July 27, 2016
Board Approves Measure to Progress River Corridor BRT
Federal Small Starts Program Next Step for Future BRT Line
ALBANY, NY (July 27, 2016) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) Board of Directors approved the financial commitment needed to progress its River Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line through the Federal Small Starts Program at its monthly Board meeting earlier today.
“This is the next step in making the River Corridor BRT line a reality for Capital Region residents,” said CDTA Board Chairman David M. Stackrow. “The improved mobility and access afforded by this expanded bus rapid transit line will also encourage further redevelopment along Route 32 and the entire proposed River Corridor BRT line.”
The Small Starts program requires a formal commitment of 20% of the overall funding package, which is estimated at $5.8 million. The funds need to come from non-federal funding sources, to be approved before the project can continue to move forward. Planning for the River Corridor BRT started in 2009 with the North-South Corridor study that recommended NY 32 as a principal route for BRT service. Route 32 travels through Waterford, Cohoes, Troy, Watervliet, Menands, and Albany. The project was endorsed by the Board of Directors in 2014 and extensive design and development has been completed over the past two years. The River Corridor BRT line will service the proposed Uncle Sam Transit Center in Troy serving nearly 4,000 customers daily with a projection of 1.2 million annual boardings
Stackrow added, “Overall, this project will contribute significantly to the regional economy. It will also help invigorate multiple neighborhoods that line the proposed route, contributing to the positive impact on our community.”
CDTA will submit a Project Rating Application in September. The application consists of detailed project information, a project justification, and a financial plan.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) administers the Section 5309 Capital Investment Grant program, which provides capital funds for major transit investment projects. Section 5309 now includes a new project category called “Small Starts.” These projects are low-cost projects, like transportation corridor improvements, that qualify for a highly simplified project evaluation and rating process by FTA.