Albany, New York’s Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) adopted a balanced operating budget and a corresponding Capital Plan for fiscal year 2027.

The $143 million spending plan represents a 2.4% reduction from last year’s budget. Increasing expenses, along with depleted federal COVID-19 funds, continue to impact the overall budget, CDTA officials said.

To address that, the agency is taking a proactive approach to financial management, identifying alternative funding sources, increasing operational efficiency, and closely monitoring expenditures to mitigate challenges and safeguard the authority’s financial health.

“This year’s budget demonstrates our commitment to responsible financial management, ensuring we make thoughtful decisions that benefit our employees, customers, and the broader community,” said CDTA CEO Frank Annicaro. “Although the overall budget is lower, we carefully evaluated every expense to protect essential services and investments, prioritize safety and reliability, and support the long-term strength of CDTA for everyone we serve.”

CDTA’s Plan

CDTA officials said employees remain at the heart of its operations, with wages and benefits accounting for more than 70% of its expense lines. The remaining 30% of the budget includes expenses, such as fuel, parts and tires, purchased transportation, maintenance, professional services, and insurance.

The first year of CDTA’s capital plan is funded at $60 million and supported by grants and federal assistance. It contains funding for a West Facility design & infrastructure and mid-sized infrastructure projects, such as an intersection improvement at Church Street in Amsterdam.

The plan includes capital investments in Glens Falls and updates to shelters. It also includes continuing the authority’s annual fleet replacement plan to purchase 36 vehicles, including 10 hybrid buses and a hydrogen fuel cell bus pilot.

“Passing a fiscally responsible, balanced budget reflects the Board’s commitment to strong stewardship of public resources while protecting the essential transit services our communities rely on,” said CDTA Board Chairman Jayme Lahut. “This plan closes our funding gap through disciplined spending, careful prioritization, and smart investments that keep CDTA safe, reliable, and sustainable for the year ahead.”