The Buffalo Subway...."system"?

The definition of a system is: a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole.  I question if we are truly a subway "system" as we run one straight line.  We aren't connecting much of the city at all....just providing a commute option to downtown (if you already live within city limits and are near Main Street).  

But....hey its a start!  Although, it has been 30 years and we haven't seen it expand beyond the 6 mile stretch.  This was not how the subway was intended.  It was originally implemented with plans of expansion to over 45 miles (see here).  But, that has not happened.

Buffalo is growing, people are flocking to the city, tourism is rising, campuses are expanding.  We really need to see the subway expand with the city.  If we want to be a big city, we need to keep up with the rest.  Public transportation is a key factor to city living.

I live about a half mile away from a subway stop.  I have used it a total of two times.  The convenience isn't there.  It closes at midnight, therefore, not providing a solution for late night rides.  And to be honest, I don't feel safe using it.  Both times I have used it, it has an eerie feeling of emptiness and dirtiness.  Too often, I have driven by the stop and saw policy activity.  Taking the subway isn't "the norm" in Buffalo because it hasn't been worthwhile.  That needs to change.

I would LOVE if it had a direct line to the Buffalo airport.  I would use it every time I flew out to avoid the cost for parking.  I heard rumors of connecting the UB campuses by subway - which would be helpful to many students that are from out of town without cars.  I say, connect to Niagara Falls....to the Galleria Mall....closer to Elmwood....closer to Delaware Park....to anywhere!  Let's make the subway useful!