It won't be a subway or a railroad, but it might remind you of one.

If a subway or a railroad ran along State Street and Central Avenue between downtown Schenectady and downtown Albany.

And if the train looked like a CDTA bus.

The Capital District Transportation Authority's planned Bus Rapid Transit line, in development for years, is inching toward reality with major work this year and next to install pedestrian infrastructure and souped-up shelters, which CDTA calls "stations."

"We want this to be our flagship service," said Kristina Younger, CDTA's strategic planning director. "We think we are designing a service that will keep our existing riders happy and will also attract new riders."

CDTA plans an open house today from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at WAMC Linda Norris Auditorium on Central Avenue to update the public on progress of the BRT program.

CDTA officials say the hallmark of the new BRT service will be its string of 20 station stops - with shelter facilities for both eastbound and westbound riders - along the route. That compares with up to 96 possible stops - depending on where riders are waiting or want to get off - available for local service along State Street and Central Avenue.

"When you are only stopping in 20 places instead of 96, you can put a significant investment in those 20," said Younger. "They become hubs of activity."