By March everyone is just about done with the cold and ready to get back to exploring the Medical Campus on foot – in spring it’s just what you do. If not on foot, then by bike or shuttle. Means of transportation aside, BNMC residents know the neighborhood is accessible.
The thing is, if you visit work in the area, live at our apartments for rent in BNMC, (where heart surgeons and med students outnumber pigeons by lunchtime) then the way you get around matters. The number one perk? Everything is designed to make that movement seamless.
Even a short walk leads you to award-winning architecture like the Gates Vascular Institute or the child-friendly design of Oishei Children’s Hospital, so getting from point A to point B never feels ordinary. Without further ado, let’s explore the transit options across BNMC!
Shuttle Services
When we’re talking about eco-friendly commuting in the Medical Campus, we can’t overlook the role of shuttles.
Overview & Routes
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BNMC operates internal shuttle services like the Discovery and Link that loop around key sites including Conventus (1001 Main), Jacobs School of Medicine (955 Main), Oishei Children’s Hospital (818 Ellicott), and Allen/Medical Campus NFTA station.
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There is also an “on‑demand” free shuttle service, called Buffalo All Access, running roughly 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday to Friday that serves the Medical Campus and areas just off its boundary.
Timing & Frequency
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Shuttle times vary by route and day; schedules are best viewed via the BNMC official website or the NFTA app.
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The on‑demand shuttle runs during typical daytime hours, with reduced frequency outside core work shifts.
Who It Works For
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Ideal for employees, students, and visitors moving between campus buildings. It’s just what you need if you’re wondering how to commute without a car on the Medical Campus.
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Great during unpredictable weather (rain or that leftover snow) and if you’re carrying gear or loads of books.
Pro Tips & Hacks
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Shuttle booking and trip planning can also be done via the Buffalo All Access app—a free tool designed to guide riders around BNMC and nearby neighborhoods with real‑time trip planning and shuttle booking.
Biking on the Medical Campus
Bike Hubs & Parking
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The Medical Campus offers indoor bike parking at Ellicott Goodrich Garage (854 Ellicott St) and at 589 Ellicott (corner of Ellicott & North Oak), with vertical racks, repair stations, lockers, and supply vending machines.
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BNMC staff and employees can register for access to these facilities through the BNMC Healthy Commuter Benefits Program. Can healthier commuting options in Buffalo get any easier than that?
Reddy Bikeshare
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Reddy Bikeshare provides shared bikes throughout Buffalo, and near the Medical Campus, with racks at Ellicott & Virginia Streets and Main Street by the Allen/Medical Campus train stop.
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BNMC employees can redeem free annual Reddy Bikeshare memberships courtesy of the campus program.
Who It Works For
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Casual campus trips, quick errands, or commuting between buildings when sidewalks or dock areas are dry in spring.
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Students and staff who want to reduce parking costs or earn commuter rewards.
Pro Tips & Hacks
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The Go Buffalo Niagara online bike map lets you plan safe routes and locate bike parking and lanes throughout Buffalo, helpful when exploring beyond campus.
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Wear reflective gear and a helmet if riding early in the morning or after dusk during spring. Safety comes first!
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You can sign up for parking online.
Exploring the Medical Campus on foot in spring
Walking Loops
Head out and connect these points of interest: Allen/Medical Campus NFTA station, Jacobs School of Medicine, Ellicott Street Linear Park, 589 Ellicott Pocket Park, and Roswell Park. It’s a great route for casual strolling and reaching your destination.
Timing & Best Practices
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Spring walking times between major BNMC destinations are typically 5–10 minutes depending on pace and stoplights.
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Mid‑morning and late afternoons can provide quieter pedestrian traffic, while lunchtime may see a steady flow of employees and students on foot, usually heading to lunch.
Who It Works For
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Those who need short moves between offices, labs, clinics, and cafés. March brings budding trees and more vibrant streetscapes along campus sidewalks, so getting around on foot will become one of the things you’ll love to do in BNMC in March.
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Anyone wanting to truly experience the campus architecture, like the glass‑front Gates Vascular Institute up close.
Pro Tips & Hacks
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Use sitting areas in Ellicott Street Linear Park and 589 Ellicott lawn to break up longer walks.
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Combine a shuttle ride and short walk to avoid weather surprises during easy spring commutes at Buffalo Medical Campus.
Nearby Amenities
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Pedestrians can easily walk to Tim Hortons at Buffalo General for a caffeine stop or Ulrich's 1868 Tavern to fuel up.
Multi‑Mode Commuting
How to commute without a car on the Medical Campus? There is more than one answer to this question. You can effortlessly combine everything we’ve covered so far, for the quickest route.
The beauty of a multi‑mode commute is flexibility: you can adapt your route depending on weather, timing, or how much energy you have that day. Morning drizzle? Take the shuttle partway and walk the rest. Sunshine and a clear sky? Bike the full distance and soak in the campus architecture. Even short walking detours can take you past hidden benches, pocket parks, or one of the campus’s photogenic buildings.
Spring in this neighborhood is an invitation to see the district from a new perspective, and you can make your daily commute an adventure:
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Pick Your Mode: Walk, bike, or shuttle for a day (or combine all three!).
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Plan Your Route: Use the BNMC shuttle map and Reddy Bikeshare app or walk through Linear Park to come up with other things to do in BNMC in March.
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Notice the Details: Pay attention to flowers blooming, hidden benches, street art, or the gleaming architecture of Gates Vascular Institute or Oishei Children’s Hospital.
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Compare Notes: Track how your energy, mood, or commute time changes with different modes of transport.
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Return to our Apartments: the home you’ve been seeking for in BNMC awaits at Sinatra & Company communities.
Now you know! All there’s left to do is head out and experience how to commute without a car on the Medical Campus firsthand!