the Medical Campus. Transit riders come up the escalator into a gleaming new station, complete with bright public art and digital wayfinding. The Medical School, Buffalo’s signature transit-oriented development, allows passage through to the Medical School today, and will soon help connect employees and patients to many of the buildings across the BNMC.  In addition, the Washington Street side of the transit station has reopened, providing easy access into the heart of the BNMC.
Learn more about our healthier, sustainable and more affordable transportation options at GoBNMC.org.

 

Matthew K. Enstice, BNMC President and CEO, Joins National Commission to Slash Transportation Energy Use by Half

by kbonaroin BNMC Team, Buffalo, Energy, Infrastructure, Innovation, Transportation

Matthew K. Enstice, BNMC President and CEO, Joins National Commission to Slash Transportation Energy Use by Half

“50 by 50” Commission Includes Leaders from Across Private and Public Sectors

Buffalo, NY – October 26, 2017 – Matthew K. Enstice, President and CEO of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) will serve on a national commission launched today by the Alliance to Save Energy that will develop recommendations to reduce energy use in the U.S. transportation sector by 50 percent by 2050 while meeting future mobility needs. Enstice is one of only two representatives from New York State selected for the commission, along with Gil Quiniones, President and CEO of the New York Power Authority and the only representative from Western New York.

“With the growth of the Medical Campus and the continued renaissance in the City of Buffalo, we are acutely aware of the need to plan for transportation and energy issues so that we can take advantage of opportunities that emerging technologies present, and to plan for necessary changes to ensure efficiency, sustainability and to meet the needs of our community. I am delighted to share Buffalo’s perspective through this Alliance and to be part of developing sound strategies that will take us well into the future,” commented Enstice on his wp-contentointment.

As part of its role on the Medical Campus, BNMC focuses on comprehensive planning and implementation of transportation strategies to manage transportation, access, and parking issues on the 120-acre campus in downtown Buffalo. The non profit organization manages parking facilities, encourages alternative transportation modes, and has built infrastructure to encourage walking, biking and using public transit.  In addition, the organization also works closely with partner National Grid and others on energy issues to ensure efficient use of energy resources.

The Alliance Commission on U.S. Transportation Sector Efficiency (Commission) is comprised of leaders representing vehicle manufacturers, utilities, federal agencies, cities, environmental and consumer groups, infrastructure providers and public transit. The Commission is convened by the Alliance to Save Energy, the leading national coalition advocating for enhancing energy productivity – doing more with less energy.

Transportation represents roughly one-third of U.S. energy consumption. The sector is undergoing a transformational change – ranging from the increased viability of alternative fuels such as electrification to advanced vehicle technologies, automation and shared mobility – offering enormous opportunities to improve energy efficiency. Improvements in efficiency will create jobs, improve energy security, boost competitiveness, save businesses and consumers money, and reduce emissions.

The Commission will work through six Technical Committees (Light-Duty Vehicles; Non-Road Vehicles; Heavy-Duty and Freight Vehicles; Enabling Infrastructure; Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Shared Mobility and Automation; and Outreach and Implementation) to develop the regulatory, policy and investment pathways to achieve the “50×50” goal. Following an outside peer-review process, the Commission will publish a final report, and engage local, state, and national officials, key stakeholder groups and the public to act on the recommendations.

Kateri Callahan, President, Alliance to Save Energy, said: “Transportation in the United States is changing rapidly and it presents an enormous opportunity to improve mobility while at the same time saving energy. We’re bringing together experts from across this sector because we need a comprehensive wp-contentroach to maximize the energy efficiency gains. The response to our invitations has been overwhelming and we’re eager to see this group put their heads together.”

More information about the Commission, including the full list of commissioners, is available at:

www.50x50transportation.org

About the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc.              

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC) is a self-sustaining social enterprise successfully combining innovation, job creation, and urban revitalization. It serves as the umbrella organization of the anchor institutions that make up the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus located within the 120-acre campus bordering Allentown, the Fruit Belt and Downtown. The BNMC Inc. fosters conversation and collaboration among its member institutions, its partners and the community to address critical issues impacting them, including entrepreneurship, energy, access and transportation, workforce and procurement, neighborhoods, and healthy communities, with the goal of increasing economic development and building a strong community. www.bnmc-old.local.

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Give Transit a Try For Free!

by kbonaroin Campus-wide, Employees, Environment, GO BNMC, Healthy Communities, Member Institution(s), Outreach, Transportation, Wellness

The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus is offering employees who work on the Medical Campus the chance to try transit for free, either using the bus or train to get to work during the month of November, December, or January. With two train stations and multiple bus routes directly serving the Medical Campus, transit is a great way to get to work.

If you are interested in giving transit a try, please fill out this short survey. Eligible participants must work on the Medical Campus and not use public transportation as their primary commute mode. They must also put their parking pass on hold for the month in which they choose to try transit. Passes may be picked up at the front desk of the Innovation Center at 640 Ellicott Street between 8 am to 8 pm.

Already a GoBNMC member? We want to thank you for being awesome! Starting in November, we’ll be raffling off four $50 gift certificates every month until January to local businesses in our surrounding community. Register now for a chance to win!

If you are new to public transit, check out our Frequently Asked Questions.The NFTA’s website is useful for schedule information.

BNMC Partners with Lyft

by kbonaroin Campus-wide, Employees, Environment, GO BNMC, Healthy Communities, Innovation, News, Outreach, Sustainability, Technology, Transportation

The BNMC is pleased to announce our partnership with Lyft to provide mobility solutions for employees who work on the Medical Campus, including services such as our guaranteed ride home program for employees using alternative transportation. Haven’t used Lyft before? Try it for free with promo code BNMC2017.
The code is only valid for new users and is worth one free ride, up to $10. The coupon will expire 21 days after it’s added to a Lyft account.

While we’re on promo codes, the Reddy Bike fleet will be downsizing for the winter in the next couple of weeks, so if you haven’t had a chance to sign up for your annual pass, there’s still time! Use promo code GOBNMC2017 for a free membership.