February 24, 2016
Advocacy Efforts Continue Ahead of Final Budget
ALBANY, NY (February 24, 2016) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) continues its work to highlight the need for a more thoughtful investment in infrastructure across upstate New York.
“We are telling the CDTA story of success and talking about the work we have done to make our system and facilities more attractive to the people of the Capital Region,” said CDTA Chairman of the Board David M. Stackrow. “We work as a team with other transit systems, lobbyists and stakeholders to put forth a consistent and positive message about the need for better mobility choices for upstate residents.”
Funding for Upstate and Suburban Downstate transit systems must be well planned and cannot be an afterthought. The ask is an annual capital investment of $100 million per year with additional operating assistance for Upstate and Suburban Downstate transit systems above and beyond the Executive Budget. To provide this capital funding, in proportion to state capital aid to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), requires a 5-year investment of $545 million.
With ridership on CDTA buses expected to surpass 17 million again this year, the time for investment in the upstate infrastructure is now. The Cuomo administration is proposing a $22 billion capital plan for roads and bridges around the state.
Stackrow said, “We are thankful that the Governor has recognized the importance of transit in his Executive Budget Request and we are outlining why more resources need to be included in the final state budget. Our message is being heard and this work will continue in the coming weeks.”