How To Ride Guide

How to Ride (How to Get a Schedule): Bus Schedules are available on all route buses and at hundreds of locations through the Capital Region, such as libraries, museums, government offices, bank branches and shopping centers. Price Chopper supermarkets carry them too. Call the Customer Information Center (518) 482-8822 to have one mailed to you or go the schedule page

How to Ride (Choosing Your Route): A route number and name, indicating the destination area, are listed on the cover of each bus schedule. These correspond to the information on the large sign above the windshield on every CDTA bus. A bus schedule tells you when and where a bus travels. Bus schedules are divided into sections for weekdays, Saturday and Sundays. If a bus route does not travel on Saturday and/or Sunday, this will be noted on its schedule.

• Schedules tell you when the bus will pass through a major intersection along the route. First, determine where you want to go and at what time. Then follow the rows of time points from your starting point, to your destination. A symbol near any of your time points may indicate a trip deviation or alternate pattern, so check the notes section of the schedule for an explanation.

How to Ride (Bus Stops): CDTA bus stop signs are clearly marked and display the number of bus route that passes by that location. In general, bus stops are spaced about 1000 feet apart. Arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival. Stand at the bus stop or in the shelter. Do not stand in the roadway or at the edge of the curb. As your bus approaches, raise your hand to signal the bus operator that you want to board.

How to Ride (Identifying Your Bus): Before boarding, check the route name and number displayed on the large overhead destination sign above the windshield of every CDTA bus. The route number and name on the overhead destination sign should be the same as that as shown on the front cover of the bus schedule. The space on the far right-hand side of the destination sign tells you where the bus is going. A sign over the passenger-side window tells you the direction the bus is traveling on that route. If you are not sure if you are getting on the right bus, ask your bus operator.

How to Ride (Boarding and Exiting the Bus): Please allow departing customers to exit before you board. We ask that customers try to exit through the rear door to speed the boarding process. Always use the hand rails for support when you enter or exit the bus. The steps can get slippery when wet. Use extra caution when traveling with young children. Please have your payment ready BEFORE you board the bus. If paying cash, have the fare ready in the exact amount. After paying the fare, find a seat and make yourself comfortable. 

• Seats at the front of the bus are reserved for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Please relinquish these seats if they are needed. If all seats are occupied, move to the back of the bus to allow additional customers to board. Your safety is important to us. If you are standing, please hold on to the poles or the hand straps. Please hold small children securely when the bus is moving. Upcoming stops are shown on a visual display at the front of the bus and there is an automated announcement. Signal your stop by pulling the cord above the window or pressing the yellow strip between the windows. The bus will stop at the next designated bus stop. For safety, do not cross in front of the bus after exiting. 

How to Ride (Putting Money in the Fare Box): All CDTA buses are equipped with electronic fare boxes that automatically count and process fares. The fare box “beeps” after the correct fare has been deposited. Fareboxes accept coins and dollar bills. The coin slot and dollar bill receiver are clearly marked on the top of the fare box. Dollar bills must be unfolded and inserted flat into the bill receiver. The fareboxes do not make change. If you are not sure how to deposit the fare, ask your bus operator for help. Navigator fare products can be purchased at selected Price Chopper locations, and a a varietty of community partners and the CDTA sales office. A complete list of locations can be found here.