Navigator Fare Products

Navigator

Two fare products can be loaded onto your Navigator smart card.

  • Pay As You Go

    Pay As You Go functions like cash and costs $1.30 for the first three rides, while the fourth and up are free for the rest of the transit day. That means that you will never pay more than the cost of a day pass ($3.90). Customers can add as much value as they would like by visiting a retail outlet. Minimum online Pay As You Go purchase value is $10.

  • Frequent Rider

    Frequent Rider monthly passes are valid for unlimited access to CDTA's regular route network for 31 days from the first day of use, just like the 31-Day Rolling Swiper. The Frequent Rider monthly pass will cost the same $65.00.

  • Northway Xpress Fares

    Zone 1 (Clifton Park) - Pay As You Go: $3.50; Frequent Rider: $110

    Zone 2 (Malta and Ballston Spa) - Pay As You Go: $3.90; Frequent Rider: $125

    Zone 3 (Saratoga and South Glen Falls) - Pay As You Go: $5.00; Frequent Rider: $170

  • Discounted Services

    All qualified half fare and STAR customers will receive a half fare Navigator picture ID card. This card will provide access to discounted pricing on all regular products.

    Pay As You Go costs .65 for the first three rides, while the fourth and up are free for the rest of the transit day. That means that you will never pay more than the cost of a day pass ($1.95).

    The Frequent Rider monthly pass will cost the same $32.50.

    Half fare discounts apply to the NX accordingly.

Common Questions about the Navigator Fare Products:

Will fares increase? 

No. Fares will remain the same. In fact, Pay as You Go customers will see a reduction in daily prices.

Can I pay for another person with my Navigator card? 

Yes. Customers pay for another person traveling with them by using the Pay As You Go balance on their card. Just notify the driver you will be paying for another person and tap your card when instructed. Each additional ride will cost $1.30 and will not count toward the daily cap.

How do I add fares to my Navigator card? 
  • Online: cdta.org.
  • In Person: Visit the CDTA Customer Service Center (85 Watervliet Avenue, Albany) or any authorized retail outlets.
  • By Phone: Call 1 (518) 482-8822

*Online and Phone orders may take up to 48 hours to appear on your card.

How do I reload my Navigator card with AutoBuy? 

Once you have created a Navigator account, your card may be reloaded automatically with the AutoBuy feature. When your Pay as You Go balance gets low or your Frequent Rider pass is about to expire, AutoBuy will automatically replenish your card so you never have to worry!

When will funds be active on my card? 

All products purchased in person at any retail outlet or the CDTA Sales Center will be available immediately. When replenishing your card online or over the phone, your balance will be available within two days of purchase.

How can I check my balance? 

You can check your Navigator balance using any of the following methods:

  • Online: at www.cdta.org.
  • By phone: call 1 (518) 482-8822. A CDTA Customer Service representative can check the balance on your card.
  • In person at any Navigator retail outlet. You can check your balance at any authorized retail outlet that sells CDTA fare cards.
  • In person on the bus. When you use your fare card, the remaining balance will appear on the farebox after a fare is deducted.

Last Updated: 04/02/2025