March 27, 2025
Balanced Plan Maximizes Employees and CDTA Fleet
ALBANY, NY (March 26, 2025) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) Board of Directors adopted a balanced Operating Budget and a corresponding Capital Plan for fiscal year 2026 at their monthly Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 26.
The operating plan totals $147 million, which will accommodate CDTA’s growing network of services, programs and employees. A corresponding five-year capital plan provides for projects and opportunities to enhance mobility in the Capital Region. It will allow CDTA to design new mobility hubs, expand and replace some of the CDPHP Cycle! fleet, and expand CDTA’s video mirror pilot program with new technology to enhance bus safety.
“We are proud to present a strong FY2026 budget that allows us to continue to operate from a position of financial strength,” said Interim CDTA CEO, Michael P. Collins. “We continue to make sound financial decisions to support our service network, technology, and fleet of vehicles. This budget also highlights people as our most important asset, followed by purchased transportation and parts and materials for our vehicles.”
Employees continue to be at the heart of our operation and that is evident by the fact that employee wages and benefits make up more than 70% of our expense lines. Parts and materials for our Maintenance Department, including fleet and fuel costs will increase significantly this year from inflationary pressures causing higher prices which was reflected in the development of the operating plan.
The Capital Plan is fully funded in year one. It totals nearly $30 million, mostly from federal and state grants. Around $9 million will fund new buses. CDTA’s fiscal year runs from April 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026.