September 10, 2025
“Respect the Ride. Pay your Fare.”
ALBANY, NY (September 10, 2025) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is launching a new public awareness campaign aimed at increasing fare compliance across CDTA’s route network. The campaign is “Respect the Ride. Pay your Fare.” It’s a reminder to customers that paying the bus fare isn’t just a requirement, it’s a way to respect your bus operator, fellow customers, the ride and the community.
“CDTA has seen fare evasion become more prevalent in recent months,” said CDTA CEO Frank Annicaro. “Every rider who pays their fare contributes to a stronger, more reliable system. We are thankful to our riders who do pay, but we want to work on building a culture of fairness and accountability on our transit system.”
Key elements of the campaign include “Fare Required” messaging on headway signs, public awareness through educational signage on buses, shelters, and social media, and announcements on buses reminding riders to pay the fare. CDTA has also implemented technology to better track when and where people do not pay the fare. It is important for customers to pay for the fare because that also allows CDTA to better monitor ridership trends and have service aligned with customer needs.
CDTA is also committed to equity and is working to create expanded access to reduced fare programs in the Capital Region for eligible low-income riders. CDTA’s base cash fare is $1.50, and BusPlus cash fare is $2.00. CDTA also has half-fare programs.
Anyone needing more information about fares or how to purchase passes can visit https://www.cdta.org/cdta-fares or contact CDTA’s Customer Service Center at (518) 482-8822. Customer service representatives are on duty 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays and 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and holidays.
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