Warren County approves CDTA, Greater Glens Falls Transit merger

Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in Albany, N.Y., will be expanding its services into Warren County following the passage of a resolution by the Warren County Board of Supervisors that will merge Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) into CDTA.

“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.”

GGFT is currently operated by the city of Glen Falls as year-round, fixed route transit service and paratransit. Its routes serve portions of Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties and include Glens Falls, Queensbury, South Glens Falls, Lake George, Hudson Falls, Kingsbury, Fort Edward and Moreau. GGFT has been in operation since 1984 and serves more than 320,000 riders annually.

Chairman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors Kevin Geraghty noted the county was looking forward to integrating its transit services with CDTA, which he called “a well-run and well-respected organization.”

“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,” Geraghty said.

Glen Falls Mayor Bill Collins called the merger between CDTA and GGFT “a great move to stabilize and grow transportation services” in the county.

“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,” