In Memoriam: Carm Basile, Former CDTA CEO

Carm Basile, the longtime chief executive officer of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in Albany, NY, whose four-decade career helped redefine the agency as a national model for multimodal mobility, has died.

Basile joined CDTA in 1981 as a transportation planner and rose steadily through the organization, becoming its sixth CEO in 2009. Over a 43-year career, he provided consistent, forward-looking leadership that reshaped both the agency and the region it serves. He retired at the end of 2024, continuing to support the industry as a senior advisor with the Albany-based government relations firm Park Strategies.

During his tenure, Basile led a sweeping transformation of CDTA from a traditional bus operator into an integrated mobility provider. He oversaw the launch of three bus rapid transit (BRT) lines—making CDTA the only system in upstate New York to offer BRT service—and championed a series of innovative programs that expanded transportation options across the Capital Region. These included the CDPHP Cycle! bike share program, the DRIVE electric carshare service, and FLEX, a microtransit offering designed to improve first- and last-mile connections.

He also spearheaded CDTA’s Universal Access program, forging partnerships with employers, colleges, and community organizations to broaden access to transit and strengthen regional connectivity. Collectively, these initiatives positioned CDTA as a leader in mobility management and customer-focused service.

“Carm was truly a national innovator and leader in transit, showing the way on Bus Rapid Transit, the Rensselaer Train Station, and countless other initiatives,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY). “He was equally comfortable explaining policy to senators and governors as he was checking in and sharing a joke with his beloved workers at the bus garage. He will be missed by so many in the Capital Region and beyond.”

A dedicated leader within APTA, Basile was a member of the Public Transportation CEO Coordinating Council and served on numerous committees, including Mid-Size Operations; Legislative; and Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience. In 2017, under his leadership, CDTA received APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award.

“APTA was saddened to hear we had lost a great friend and industry champion in Carm Basile,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “His legacy is one of innovation, dedication, and a deep commitment to public service—values that will continue to shape CDTA and our industry for years to come. He will be missed.”