The Warren County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Thursday, May 11 to join the Capital District Transportation Authority. CDTA will merge with Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT), which is currently run by the City of Glens Falls.
“As we move through 2023, we know the key role that good transportation service plays in the development of our region and that’s a charge we take very seriously,” said Jayme Lahut, CDTA Board Chairman. “Expanding services into Warren County and merging with GGFT will create new opportunities and connect people to the broader Capital Region.”
“This is a great opportunity for Warren County and CDTA,” said CDTA CEO Carm Basile. “We are proud to expand our service area and strengthen the transportation services that are already in pave in the Greater Glens Falls-Queensbury-Lake George region. Becoming part of the Authority will provide Warren County residents and employers with access to our menu of mobility services. Combining the resources of CDTA and GGFT will allow for innovative opportunities, economic development, and increased connections from Albany, Saratoga, Glens Falls and Lake George.”
CDTA expanded its service network to Montgomery County in August 2022. The addition of Warren County will make it the sixth county to join the Authority.
“Warren County is looking forward to its new relationship with Capital District Transportation Authority, a well-run and well-respected organization that has been providing public transportation around the Capital District for more than 50 years. We have appreciated the service provided by Greater Glens Falls Transit for the last 40 years, but amid changes that have occurred with the local and national workforces, joining with CDTA is in the best interests of Warren County residents and businesses,” said Kevin Geraghty, Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors.
“Today’s vote by the Warren County Board of Supervisors was a great move to stabilize and grow transportation services throughout Warren County,” stated Bill Collins, the Mayor of Glens Falls. “On behalf of all the residents in the City of Glens Falls, I would like to thank the Board of Supervisors for being willing to work together in this partnership connecting people and communities. I don’t think anyone can understate the economic benefit of this merger between CDTA and GGFT as we move into our region’s busiest time of the public transportation year.”
“Throughout the state, from the largest to the smallest communities, public transit ensures the basic level of mobility for the local population and for the economy,” said Scott Sopczyk, GGFT Transportation Director. “I applaud the Board’s foresight and their decision to approve Warren County’s membership in CDTA. I think that the approval will open the door for a brighter transportation future for the entire area.”
CDTA will work with the City of Glens Falls to transition employees at GGFT. CDTA will also work to assume the GGFT assets, including equipment, property, and other administrative items.
This will take several months to complete. In the meantime, CDTA will develop important community connections while introducing its brand throughout the community.