The Capital District Transportation Authority’s (CDTA) BusPlus Purple Line bus rapid transit (BRT) will roll out Nov. 5. The BusPlus Purple Line is CDTA’s third BRT and will run along the Washington and Western Avenue corridors. The Purple Line will run fare free for the first two weeks of operation.
The Purple Line will connect customers with downtown Albany, the College of St. Rose, Harriman Campus, University at Albany (the uptown and downtown campuses) and Crossgates Mall in Guilderland. The Purple Line will also connect to the existing Red and Blue BRT Lines, giving fast, reliable and improved access to destinations along the corridor.
“This will be a proud moment for the Board of Directors and the authority to launch the Purple Line, as it will complete our progressive vision for a 40-mile network of bus rapid transit in the Capital Region,” said CDTA Chairman Jayme Lahut. “This is a very busy corridor and the Purple Line will provide more efficient transportation for customers, whether they’re going shopping at Crossgates Mall, going to class at UAlbany or traveling to work in downtown Albany.”
The launch of the Purple Line will complete a system that covers 40 miles of BRT service and produces more than 60 percent of the region’s transit trips. The CDTA Board of Directors committed to the goal of 40 miles of BRT prior to the implementation of the Red Line BRT in 2011. BRT routes provide customers with faster service, enhanced amenities and better frequency and span.
CDTA worked with community partners while constructing the Purple Line to invest in increased access to transit, improve services and upgrade infrastructure. In July, CDTA completed construction on a new roundabout at Crossgates Mall, replacing the traffic signal that was located at the access road to and from the I-87 Northway. The improvements were made to help with the flow of buses in and around Crossgates Mall, which is one of CDTA’s busiest bus stops. When the Purple Line launches, it will include the region’s first busway on the University at Albany campus. Only buses and emergency vehicles will be allowed on the busway, providing exclusive access for transit.
