December 24, 2013
On Pace For Highest Rider Count in 30 Years; Partnership Base Expanding
(Albany, NY) - The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) completed 2013 with record-breaking gains in ridership, increased recognition of its innovative transit system and new customer programs. Overall, CDTA is on track to serve more than 16 million riders this fiscal year, which will be its highest boarding count in 30 years. Ridership gains and system improvements are being driven by efforts to position the transit system as a better way to travel throughout the Capital Region.
“We are proud to see that the Capital Region is taking notice,” said CDTA Chairman David M. Stackrow. “It really is simple. We listen to what our customers and partners tell us they need to get to work, play and what matters. We are excited for a New Year filled with more service on the street, innovative payment options and even more community partnerships.”
The following is a look back at some of the top CDTA stories of the year:
10. SAFETY MATTERS – CDTA was honored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for excellence in workplace safety. The award recognizes exemplary programs that sustain a culture of safety in the workplace. The program has reduced workplace injuries by 50%, providing a safer working environment while significantly reducing CDTA’s worker compensation costs.
9. DEVELOPING FRIENDS - CDTA held a development forum to highlight transit-oriented development projects ranging from Bus Rapid Transit to the rehabilitation of municipal roadways to address regional sustainability initiatives. A panel featuring Assemblyman John McDonald, Metroplex Chair Ray Gillen, University at Albany Assistant Vice President Kevin Wilcox, Creighton Manning Engineering Senior Manager Jeff Pangburn, and CDTA Chairman David Stackrow discussed ways for developers and planners to work with CDTA to foster better planning for the region. The Development Panel was another in a continuing series of community-based events.
8. GATEWAY FACELIFTS - CDTA improved parking services at the Rensselaer Rail and Saratoga Springs Train Stations this year. New parking spaces were added at the RRS at the old Amtrak site. The Saratoga Springs Train Station saw additional paved spaces as well. Rail ridership has increased on the Northeast corridor and the extra spaces benefit customers, especially during holidays and special events when parking at full capacity.
7. TOGETHER WE RIDE – CDTA participated in numerous community programs throughout the year. Partnerships included work with Cancer Services of Albany and Rensselaer Counties to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, complimentary Election Day service for STAR customers, and service for the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Empire State Plaza. The Northeast Association for the Blind honored CDTA with its partnership award to recognize its work to help people achieve and sustain independence.
6. VETS FRONT AND CENTER - CDTA offered free rides on Veteran’s Day for Veterans and Active Military personnel. The Authority works with the Department of Veterans Affairs office, VETHELP, Glenmont Job Corps, Soldier On and the Guardian Female Homeless Veterans House to assist veterans in securing employment. CDTA also hosted its 2nd annual Veterans Day luncheon for its employees and retirees to bring greater awareness to the attractiveness of the public transportation industry for veterans with skills obtained through their military service.
5. ACCESSIBLE ADDITIONS – CDTA and several partners announced a coordinated service plan for accessible taxicabs. The public-private collaboration enhances service options for people with disabilities, while providing area businesses opportunity to expand into new markets. Ten fully accessible taxicabs are now serving all Capital Region residents.
4. TROLLEY TIME – CDTA and Live Nation provided shuttle service to Saratoga Performing Arts Center events over the summer. Concert goers were offered a new transportation option to the most popular shows, reducing parking costs and congestion. The service, provided with CDTA’s historic trolleys, operated between SPAC and downtown Saratoga Springs. Fans had a green choice for shows like the Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Jason Aldean, and Rascall Flatts among others.
3. SMART SHIFT – CDTA will offer customers a state-of-the-art payment system in the coming months as a result of a new fare collection system. The $9.6 million project will include new fareboxes that use contactless smart cards and mobile ticketing, along with point-of-sale terminals across the region. The system is expected to be completed by late 2015 with options introduced over time. Customers will have access to web-based portals and the ability to “recharge” on demand or automatic replenishment (similar to EZ-Pass).
2. BUSPLUS SEQUELS – CDTA was joined by Senator Charles Schumer to detail its “40 miles of BRT” route network. BusPlus, CDTA’s version of bus rapid transit, was introduced on Route 5 in April 2011 and generated 20% ridership gains. That success prompted plans for BRT routes on Washington-Western Avenues and on Routes 4/32 along the Hudson River, the second and third busiest transit corridors in the region. The Washington-Western corridor generates annual ridership of approximately 3.4 million people. The River Corridor connects to a host of CDTA services and sees more than 2 million annual boardings.
1. UNIVERSAL SUCCESS – CDTA’s Universal Access program has grown to accounts for almost 30% of its annual ridership. CDTA partners with Albany College of Pharmacy, Branford Hall Career Institute, The College of Saint Rose, Hudson Valley Community College, RPI, Sage Colleges, Maria College, Schenectady County Community College, Siena College, Skidmore College, ShopRite Supermarket and the University of Albany. Universal Access ridership has grown by 50% in the past two years providing students and employees with easy and unlimited access to CDTA services.
