Schumer: Acceptance Into "Small Starts" Program A Great Start For Future BRT Line

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that, after his push, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved the Capital District Transportation Authority's (CDTA) application to join the "Small Starts" program, which opens them up to receive federal funds to expand Albany's bus system. Specifically, as a result of being accepted into the program, CDTA could now eligible to receive approximately $50 million in funding. Schumer urged CDTA to apply for "Small Starts" during an event at the College of St. Rose in October 2013. Schumer also wrote to the FTA in March in support of CDTA's application to join "Small Starts." Now, the CDTA will work with FTA to review the project plan for its new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line and determine how much funding it can receive. The line would run through the city of Albany, connecting downtown to the Crossgates Mall, the multiple campuses of the University at Albany, the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, the College of St. Rose, Albany High School and more.

"This is great news for Albany residents and commuters," said Schumer. "Acceptance into the "Small Starts' program is the first step in getting the Purple Line up and running and connecting key areas of the city in an efficient, environmentally-friendly way. I am pleased that FTA has seen how important this project is to CDTA and its long-term vision for Bus Rapid Transit."

Schumer previously helped secure federal funding for the Bus Rapid Transit line on Route 5, and the route has been a resounding success. In January of 2014, Schumer questioned Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff during a Banking Committee hearing about his support for the expansion of bus rapid transit and whether these efforts were a good match for their "Small Starts" program. Administrator Rogoff answered positively in both cases and said the CDTA's application would be a great candidate for "Small Starts".

The introduction of BusPlus service along the Washington-Western Corridor -- the proposed "Purple Line" -- will provide customers with better and faster transit service. The WWBRT will reduce traffic congestion along major roadways in and adjacent to the corridor. Schumer explained that by increasing the access to local businesses and shopping centers, the new service will stimulate economic development and, specifically, act as a catalyst for revitalization of the urban neighborhoods that surround its stations as well as the potential redevelopment of the Harriman State Office Campus. It will also provide an ideal transportation option to travel from local college campuses, where students are less likely to own a car, to popular attractions like the Crossgates Mall and downtown Albany. Schumer also pointed out that along the proposed WWBRT route, parking is limited, the cost of building parking garages is high, and land for surface lots is non-existent -- so an extension of public transportation is in high-demand. With larger stations, more frequent and expanded hours of operation, and the potential to relieve congestion along highly-traveled roadways, the BusPlus line returns on investment in a variety of ways.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) administers the Section 5309 Capital Investment Grant program, which provides capital funds for major transit investment projects. The Section 5309 Capital Investment Grants program now includes a new project category called "Small Starts." These projects are low-cost projects, like transportation corridor improvements, that qualify for a highly simplified project evaluation and rating process by FTA.

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