Cdta Buses: Free Rides And Future Plans

are cdta buses still free

CDTA, or the Capital District Transportation Authority, offers a variety of fare options for its bus services in the Capital Region. While some of its services are free, such as the Saratoga Summer Trolley, CDTA buses do have a base fare of $1.50. This base fare was valid as of April 1, 2018, and there are additional fare options and discounts available.

Characteristics Values
Fare $1.50
Senior/Disabled/Veterans Half Fare $0.75
Children 46" and under Free
Pay As You Go $1.30 for the first three rides, fourth ride onwards are free for the rest of the day
Frequent Rider monthly pass $65.00
STAR Trip Tickets $30.00
Summer Fun Pass $44.00

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CDTA bus fares

Seniors aged 65 or older, veterans, and individuals with a disability are eligible for half-fare rates. To qualify, individuals must provide valid ID and, in some cases, proof that they are receiving disability benefits. Half-fare rates are $0.75 for a regular route trip and $1.00 for a BusPlus trip.

Children 46" and under can ride free of charge when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. The limit is three children per adult.

The Pay As You Go option costs $1.30 for the first three rides, with the fourth and subsequent rides free for the rest of the day. This means you will never pay more than the cost of a day pass ($3.90).

The Frequent Rider monthly pass costs $65.00 and is valid for unlimited access to CDTA's regular route network for 31 days from the first day of use.

In addition, CDTA offers a Summer Fun Pass for $44, allowing kids aged 17 and under to ride all of CDTA's regular routes anytime from July 1 through August 31.

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CDTA bus schedules

Each bus schedule details the route number and name, which correspond to the information displayed on the bus and at bus stops. Schedules also indicate when a bus will pass through major intersections, allowing riders to determine the best time to arrive at their desired stop. It is recommended to arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival time and to signal the bus operator by raising your hand when the bus approaches.

The CDTA offers various fare options, including the Navigator smart card, mobile tickets, and prepaid passes. The base fare is $1.50 for each boarding, with discounted fares available for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. Children under 46" ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, with a limit of three children per adult.

  • Route 1 - Central Avenue: Operates 7 days a week between Colonie Center and Downtown Albany.
  • Route 10 - Western Avenue: Operates 7 days a week between Crossgates Mall, Stuyvesant Plaza, and Downtown Albany.
  • Route 12 - Washington Avenue: Operates 7 days a week between Crossgates Mall, Crossgates Commons, UAlbany, and Downtown Albany.
  • Route 22 - Albany-Troy via Watervliet: Operates 7 days a week between Empire State Plaza in Albany and Fulton & 4th in Troy.
  • Route 840 - Saratoga Stonequist Shopper Bus: Operates on Tuesdays between Downtown Saratoga, Walmart, and Wilton Mall.
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CDTA bus passes

The base fare is $1.50 and is valid for one trip on any CDTA bus. The BusPlus fare costs $2.00 and provides access to limited-stop service on the Capital Region's busiest travel corridors, including the Red Line (Route #905) and the Blue Line (Route #922/923). The CDTA also offers a Summer Fun Pass for $44, which allows kids aged 17 and under to ride all regular routes from July 1 through August 31.

For those looking to use the Northway Xpress, fares vary depending on the zone. Zone 1 (Clifton Park) costs $3.50 for Pay As You Go and $110 for the Frequent Rider pass. Zone 2 (Malta and Ballston Spa) costs $3.90 for Pay As You Go and $125 for the Frequent Rider pass. Zone 3 (Saratoga and South Glen Falls) costs $5.00 for Pay As You Go and $170 for the Frequent Rider pass.

In addition to these options, the CDTA also offers a Frequent Rider monthly pass for $65, which provides unlimited access to regular routes for 31 days. The Pay As You Go option costs $1.30 for the first three rides and then offers free rides for the rest of the day.

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CDTA bus rules

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) offers a variety of bus services in the Capital Region. CDTA buses are a convenient and reliable way to get around, with various routes, schedules, and fare options available.

