BusPlus - Your fastest way to get ahead
Frequently Asked Questions about BusPlus
Rapid Transit Service on Route 5
What is BusPlus?
BusPlus, CDTA’s version of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), is a limited stop service along the 17-mile stretch of Route 5 between downtown Albany and downtown Schenectady. BusPlus combines benefits of commuter rail with flexibility and cost advantages of buses, offering limited stop operation which move customers quickly and efficiently.
What makes BusPlus different?
- Faster Service: BusPlus will reduce the number of stops by 80%, significantly shortening travel times.
- Frequency: BusPlus buses will arrive at regular times throughout the day and evening with extra service during peak periods. A one-seat ride between Albany and Schenectady will have limited stops for shorter travel times.
- Convenience: BusPlus stations provide shelter and security plus customers will benefit from shared-use, park-n-ride lots along the route.
- Accessibility: BusPlus vehicles are low-floor, no-step buses for easy and quick boarding with bike racks on the front for easy storage.
- Environmental: Hybrid technology adds to the environmental benefits, while LED lighting on the buses allow for easy recognition.
Why Does the Capital Region Need it?
Route 5 (Central Avenue/State Street) is the busiest travel corridor in the Capital Region, serving more than 3.5 million CDTA riders each year (25% of boardings). This low-cost ($2 cash fare or $1.50 with a SWIPER) and efficient bus provides an affordable way to reduce traffic congestion.
When and Where Will BusPlus be Implemented?
BusPlus began in April 2011, with new silver and red hybrid buses, stations, and limited stop service. BusPlus service on Route 5 will be the first of a proposed 100-mile BRT network with Washington Avenue and Western Avenue the next areas slated for BusPlus.
What is Limited-Stop Bus Service?
Limited stop bus service operates on a route similar to other local routes, making stops at major intersections, landmarks, or at transfers to other bus routes in the CDTA system. BusPlus stations are located at our 18 busiest stops, providing service to a majority of customers who need it.
How will I find the BusPlus Stations?
BusPlus stops are easily identifiable with a tall vertical sign, often next to red and silver stations. BusPlus maps will be located on CDTA buses, available online at www.cdta.org or by logging onto a mobile device.
How Will BusPlus Affect Other CDTA Transit Services?
BusPlus will provide residents an innovative, reliable and efficient transportation option. Local service will complement BusPlus and a simple transfer to any local route that runs on Route 5 will allow easy access for additional travel choices.
Where are the 18 BusPlus stops?
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Station Name
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Municipality
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Closest Intersection
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Liberty Park
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City of Schenectady
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Washington
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Downtown/
Train Station
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City of Schenectady
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Broadway
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State & Veeder
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City of Schenectady
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Veeder/Nott
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Steuben
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City of Schenectady
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Steuben
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Division
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City of Schenectady
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Division
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Woodlawn
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City of Schenectady
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NY7 (Crosstown)
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Niskayuna/
Balltown
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Town of Niskayuna
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Balltown
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New Karner
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Town/Village of Colonie
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New Karner
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Colonie Village
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Village of Colonie
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Locust Park
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Colonie Center/
Northway Mall
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Town of Colonie
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Wolf
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West Mall
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City of Albany
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Russell/Colvin
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North Allen
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City of Albany
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North Allen
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North Manning
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City of Albany
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North Manning
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Quail/WAMC
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City of Albany
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Quail
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Lark/Armory
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City of Albany
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Lark
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Capitol/Hawk
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City of Albany
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Hawk
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State/S. Pearl
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City of Albany
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South Pearl
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Broadway/
SUNY Plaza
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City of Albany
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State
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How Will BusPlus Service Operate?
Weekday BusPlus service will run Monday-Friday from 4AM – Midnight
Saturday BusPlus service will run from 6AM – 11PM
Sunday BusPlus service will run from 7AM – 6PM
What Will It Cost to Ride BusPlus?
After an introductory free fare period of two weeks, the BusPlus fare will be $2 for cash customers for a promotional period of at least six months. CDTA riders who use SWIPER or other pre-paid fare media products will pay $1.50 or less per ride, as for all other buses.
How does BusPlus Work With Local Service on Route 5?
All local service on Route 5 will meet at the Colonie stations (Northway Mall or Colonie Center) to connect with other local routes or BusPlus. Adding BusPlus to Route 5 gives customers more travel choices as overall, the number of trips in the corridor will increase and the service hours extended to meet rider demand:
· Route #1 will remain the same, stopping at all local stops and BusPlus stations between Broadway and the Colonie station (Colonie Center).
· Route #55 (Schenectady-Albany) will become Route #355 stopping at all local stops and BusPlus stations between Liberty Park and the Colonie stations (Northway Mall or Colonie Center).
· BusPlus service along the entire Route 5 Corridor from Schenectady to Albany
What Will Happen to My Express Service?
Express trips will originate at Park-n-Ride lots on Route 5, and travel by freeway directly to Empire State Plaza before circulating downtown but will not run local service.
Three distinct express routes will be created:
- Route#530 - Rotterdam Square Mall/Exit 26 Park-N-Rides to Empire State Plaza via the Thruway – CDTA has 100 shared-use spaces at the Rotterdam Square Mall.
- Route #531 - St. Luke’s/Division Street to Empire State Plaza via 890-Thruway – This existing park–n-ride lot with 75 spaces will be origin of an additional CDTA express run.
- Route #532 - Woodlawn Plaza via the Crosstown/890/Thruway – CDTA has 70 shared-use spaces at Woodlawn Plaza.
How Will BusPlus Service Be Faster Than the Regular Bus?
With just 18 stops on each side instead of 90 used by the locals, BusPlus shortens travel times.
What Types of Vehicles Will Be Used?
BusPlus service will use new, environmentally-friendly hybrid electric buses. The red and silver color scheme makes them easily identifiable.
How Will I be Able to Identify BusPlus Stations and Vehicles?
BusPlus’ red and silver branding scheme helps riders identify this new service. There will be a total of 36 red and silver BusPlus stations along Route 5 featuring rail-like amenities including designation pylons along with upgraded indoor/outside seating.
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