June 19, 2017
Shuttle to Run Thursday-Saturday Nights; Linking Albany Neighborhood Attractions
ALBANY, NY (June 6, 2017) - The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) has partnered with several Albany organizations to launch the Capital City Shuttle. The free service will provide a safe and convenient link to three vibrant Albany neighborhoods – Lark Street, Downtown Albany and the Warehouse District.
The pilot program will begin on Thursday, June 8 and operate Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights through Labor Day. Service will begin at 5:00 p.m. and conclude at 12:30 a.m. with a shuttle arriving every 20 minutes. Schenectady-based software and logistics company, Transfinder, has developed an app, CityFinder, that allows users to track shuttle location and detailed points of interest.
The new service will offer convenient stops near key attractions, including the Albany Capital Center, the Times Union Center, the State Capitol, the Palace Theatre, the Corning Riverfront Park, Quackenbush Square, the Riverfront Parking Garage and the Washington Avenue Armory.
“As the region’s transportation leader, we look for ways to expand our services and meet the needs of the communities that we serve,” said David M. Stackrow, CDTA Board Chairman. “The Capital City Shuttle does just that. It provides a new service that will attract customers who may not have experienced CDTA before. These new customers will appreciate the convenience of fast and easy transportation for an enjoyable evening in downtown Albany. We are excited about this program and hope to expand it throughout the region.”
“Not only will the Capital City Shuttle provide safe transportation in the summer months, but it will highlight the vibrancy of Albany’s downtown neighborhoods and encourage our residents and visitors to visit local businesses,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan.
“The Albany Parking Authority is excited to join in this summer initiative,” said Kevin O’Connor, Chairman of the Albany Parking Authority Board. “This new shuttle service will have drop-off and pick-up locations at our garages, and provide visitors with free and easy access to adjacent neighborhoods. Additionally, it boosts local businesses, while at the same time promotes safe driving.”
“Transfinder is pleased to partner with CDTA on this great service to not just Tech Valley residents but visitors as well,” said Antonio Civitella, President and CEO of Transfinder Corporation. “We want everyone’s experience at our state’s Capital to be a positive one so they come back again and again. We live in a time when people want more and more information: How long will it take for the shuttle to arrive? Where is the shuttle now? Do I have time to walk to the next stop? All this information is just a click away now with Transfinder’s new Cityfinder app specifically designed for Albany.”
Not only will the Capital City Shuttle provide visitors with a convenient transportation option, but it will also help to curtail drinking and driving. The Albany County Sheriff’s STOP DWI Program and DeCrescente Distributing Co., Inc. have partnered on the initiative to promote the benefits of the new service and keeping our roads safe by offering vouchers for taxi rides.
“I think this is a great way for people to enjoy the things that Albany has to offer, but we want to remind the public to be responsible, plan ahead and make sure everyone has a safe way home,” said Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple. “Don’t make a bad choice or a bad decision and get behind the wheel of a car after you've had a few drinks."
“It’s the right thing; safety and responsibility are of the utmost importance,” said C.J. DeCrescente, president of DeCrescente Distributing Co., Inc. “We are proud to support this new way to enjoy visiting downtown Albany bars and restaurants safely.”
The Capital City Shuttle will link several new attractions while providing increased connectivity to some of the most visited neighborhoods. Additionally, the Capital City Shuttle was supported in part by the Amplify Albany Grant Program, a program made possible by the City of Albany Capital Resource Corporation and Capitalize Albany Corporation.
“Connecting multiple commercial districts, supporting new initiatives and creating significant foot traffic are core objectives of the Amplify Albany program,” said Capitalize Albany Corporation President Sarah Reginelli. “Implementation of the Impact Downtown Albany plan has supported new investment in every direction surrounding downtown—from new residential options, to new retail, restaurants and entertainment venues—with so much new to experience the Capital City Shuttle is a crucial counterpart that will serve each of the route’s three commercial districts simultaneously this summer.”
"The Albany Capital Center is thrilled to get behind yet another great project which will encourage the exploration and appreciation of all that Albany has offer,” said Albany Capital Center General Manager Doug McClaine. “The free Capital City Shuttle will mean great things for Albany visitors and residents alike, and we're excited to see it in motion."
“This amenity gives locals and visitors alike the ability to see for themselves that Downtown is alive after five,” said Georgette Steffens, Executive Director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District. “With substantial growth happening in our District, we look forward to welcoming riders to experience the world-class shopping, dining, and arts and entertainment here.”
"Connecting our neighborhoods through the Capital City Shuttle will undoubtedly support Lark Street's 80-plus businesses with the rest of Albany,” said Shauna M. Collins, executive director, Lark Street Business Improvement District. “We're proud to support this new initiative and look forward to further collaborations with CDTA, our fellow BIDs, the Albany Parking Authority and community partners."
“As the Bureau continues to build Albany’s destination awareness, the Capital City Shuttle will provide a great service for us to promote,” said Michele Vennard, President and CEO of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This shuttle will help new customers access our local businesses, and will make Albany even more visitor-friendly.”
