CDTA Launches Purple Line BRT

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer has announced the launch of the Capital District Transportation Authority’s (CDTA), Albany, NY, new BusPlus Purple Line BRT service, which will run from Downtown Albany along the Washington and Western Avenue corridors to Crossgates Mall.

“It’s a proud day for CDTA as we launch our third Bus Rapid Transit Line,” said CEO Carm Basile. “The Purple Line completes a network of Bus Rapid Transit lines that connect people along some of the most densely populated and heavily traveled corridors in the Capital Region. Senator Schumer has been a tremendous partner and advocate for us in Washington, helping us to secure funding for the construction of these lines and the purchase of buses and other equipment needed to operate BRT. He helped us build a reputation with our partners at the Federal Transit Administration as a can-do organization with the people and the know how to build and operate advanced transit services.”

In 2020, Sen. Schumer secured $60.89 million (which ultimately grew to $63.5 million) in federal funding for CDTA to implement the Purple Line. The funding came from FTA’s Capital Investment Grant Program. The $63.5 million from FTA funded 75 percent of the total cost. New York State DOT contributed an additional $10.99 million, and CDTA contributed $9.3 million.

“Ten years ago, I stood with Carm Basile at the College of St. Rose and committed to building on the success of the BusPlus Red Line, with a vision for a 40-mile network of bus rapid transit in the Capital Region,” said Sen. Schumer. “After years of relentless advocacy, the BusPlus Purple Line has finally arrived for Capital Region commuters and completes that vision! Reliable transportation connecting key areas of the city will help to revitalize the local economy in an environmentally friendly way.”

Along the new BRT route, parking is limited, the cost of building parking garages is high and land for surface lots is nonexistent, making the extension of public transportation critical. With larger stations and more frequent and expanded hours of operation, the Purple Line will relieve congestion along highly traveled roadways, and the Washington/Western Corridor line will see a return on this investment through increased economic activity generated by connecting travelers to their destinations, such as local businesses and shopping.

The Purple Line will also connect to the existing Red and Blue Lines, offering riders fast, accessible and affordable access to destinations in Schenectady, Watervliet, Troy and Cohoes.