May 16, 2011
(Albany, NY) – Today, the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and BOCES Capital Region Career & Technical School together announced the donation of a retired CDTA bus for training use in the BOCES Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Repair class. The donated 40-foot 1998 Orion 6 bus, equipped with an M-11 Cummins diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, and Thermo-King HVAC system, will serve as a hands-on learning tool for students to work with to resolve real-life, mechanical troubleshooting exercises.
CDTA also donated a STAR paratransit vehicle to BOCES in 2009. More than a dozen of retired CDTA trolleys, shuttles or buses have been donated to local non-profit agencies over the last five years. These retired buses are being used to facilitate training in various education and safety awareness programs, and provide transportation for underserved populations.
BOCES is a longtime Project Empire partner, working with CDTA and other organizations to develop and support programs to improve workforce skills. Project Empire, launched in 2006, is a state labor management initiative to enhance training and skill building in public transportation.
About CDTA
CDTA was created in 1970 by the New York State Legislature as a public benefit corporation to provide regional transportation services by rail, bus, water and air. Today CDTA is the premier mobility provider in the Capital Region, operating regular route bus service, shuttle systems, Northway Commuter services, and STAR services. CDTA owns and operates the Rensselaer Rail and Saratoga Springs Train Stations, and is a leader in the proposed upgrade to the Schenectady Station. CDTA promotes vanpool and carpool use, works with human service agencies to expand transportation options and linkages, and is a strong advocate for smart growth, pedestrian friendly site and road design, and bicycle accommodations.
CDTA is a flexible and innovative company that responds to the changing needs of the Capital Region. Today, over 700 people are part of the organization all working together to deliver a system that transports more than 45,000 customers each weekday.
For more information regarding CDTA services, visit www.cdta.org. For more information regarding BOCES and the Medium/Heavy duty Truck repair program visit www.capitalregionboces.org/CareerTech.
