A coalition of local and statewide groups has registered the loudest opposition yet to major service cuts proposed for Metro Bus and Rail and expected to be officially adopted Monday.

The seven groups, including Citizens for Regional Transit — the main commuter advocate organization in Western New York — said Thursday they are “stunned” that the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority plans such widespread cuts to fill a $14.7 million budget deficit.

They also said they do not favor a fare hike but do call on New York State to restore its significant cuts in transit operating assistance.

“A 22 percent reduction in service miles will undermine all other efforts to spur economic development in our region. Even if we create jobs, people won’t be able to get to them,” the groups said in a joint statement.

Besides the local transit advocacy group, other organizations joining in the statement include Coalition for Economic Justice, Empire State Future, Green Options Buffalo, New York Transportation Equity Alliance, Partnership for Public Good, PUSH Buffalo, Tri-State Transportation Campaign and VOICE Buffalo.

The groups noted that public transportation is the only choice available for many families in the third-poorest city in the nation.

“Especially during these tough economic times — ridership is up 18 percent since 2006 — further cuts to the system will disproportionately affect those who can least afford it: low-income communities, communities of color, aging residents, and those who are just trying to get to work,” the statement said.

The groups warned that cuts in transit operating assistance eventually will affect all public transportation systems in the state in a similar manner.

rmccarthy@buffnews.comnull