August 10, 2020
Local Officials Celebrate Five Decades of Service and CDTA Employees
ALBANY, NY (July 31, 2020) CDTA celebrated its 50th Anniversary by hosting a series of public events across the Capital Region on Friday, July 31. Local officials joined CDTA for its Golden Anniversary as it unveiled a special Gold Bus to mark the occasion and thank the community for five decades of support.
“A lot has changed over the last 50 years, but one thing that hasn’t is the community’s expectation of us,” said Carm Basile, CEO. “Our community wanted the same things they want today, reliable, clean, and innovative transportation. And we strive for that every day. Thanks to our retirees who laid the foundation for our great company and the more than 10,000 employees who have driven buses, fixed buses, answered customer calls, responded to community needs, and made sure that CDTA always runs smoothly.”
The celebration began at CDTA headquarters with Albany-based officials and employees. From there officials traveled to our Schenectady Division where Mayor Patrick Madden presented CDTA with a proclamation. The celebration concluded at our Schenectady Division where Mayor Gary McCarthy presented a key to the city to CDTA.
“We have come a long way since 1970, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is CDTA’s commitment to quality service and the communities we serve,” said Jayme Lauhut, CDTA Board Chairman. “As we continue through 2020 with a full plate of activities, we know the important role that we play in the economic development of our region and that’s a charge we take very seriously.”
On August 1, 1970, the Capital District Transportation Authority was created by an act of the New York State Legislature. The Authority was given a broad mission with the objective of creating a regional transportation system. The system would operate throughout four counties with the ability to expand to neighboring counties and communities. In a lot of ways, the legislation and thought process was head of its time as it envisioned a creative network of services that would move the people of the region and contribute to a better quality of life.
The community is encouraged to snap a picture with the gold bus through the end of the year and post it to CDTA social media sites with the hashtag #CDTA50.
