Better Mobility Throughout the Capital Region

CDTA continues to advance community and economic development

ALBANY, NY (January 31, 2024) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) continues to expand services to connect people and drive economic development throughout the region. Of note is the ridership on CDTA buses, which is up 20% from last year. CDTA is the only transit system in upstate New York with this level of ridership growth, which now exceeds pre-pandemic levels. At their Wednesday, January 31, 2024, meeting, the CDTA Board of Directors reviewed its work over the past twelve months; highlights include:

• 40 MILES OF BUS RAPID TRANSIT – a 40-mile network of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) was completed in November when the Purple Line began operation. The Purple Line connects downtown Albany, University at Albany, Harriman Office Campus, and Crossgates Mall. It connects to the Red and Blue BRT Lines, providing customers with access to regional destinations. The project included a roundabout at Crossgates Mall and the region’s first busway on the UAlbany campus.

• RIDERSHIP GROWTH – fueled by a well-designed route network, BRT service, and Universal Access Partners, ridership is exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Through December 2023, there have been more than 12 million boardings throughout the CDTA system. The growth is across all CDTA routes and services. CDTA expects to finish the fiscal year in March with close to 16 million customer boardings. That will be one of CDTA’s highest annual ridership counts in the last 15 years. 

• GROWING PARTNERSHIPS – CDTA is growing its partner base with 45 Universal Access agreements. St. Peter’s Health Partners, Discover Albany, Beech-Nut Nutrition Company, and others joined the Universal Access program in 2023. The program gives employees and students a convenient and economical way to travel for work and pleasure, fueling ridership and connecting the economy.

• EXPANDING NORTH – the CDTA service area expanded again this year, with Greater Glens Falls Transit merging into CDTA. The Warren County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in May 2023 to join the Authority. The merger was completed on December 31, when GGFT employees became CDTA employees, and buses and equipment carried the CDTA brand.  Warren County is the sixth county to join the authority.

• INTRODUCING MOBILITY HUBS – CDTA opened its first mobility hub in downtown Schenectady. The Gateway Mobility Hub is a transit-specific focus area that accommodates 10 transit routes, including CDTA’s Red Line BRT, DRIVE (car share), and CDPHP Cycle! (bikeshare). Increased access to mobility options furthers the city’s redevelopment and beautification goals along the lower State Street area.

• RENSSELAER RAIL STATION RENAMED – The Rensselaer Rail Station has been dedicated to former State Senator Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, renamed the “Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station.” Community leaders brought the idea forward, and CDTA’s Board of Directors approved the initiative because of Bruno’s dedication to transportation and pivotal role in securing funding to build the facility more than 20 years ago.

• CHARGED UP - the region’s only bike-share program, CDPHP Cycle!, added more than 225 electric bikes to the fleet during its seventh season. The bikes proved to be popular with customers and provided a low-carbon option for getting around. The season also included upgraded technology on pedal bikes, and a new website and app.    

• EXPANDED DEMAND FOR SERVICE – demand for service continues to grow. CDTA expanded FLEX service in southern Saratoga County to include the Village of Stillwater. Fixed route service returned to the Village of Voorheesville and the family of Nature Buses expanded into Schenectady after calls to increase public access to nature.

• DRIVING YOUR CAREER – CDTA continues to recruit and host career fairs at locations for individuals who aspire to join the CDTA team of 750 employees. Applicants had the opportunity to test drive vehicles, tour facilities, and take part in on-the-spot interview sessions.  

• CDTA IN THE COMMUNITY – committed to the community, CDTA gave back to more than 100 groups and organizations throughout the year. CDTA raised a record-breaking amount for the American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink campaign. CDTA’s Fall Festival returned with 500 school children traveling to CDTA to learn about CDTA in the community. CDTA employees remained one of the region’s highest per capita givers to United Way campaigns, while special services connected dozens of special events throughout the region.

CDTA supports communities with sustainable, reliable, and efficient services throughout its expanded six county service area. The Authority plays a vital role in promoting smart land use and economic development throughout the Capital Region. As a trusted provider of mobility solutions, the community relies on CDTA to achieve sustainable development goals. The CDTA mission statement enforces that work:

CDTA provides mobility solutions that connect the region’s communities