Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA)
The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) was created in 1970 by the New York State Legislature, as a public benefit corporation, to provide regional transportation services by rail, bus, water, and air. Today’s CDTA is the premier mobility provider in the Capital Region, providing regular route bus service, shuttle systems, and paratransit services. CDTA subsidiaries own and operate the Rensselaer Rail and Saratoga Springs Train Stations. CDTA also operates the Northway (NX) Xpress Commuter Service between Saratoga County and downtown Albany.
Services currently provided by the CDTA
Customers, members, and partners can use a variety of transit options ranging from Bus Rapid Transit service, to CDPHP Cycle! bike sharing, to Drive, and to FLEX On-Demand to access services, recreation, and employment.
The Navigator Smart Card
The New York State Office of General Services has partnered with the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) to provide—The Navigator is CDTA’s long term fare media card that uses computer chip technology. You can add Pay As You Go funds, a discounted Frequent Rider monthly pass, or both products to your Navigator card. Navigator cards can be replenished online, at retail outlets, or over the phone. The Navigator smart card unlocks your access to CDTA’s entire transit network and the accompanying benefits. You can board any CDTA bus, anywhere, at any time. This includes all regular bus service as well as BusPlus (Route 905). The current CDTA services NOT INCLUDED in this program are Northway Xpress (NX), STAR (Paratransit), and FLEX (On-Demand). These services will require an alternative form of payment if you decide to ride.
A Navigator card can be picked up at your permitted parking location if you park in the following OGS facilities:
- 80 Broadway, Menands
- McCarty Avenue Parking Lot
- Water Street Parking Lot, B-Lot Booth
All other permit holders in eligible locations can pick up their Navigator cards at the OGS Parking Management Office, Room 144, Concourse level, ESP, Albany NY, 12242.
Routes to OGS lots:
There are three (3) public CDTA routes that provide services to OGS parking lots:
- Route Arrivals & ScheduleRoute 523—Exit 23/McCarty Express:
Exit 23 McCarty Lot via ESP Concourse, Swan & Washington Ave., and the State Capital (weekdays only) - Route Arrivals & ScheduleRoute 524—Broadway Menands Express:
Broadway Menands Express, 80 Broadway Lot, via ESP Concourse, Swan & Washington Ave., and the State Capital (weekdays only) - Route Arrivals & ScheduleRoute 525—Albany Riverfront Express:
Water Street Parking lot, via N. Pearl St. and Downtown Albany (weekdays only)
Find more information about CDTA schedules or to plan your next trip using one of the following options:
- Download the CDTA Navigator App available for iOS and Android mobile devices
- Download the Transit App available for iOS and Android mobile devices
- Visit CDTA’s website or call CDTA’s customer service center at (518) 482-8822
- Use Google Maps on your mobile device or desktop computer
Bike-Share Program
CDPHP Cycle! is a program offered through CDTA in partnership with CDPHP. Together, they are creating a culture of health in the Capital Region by supporting recreation and exercise through bicycling. This state-of-the-art bike-share program provides residents and visitors with an alternative form of transportation that supports healthy, active lifestyles while also offering a fun and easy way to explore our communities. CDPHP Cycle! are located at dozens of hubs in Albany, Cohoes, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Troy, Watervliet, and Warren County: including Glens Falls, Queensbury, and Lake George. CDPHP Cycle! operates from April to November each season. The program provides an additional component to the city’s growing transportation system, providing another opportunity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the bike-friendly city.
Riders may purchase a membership or load a pay-as-you-go account by registering online or downloading the CDPHP Cycle! mobile app. Plans include hourly, monthly, and seasonal.
For more information, including rental fees, rack locations, and more, visit Cycle!
Let’s Drive
DRIVE, powered by CDTA, is the first all-electric, 100% zero emission car sharing service for New York’s Capital Region. DRIVE car sharing gives you the freedom to choose a vehicle when you need it for errands, appointments, and other needs. Drive complements CDTA’s already diverse mix of mobility solutions designed to connect the regions communities.
You can book a DRIVE vehicle for just $5 per hour plus a one-time $20 application fee. Insurance, vehicle maintenance, charging, and roadside assistance are all included in DRIVE rates. DRIVE users are responsible for any tolls incurred while driving as well as any traffic citations. DRIVE is available to customers 21 years of age or over with a valid drivers’ license, clean driving record and valid credit, debit, or bank card. The first 150 miles are included in the booking costs, while customers will be charged $0.35/mile for any trips over 150 miles. Each DRIVE vehicle is a 100% all-electric Chevy Bolt with an estimated 200-mile range and seats up to 5 passengers.
To sign up as a DRIVE member today:
- Sign up on the CDTA DRIVE website
- Reserve a vehicle in advance on the MioCar Networks app or the DRIVE website.
- Pick up your vehicle by unlocking the car from the app on your smartphone.
- Unplug the vehicle from the charging station and begin your trip!
- Return the car to the station where you began your journey and plug it back in.
DRIVE is available in the following locations:
- Albany Public Library Washington Branch, 143 Washington Avenue, Albany
- Albany County Mental Health Department, 175 Green Street, Albany
- APL Delaware Branch, 331 Delaware Ave, Albany
- St. Vincent de Paul, 900 Madison Ave, Albany
- Maria College, 700 New Scotland Ave, Albany
- 65 Remsen Street, Cohoes
FLEX+ On-Demand Transit
FLEX+ offers convenient, on demand connections between the Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station and key downtown Albany destinations including the New York State Capitol, Albany Capital Center, Empire State Plaza, and other popular locations. Pre-book your trips around real-time train arrivals and departures, pay with the Pingo app, Navigator app, or cash. Accessible vehicles available for up to eight customers at a time.
To request a ride:
- Download the Ride Pingo App on your phone.
- Choose a time and location for pickup.
- Request a ride.
How much does FLEX+ cost?
$3.00 per trip and pay with cash.
When does FLEX+ run?
Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–9 p.m.
FLEX On-Demand Transit
Get curb-to-curb service—it’s that simple with the Navigator App or when you call (518) 482-8822. It’s convenient, accessible, and safe.
To request a ride:
- Download the Navigator App on your phone.
- Choose a time and location for pickup.
- Request a ride.
How much does FLEX cost?
$1.50 per trip and pay with cash or $1.30 per trip with Navigator. Customers can use the Pay As You Go option on their Navigator smart card, mobile app, or use the Frequent Rider pass for FLEX On Demand service.
When does FLEX run?
Monday–Saturday, 6:00 a.m.–10:45 p.m.
Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where does FLEX go?
In Colonie, Guilderland, and Latham:
- Crossgates Mall
- Albany International Airport
- Latham Farms
- Wolf Road
- And more!
In Southern Saratoga County (Mechanicville, Halfmoon, and Clifton Park):
- Mid-Rise Apartments
- Clifton Park Center
- Halfmoon Town Park
- And more!
Southern Saratoga FLEX is FREE for a limited time and runs Monday–Friday from 7 a.m.–8 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Have more questions? Call (518) 482-8822 or visit CDTA FLEX.
