Two fare products can be loaded onto your Navigator smart card.
Pay As You Go
Pay As You Go functions like cash and costs $1.30 for the first three rides, while the fourth and up are free for the rest of the transit day. That means that you will never pay more than the cost of a day pass ($3.90). Customers can add as much value as they would like by visiting a retail outlet. Minimum online Pay As You Go purchase value is $10.
Frequent Rider
Frequent Rider monthly passes are valid for unlimited access to CDTA's regular route network for 31 days from the first day of use, just like the 31-Day Rolling Swiper. The Frequent Rider monthly pass will cost the same $65.00.
Northway Xpress Fares
Zone 1 (Clifton Park) - Pay As You Go: $3.50; Frequent Rider: $110
Zone 2 (Malta and Ballston Spa) - Pay As You Go: $3.90; Frequent Rider: $125
Zone 3 (Saratoga and South Glen Falls) - Pay As You Go: $5.00; Frequent Rider: $170
Discounted Services
All qualified half fare and STAR customers will receive a half fare Navigator picture ID card. This card will provide access to discounted pricing on all regular products.
Pay As You Go costs .65 for the first three rides, while the fourth and up are free for the rest of the transit day. That means that you will never pay more than the cost of a day pass ($1.95).
The Frequent Rider monthly pass will cost the same $32.50.
Half fare discounts apply to the NX accordingly.
Common Questions about the Navigator Fare Products:
No. Fares will remain the same. In fact, Pay as You Go customers will see a reduction in daily prices.
Yes. Customers pay for another person traveling with them by using the Pay As You Go balance on their card. Just notify the driver you will be paying for another person and tap your card when instructed. Each additional ride will cost $1.30 and will not count toward the daily cap.
- Online: cdta.org.
- In Person: Visit the CDTA Customer Service Center (85 Watervliet Avenue, Albany) or any authorized retail outlets.
- By Phone: Call 1 (518) 482-8822
*Online and Phone orders may take up to 48 hours to appear on your card.
Once you have created a Navigator account, your card may be reloaded automatically with the AutoBuy feature. When your Pay as You Go balance gets low or your Frequent Rider pass is about to expire, AutoBuy will automatically replenish your card so you never have to worry!
All products purchased in person at any retail outlet or the CDTA Sales Center will be available immediately. When replenishing your card online or over the phone, your balance will be available within two days of purchase.
You can check your Navigator balance using any of the following methods:
- Online: at www.cdta.org.
- By phone: call 1 (518) 482-8822. A CDTA Customer Service representative can check the balance on your card.
- In person at any Navigator retail outlet. You can check your balance at any authorized retail outlet that sells CDTA fare cards.
- In person on the bus. When you use your fare card, the remaining balance will appear on the farebox after a fare is deducted.
Last Updated: 03/28/2025