August 24, 2011

BUFFALO, NY/FORT ERIE, ON – Today the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (Peace Bridge Authority) announced that overall NEXUS program conveyances are up more than seven percent at the Peace Bridge for the first half of 2011, as compared to the same time period one year earlier. Travelers registered over 21,000 additional conveyances at the crossing between January 2011 and June 2011, for a total tally of roughly 314,000 conveyances.

August 24, 2011

BUFFALO, NY/FORT ERIE, ON – Today the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (Peace Bridge Authority) announced that overall NEXUS program conveyances are up more than seven percent at the Peace Bridge for the first half of 2011, as compared to the same time period one year earlier. Travelers registered over 21,000 additional conveyances at the crossing between January 2011 and June 2011, for a total tally of roughly 314,000 conveyances.

“The NEXUS program at the Peace Bridge continues to gain popularity while expediting the border crossing experience for our participating customers,” said Authority Chairman Anthony Annunziata. “With the addition of a second peak NEXUS lane for Canada-bound travelers and extended program hours following all Buffalo Sabres home games, the Authority and our partners at Customs are committed to getting the most out of this valuable trusted traveler initiative.”

The NEXUS program expedites the border clearance process for low-risk, pre-approved travelers into Canada and the United States. Membership saves travelers time by allowing the use of dedicated Customs inspection lanes at select border crossings – like the Peace Bridge – while complying with all Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requirements that went into effect June 1, 2009.

“As our soon-to-be-issued cross-border travel issues report suggests, strong participation in trusted-traveler programs like NEXUS is no longer just for those who live in the binational region. NEXUS remains the best form of identification for residents and business travelers in Upstate New York and Southern Ontario, and directly contributes to the long-term growth of our interdependent economies,” said Binational Economic & Tourism Alliance Executive Director Arlene White. “By enrolling as a trusted traveler, area residents, businesses, commuters and tourists from the Central Great Lakes region and beyond have the ability to eliminate uncertainties at the border and can easily access the great leisure and commercial opportunities our region offers.”

The NEXUS program was first piloted in the year 2000 and reached widespread implementation just three years later. This initiative now includes over 550,000 trusted traveler enrollees throughout North America.

“It's exciting to see so many Canadian visitors crossing the border to experience Buffalo’s culture, shopping, dining, festivals and sports,” said Visit Buffalo Niagara President & CEO Dottie Gallagher-Cohen. “More and more travelers are beginning to realize the benefits of the NEXUS program, which allows our guests to reach their U.S. destinations faster.”

NEXUS traffic currently accounts for nearly 15 percent of the total passenger vehicle crossings at the Peace Bridge; a percentage that has steadily increased since program inception.

“Niagara Falls, Ontario, and our surrounding locales are teaming with attractions, world-class hotels, dining, exciting nightlife, renowned wine tasting opportunities, and memorable family adventures,” said Niagara Falls Tourism Member Programs Administration Manager Toni Williams. “So travelers shouldn’t let border traffic concerns spoil their next trip to see us. Get signed up for NEXUS and get here faster!”

For more information on the NEXUS program visit www.peacebridge.com/NEXUS. To learn more about the Binational Economic & Tourism Alliance and its partners visit www.btapartners.com. For additional information on Buffalo Niagara area attractions check out the Visit Buffalo Niagara website at www.visitbuffaloniagara.com. And for Niagara Falls, Ontario, tourism information and attractions visit the Niagara Falls Tourism website at www.niagarafallstourism.com.

The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, a binational authority, has owned and operated the Peace Bridge since 1933. The bridge, which was opened to traffic in 1927, spans the Niagara River between Fort Erie, Ontario, and Buffalo, New York, and is a key international border crossing. The Authority is governed by a 10 member board with an equal number of representatives from Canada and the United States. As an international compact and in accordance with its enabling legislation, the chairmanship alternates annually between Canada and the United States.

###