Citizens of Saratoga should become accustomed to the jangle of change in their pocket, instead of car keys. In Congress Park Thursday, June 28, the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) announced the details of the new bus service, including new routes and schedules and unveiled the new sleek blue buses.
“Not only are there an increased number of destinations,” commented Saratoga Springs Mayor Valerie Keehn, “but an increased number of connections and stops. This is an exciting, expanded and improved bus service for the greater community.” The plan has been several years in the making, and marks one of the largest service expansions in CDTA’s history.
The service, effective July 2, will now reach downtown Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Springs train station, the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway, Saratoga BOCES, the Weibel Avenue skating rinks, Skidmore College, Saratoga High School, Saratoga YMCA, Wilton Mall and Schenectady.
Several local organizations and community members worked with CDTA to, in Chairman David Stackrow’s words, “roll out new service, new buses, new shelters and bus signs.”
Saratoga County Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouze, co-chair of Citizens Transportation Committee of Saratoga County, made sure to bring the voice of the people to the table. The service represents a $3.5 million investment and an expansion of CDTA’s annual operating budget from $550,000 to $1.2 million.
With the YMCA’s new location on West Avenue, CEO Jon Letts fielded concern from a number of senior citizens who needed to travel to the new center. Accordng to Chairman Stackrow, they need not worry: “Its best selling point is that the buses are easy to understand and easy to use.”
Residents can now travel direct to more destinations at more times. As Rita Cox, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Vice President of Sales and Marketing, explained, the expanded routes will also enable the 600 employees of the Saratoga Race Course to travel to work without the need of a car.
For the following week, members of CDTA will be on board the buses to help riders adjust to the new service and feel comfortable. Riders can board the bus at no cost from July 1-15.
Traveling by bus will save citizens money as well as help save the environment. To calculate just how much money leaving the car at home will earn you, logon to www.cdta.org and click “Dump the Pump.” Not only will riding the bus reduce traffic congestion and hopefully help with Saratoga’s acute parking problems, the blue buses are now running green. CDTA’s new hybrid bus reduces emission by up to 90 percent and use up to 30 percent less fuel—fuel that is now clean diesel and minimizes the amount of sulfur (a key cause of soot) emitted into the air. In addition, all bus stops are equipped with solar-powered lamps.
When asked what economic benefit he could foresee for the city of Saratoga, Assembly Republican Leader James Tedisco replied that the new service will connect the 110th State Assembly District, constructing a symbiotic relationship between the residents of Saratoga and Schenectady. Both cities have much to offer: Saratoga’s Hall of Springs and Race Track and Schenectady’s library and Proctor’s Theatre will act as enticing draws. As the people traverse the districts, he hypothesized, they will stop and browse in local stores and dine in area restaurants.
As the price of gas continues its steep climb, people will likely find the already inviting buses more and more appealing. “Let’s inspire people,” remarked Mayor Keehn. “Let’s get out there and ride the bus together.”
Main Menu
Leave a comment