CDTA ‘changing the way people think about transit’

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), based in Albany, N.Y., is a progressive and innovative company that is changing the way people think about transit in New York’s Capital Region. The agency covers four major cities, spanning 2,300 square miles and provides local, express, commuter, and bus rapid transit services (BRT). It also operates a bikeshare program and oversees the taxi cab industry in the region. CDTA owns and operates two train stations, and employs 685 people who work to deliver a transit system that transports 60,000 customers each weekday.

“Our Board of Directors has developed an Innovation Platform of activities that have dramatically improved our service network, reduced operating costs, and sharpened our community image,” said David M. Stackrow, CDTA Board Chairman.

The plan is highlighted by innovative projects like Upstate New York’s first and only BRT service and the agency’s successful Universal Access rider program.

“The results have been outstanding with CDTA ridership increasing by 25% over the past six years, setting our all-time ridership records in back-to-back years along the way,” Stackrow said.

This ambitious vision has also resulted in CDTA taking on new challenges, pursing new opportunities, and serving as a leader on regional programming to enhance mobility. The agency is providing better service options to travel throughout the region and even more will take shape over the next year. Additionally, CDTA’s regional bike-share program, CDPHP Cycle!, launched this summer and they are continuing work on the regionalization of taxi service in four counties. These programs complement CDTA’s route network and the introduction of ridesharing by adding choices to customer travel routines.

“We are excited by the potential of our Navigator smart-card and mobile ticketing system, which is being positioned to offer seamless payments across multiple travel modes,” Stackrow said.

All of this is possible thanks to a forward-thinking business plan that directs day-to-day activities. Outstanding financial practices, strong,and effective advocacy for improving transit services, enhanced partnerships that increase ridership and revenue, and consistent community outreach are at the core of the operation and the focus of the Board.

CDTA is poised to do more for its customers, partners, and the region.

“Our services carry more people than ever before, our route network is primed for expansion and we are going to add more BusPlus BRT service to the region’s busiest roadways,” Stackrow said. “Our equipment and facilities are modern and attractive, while our employees are committed to our innovation platform.”

It’s the dedication and commitment of the Board of Directors, its employees, and customers that has put CDTA in a position to offer this wide menu of mobility options to the community and position the agency as a regional leader, he added.