Workforce, Technology: Investments Key to CDTA Success

This article describes recent steps taken by the Albany, New York-based Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) to improve service and expand its ridership through re-branding efforts and expanded use of low-emission buses and workforce development. A regional transportation provider, it serves four counties: Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady. The fleet numbers 280 buses covering a service area of 1,700 square miles. In additional to a range of conventional bus services, it runs paratransit and suburban commuter services. Ridership is 13.5 million a year, an eight percent rise over the previous year. To attract a broader range of applicants and increase its retention rate, the authority has instituted a "green collar" career recruitment drive, developed by the American Public Transportation Association's leadership program. Other environmentally friendly moves include a new biodiesel program and a system-wide reduction in waste streams and energy use. Other elements, including fare revisions, bus rapid transit and employee gain sharing programs, are also discussed.

• Authors:
  • Starcic, Janna
• Publication Date: 2008-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: pp 20-21, 24
• Serial:
  • Metro Magazine
  • Volume: 104
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Metro Magazine

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Biodiesel fuels; Bus rapid transit; Marketing; Solar collectors; Transit operating agencies
• Identifier Terms: Capital District Transportation Authority
• Geographic Terms: New York (State)
• Subject Areas: Energy; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01100556
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 3 2008 7:30AM