Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that the Capital District Transit Authority (CDTA) is offering free fares when the new routes in Montgomery County roll out on Sunday, Aug. 28, through Sept. 18. After the introductory phase has concluded, riders will pay the regular CDTA fare, which is $1.50 per ride for local service.

“Having reliable, affordable transportation services allows residents to commute to work, school or recreational activities at a low cost,” said Santabarbara. “The return of public transportation to Montgomery County is exciting news for all our residents. The first few weeks of CDTA’s new service will also let residents try it out for free, so there’s no better time to hail a ride.”

Santabarbara helped secure more than $3 million in the 2022-23 state budget to bring CDTA bus services to the Amsterdam community. The return of public transportation in the city will relieve the pressure commuters, seniors and students have faced since operations ceased in 2018. The new routes and schedules are:

• Route #600 (Neighborhood Belt Line) will serve Amsterdam neighborhoods via Church Street, Clizbe Avenue, Guy Park Avenue, Division Street and Route 30. Running Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 8:45 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Route #601 (South Side and Route 30) will serve South Amsterdam and Route 30 via Bridge Street, Market Street and Wallins Corner Road. Running Monday through Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
• Route #602 (Amsterdam to Schenectady) will connect Amsterdam to Schenectady via Guy Park Avenue, Division Street, East Main Street and Route 5. Running Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
•  Route #560 (Thruway Xpress) will connect Montgomery County to Albany via I-90. Running Monday through Friday with morning trips from 6:15 to 8:45 a.m., afternoon trips from noon to 2:45 p.m. and evening trips from 3:45 to 7 p.m.

Along with the new routes in Montgomery County, CDTA is launching its Universal Access program that allows Capital Region employees and students to access transportation services by swiping their company or school ID, noted Santabarbara.