The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in Albany, NY, has announced its plans to expand BusPlus, its Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service, through development of a “40 Miles of BRT” route network.

The current BusPlus route, which entered service in 2011, connects Albany with the towns of Colonie, Niskayuna, and Schenectady. Ridership on the line increased 20 percent with the introduction of BRT.

The expansion plan includes eight miles on the Washington-Western Avenue corridor and 15 miles along the Hudson River. The first line will travel primarily through the city of Albany, serving the region’s largest shopping center, several institutions of higher learning, and the Harriman State Office Campus. The other connects Albany, Menands, Watervliet, Troy, Cohoes and Waterford, an area with a large, growing employment base.

CDTA Chairman David Stackrow said of BusPlus: “Its success has been felt at many different levels. In addition to providing greater accessibility for our community, it has made a tremendous impact in the area of economic development, and we are excited about the possibilities of what a BRT network can do for the region.”

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), who attended the event, said the planned BRT lines “are absolutely transformative for the Capital Region, as BusPlus will reduce traffic congestion, spur new economic growth, and save time for commuters. The Washington and Western Avenue line in particular is the kind of project that will have long-term economic, environmental, and quality-of-life benefits for students and residents all over the Capital Region.”

Attending the announcement of two new BusPlus lines in the Albany area are, from left, New York State Assemblyman John McDonald, Sen. Charles Schumer, and CDTA Chief Executive Officer Carm Basile.