Albany, N.Y.-based Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) was honored by the American Public Works Association (APWA), Capital Branch as the recipient of the 2011 Project of the Year in Transportation – Transit Category award at their annual Awards luncheon.

The NY Route 5 Bus Rapid Transit project, the first project of its kind in upstate New York, was launched in April 2011. Known as BusPlus, this new limited stop service features cutting-edge technology including transit signal priority, real time passenger information displays, GIS-based mobile data communication, queue jumpers, CCTV surveillance and pylon signs that house electrical supply units connecting to the fiber optic network. BusPlus technology works to get customers information quicker, travel faster and have a safer riding experience.

Ridership along the corridor has increased 13% since the launch with customers now experiencing up to 25% travel time savings over local service. BusPlus service connects with about 30 other routes within the CDTA transportation network. BusPlus on NY Route 5 is the first part of 100 miles of BRT plan for the Capital Region. An alternative analysis is currently underway to extend BRT service to the Western and Washington Avenue corridors.

The project was a strong collaboration between CDTA, NYSDOT, City of Albany, City of Schenectady, town of Colonie and town of Niskayuna.
The NY Route 5 Bus Rapid Transit project also won the state award in the Transportation category. The project has also been submitted for the APWA National award.