CDTA gets federal money to buy 20 buses

Federal funds are being invested into the region’s public transportation system, with hopes to make it more reliable.

The Albany-based Capital District Transportation Authority, which serves the Capital Region through its extensive transit system, has been allocated $767,500 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Authority and its Buses and Bus Facilities Program to purchase 20 40-foot, ultra-low sulfur, diesel buses. These new buses are expected to cut down on maintenance expenses and make CDTA’s system more reliable as a whole, according to a news release from U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both D-N.Y.

“CDTA buses keep New York’s Capital Region running smoothly. Residents and commuters across the region rely on these buses day in and day out to get to work in the morning and home to their families at night,” Schumer said in the release. “These 20 new buses will not only cut down on maintenance costs and route delays, but make the CDTA transit system more reliable and efficient as a whole.”

The Buses and Bus Facilities Program provides grants on a competitive basis and formula allocations to update and purchase buses and to build bus-related facilities, including technological innovations to modify low or no emission vehicles or facilities.

“These federal funds through the U.S. Department of Transportation would allow the Capital District Transportation Authority to invest in new, cleaner-running public buses,” Gillibrand said in the release. “This is a major investment for the Capital Region that would help strengthen our transportation infrastructure, allowing for continued efficient service for regional commuters while reducing congestion and air pollution.”

CDTA CEO Carm Basile thanked Schumer for his continued support and tenacity in ensuring public transportation initiatives are funded.

“This $767,500 grant will allow CDTA to continue our ‘green’ efforts in exploring and purchasing electric vehicles to add to our fleet,” Basile said in the release.

“This funding allows us to stay on the cutting edge of fleet advancements and for an enhanced customer experience.”

CDTA currently offers services in Rensselaer, Saratoga, Albany and Schenectady counties. For more information about CDTA and its routes, visit www.cdta.org.