Canalside station (formerly Auditorium station and Erie Canal Harbor station) is a Buffalo Metro Rail station located in the 100 block of Main Street (just north of Hanover and Scott Streets) next to the South Aud Block of Canalside in the Free Fare Zone, which allows passengers free travel between this station and Fountain Plaza station. Passengers continuing past Fountain Plaza are required to provide proof-of-payment. Unless there are events occurring at KeyBank Center, in which case Special Events station will be utilized, this is the southern terminus of Metro Rail. Since Erie Canal Harbor station serves as a terminal, immediately north is a double crossover. Erie Canal Harbor station is located close to Amtrak's Buffalo–Exchange Street station and the two stations are connected by a lit pathway beneath Interstate 190 with decorative cement and signage.

Canalside
Erie Canal Harbor (now Canalside) station platforms with Seneca One Tower in the background, during reconstruction in December 2023.
General information
Location100 Main Street
Buffalo, New York
Coordinates42°52′40″N 78°52′37″W / 42.87778°N 78.87694°W / 42.87778; -78.87694
Owned byNFTA
Platforms2 low-level side platforms
Tracks2
ConnectionsAmtrak Empire Service, Maple Leaf (at Buffalo–Exchange Street)
Construction
Structure typeAt-grade
AccessibleYes
Other information
Fare zoneFree fare
History
OpenedOctober 9, 1984; 40 years ago (1984-10-09)[1]
Rebuilt2024
Previous namesAuditorium (1984–2003)
Erie Canal Harbor (2003–2024)
Passengers
2017253,164[2]
Services
Preceding station NFTA Following station
Terminus Metro Rail Seneca
toward University
Special Events
Limited service
Terminus
Future service
Preceding station NFTA Following station
DL&W
Terminus
Metro Rail Seneca
toward University
Location
Map

The station was originally known as Auditorium station when it first opened until September 1, 2003, when it was renamed Erie Canal Harbor station. The station was temporarily closed for construction and rebuilt to modern standards throughout 2023 and 2024, being renamed to Canalside station upon its reopening on July 2, 2024.[3][4]

Bus routes

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  • 6 Sycamore
  • 8 Main (outbound)
  • 24 Genesee (outbound)
  • 68 George Urban (outbound)

Notable places nearby

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Erie Canal Harbor station (now Canalside station) in June 2015, with the former station shelters

Erie Canal Harbor station is located near:

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Gargan, Edward A. (October 11, 1984). "Trolley Line Returns to Buffalo". The Berkshire Eagle. Pittsfield, Massachusetts. New York Times Wire Service. p. 33. Retrieved September 19, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.  
  2. ^ "Metro Rail Expansion Project Final Scoping Document" (PDF). May 2019. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  3. ^ Faery, Max (July 2, 2024). "NFTA unveils new Canalside Metro Rail Station". WBEN (AM). Audacy, Inc. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
  4. ^ "NFTA opens its Canalside Train Station". Mass Transit. Endeavor Business Media. July 3, 2024. Retrieved July 6, 2024.