Schedules and Routes

Bus schedules are available on all route buses and at various locations throughout the Capital Region, such as libraries, museums, government offices, and shopping centers. Schedules tell you when and where a bus travels, including on weekends, and are divided into sections for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

To choose your route, look for the route number and name, which indicate the destination area, on the cover of the bus schedule and the large sign above the windshield on the bus.

Fares

The base fare for a CDTA bus is $1.50, and this must be paid each time you board the bus. U.S. coins and $1 bills are accepted, and fareboxes do not provide change. Senior citizens, people with disabilities, and veterans are eligible for a half-fare of $0.75.

There are also various pass options available, such as the Frequent Rider monthly pass, which offers unlimited access to CDTA's regular route network for 31 days, and the Summer Fun Pass, which allows children 17 and under to ride all regular routes during the summer for a discounted price.

Boarding and Exiting

When boarding and exiting a CDTA bus, there are a few important rules to follow:

  • Allow departing customers to exit before you board.
  • Always use the handrails for support when entering or exiting.
  • Have your payment ready before boarding, and if paying cash, have the exact fare ready.
  • Seats at the front of the bus are reserved for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Please relinquish these seats if needed.
  • If standing, hold on to the poles or hand straps, and be cautious when traveling with young children.
  • Signal your stop by pulling the cord or pressing the yellow strip, and do not cross in front of the bus after exiting.

Rider Guidelines

To ensure the safety and comfort of all riders, CDTA has several rules and guidelines that must be followed:

  • No smoking, eating, drinking, or littering is allowed on the buses.
  • No playing of radios, tape players, or other audio equipment is permitted; please use headphones at a low volume.
  • No firearms, vandalism, or gambling is allowed on the buses.
  • No animals are allowed unless they are service animals or in a carrier that can fit on your lap or at your feet.
  • Be courteous to fellow riders: please give up your seat to senior citizens or people with disabilities if needed, and make way for other customers to board by moving to the rear of the bus if possible.
  • Baby strollers and grocery carts are allowed on board if collapsed and able to fit on your lap or at your feet.
  • Keep your hands and arms inside the windows at all times, and ensure any shopping bags or small boxes do not block the aisles.
  • Riders must wear proper attire, including shoes and a shirt, when on board.

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CDTA bus safety

Firstly, CDTA buses are equipped with a commercial-grade air purification system that uses Photohydroionization® Cell (PHI-Cell®) technology, providing high-quality air disinfection for customers and employees. This is complemented by their Code of Conduct, which addresses everyday safety issues, and the ability for bus operators to summon police and medical assistance in emergencies. Bus operators are also trained to assist passengers with verbal instructions when needed.

Additionally, CDTA has a strict set of rules for riders, which include no smoking, no eating or drinking, no playing of audio equipment without headphones, no firearms, and no vandalism. Service animals are permitted, but other animals must be in a carrier that can fit on a passenger's lap or at their feet. CDTA also prohibits gambling on their buses. These rules are enforced to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers.

Furthermore, CDTA provides guidelines for boarding and exiting the bus to ensure passenger safety. Passengers are instructed to allow departing customers to exit first and to use the handrails when entering or exiting. They are also advised to have their payment ready before boarding and to check the route information before boarding to ensure they are getting on the correct bus. CDTA buses have designated seats at the front for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, and passengers are expected to give up these seats if needed.

Lastly, CDTA offers bikeable buses with sturdy and easy-to-use bike racks, allowing passengers to combine biking and bus transportation. They provide clear instructions for safely loading and unloading bikes onto these racks, emphasizing the importance of following the correct procedure and staying out of oncoming traffic.

Frequently asked questions

No, CDTA buses are not free. The base fare is $1.50 and there are additional fare options for seniors, disabled people, veterans, and children.

Seniors, disabled people, and veterans qualify for a half-fare discount, which makes their fare $0.75.

Yes, the CDTA Saratoga Summer Trolley service is free for customers courtesy of NYRA Bets and Saratoga Casino Hotel.

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