Message From the Chief Executive Officer

Carm Basile

Friends:

The new year is off to a great start. We are grateful for the strong foundation we have to operate from our outstanding workforce continues to deliver high-quality service to our community as we move forward with excitement and a full plate of activities.

To kick the year off, we launched a new on-demand service called FLEX+, it provides a convenient and cost-effective way for customers to travel to and from the Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station and Downtown Albany. The Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station is one of the busiest in the nation, and now customers will have an efficient option to get to downtown Albany. Many train riders are headed to the state capitol to conduct business or to visit the many locations in and around the city of Albany. This direct and technology-driven service will be perfect for this market.

 I am happy to report that CDTA ridership totals continue to rebound and are now back to 100% pre-pandemic levels. This recovery is fueled by an efficient route at work and quality partnerships throughout the community. Most of our growth is on BRT and trunk routes, which are the foundation of our system.

We are happy to welcome Warren County to our growing network of service. CDTA, and Greater Glens Falls Transit became one on January 1, 2024. This merger provided Warren County residence with access to our menu of mobility services. Combining the resources of CDTA and GGFT has allowed for innovative opportunities, economic development, and better connections between Albany, Saratoga, Glens Falls, and Lake George. The addition of Warren County makes it the sixth county to join the Authority.

We completed our vision of 40 miles of Bus Rapid Transit to wrap up 2023. The Purple Line opened on November 5, running along the Washington and Western Avenue corridors and connecting customers with downtown Albany, Harriman Campus, University at Albany, and Crossgates Mall in Guilderland. We were proud to be joined by Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, and many other community partners for the launch at the University at Albany. This is our third BRT in the system.

As always, our community plays a big role in making CDTA successful thank you to our outstanding Board of Directors our dedicated employees, supportive retirees, loyal customers, and an engaged community for helping CDTA to be successful. We cannot do it without you. 

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Carm Basile

Chief Executive Officer