CHIEF Executive Officer's Message

Carm Basile

Dear Friends:

As we enter the Holiday season, we invite you to prepare for the winter season as well by using our website as a resource to find route information, try new online applications, and stay on top of winter weather conditions through our service alerts, which can be emailed directly to you.

As 2011 winds down, good things continue to happen at CDTA and on the streets with the help of our customers, community supporters, and employees. I would like to personally thank everyone that provided the invaluable feedback on what turned out to be the largest service changes in our history. The recent successful roll out of our new Albany County Route Network provides our customers with better service, and more community connections. These changes and the introduction of BusPlus service have prompted significant ridership increases, including double digit growth on the Route 5 corridor.

BusPlus customers can now take advantage of real time passenger information through a new system recently launched including real time signage posted at many stations. BusPlus now uses bus only lanes and traffic signal priority at major intersections to ensure riders truly have the fastest way to get ahead. This successful pilot project is the beginning of a larger Bus Rapid Transit network. In fact, we recently were awarded a federal grant to continue studying options for a second Bus Rapid Transit Route in the Capital Region.

Through the support of our stakeholders, business partners, customers and employees, we strive to offer the best in customer service, affordable transportation, and accessibility all year round. The Holidays are a particularly busy time for the more than 700 team members who work to keep CDTA running. In addition to our regular service, we provide special transportation services for local events and area celebrations, such as First Night Saratoga. We encourage you, friends and family to take advantage of all CDTA has to offer to make your Holiday experiences more enjoyable.

Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season,

Cordially,

Carm Basile

Chief Executive Officer