Updated: July 2025
Living in Upstate New York, it can seem as though you can’t make it around CapNY without a car, but that is no longer the case with the Capital District Transit Authority’s (CDTA) expansion of services. CDTA along with community partners have reimagined mobility that isn’t limited to traditional city buses.
- Affordable & Eco-Friendly
With these new options, the region is becoming more pedestrian and eco-friendly, and this is just the beginning. Scroll down below to see some of the ways you can get around the CapNY without breaking the bank with your gas tank.
- CDTA Bus Line (Purple Line, Red Line, Blue Line)
First on this list is of course the city bus. CDTA has recently streamlined the traditional routes to include faster service with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). These routes are optimized for limited stops, faster service, more buses, and real time information at BRT stations. Depending on the location the BRT station may also include heating, which is key in these cold winter months!
For more information on routes and schedules, visit: https://www.cdta.org/brt
- Lake George & Saratoga & Schenectady Trolleys
Looking for a way to explore CapNY without worrying about parking? Try one of CDTA’s Trolleys! The trolleys cover some of the region’s best restaurants, hotels, and performance spaces. The trolley isn’t limited to nightlife, there’s also a Greenmarket Trolley in Schenectady that connects riders to the best local produce and products. For more information on current Trolley routes, visit: https://www.cdta.org/Trolleys.
- CDTA’s Park and Ride
The CDTA Park and Ride program is a convenient way to get around CapNY and is ideal for commuters. How it works is that riders choose a nearby Park and Ride location and choose the bus line that will get them to their destination (here’s a list of locations throughout NY State: https://www.cdta.org/node/151). Parking is first come, first serve so early arrivals are key!
Most of the P&R locations are run by CDTA but others are located at malls or shopping centers. If you live in suburban areas and would like to get out to a metro area or would like to save on gas going and coming from work this is a way to cut time and expenses down. The Park and Ride program is year-round.
- CDTA Bike Share
CDTA also has other fun green ways to zip around CapNY during the fall/spring/summer seasons. From April 1- November 30th you can ride a bike or an electric scooter for some variety in your daily schedule.
CDTA in collaboration with Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP) and Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) has expanded their mobility menu to include biking! This is not only offered in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy but also in Warren County, Lake George, Queensbury, and Glens Falls.
Here’s how it works: Riders download the CDPHP Cycle! App and after registering online, they can choose whether they would like to pay as they go account or may purchase a membership. (For more information visit www.cdphpcycle.org).
Biking around CapNY is an affordable alternative to traditional ride share programs and is great for exercise. Outside of reducing your carbon footprint, it’s a great way to relearn your city through new eyes. It could also be a cute date idea!
- CDTA Flex +
Need to get somewhere in CapNY but don’t want to rely on the current bus schedule? Check out this other option for On-Demand Transit, When You Want It. CDTA’s 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 around the Capital Region.
View current hours, pricing and how to book here: https://www.cdta.org/flex
- Written by: Arielle Steele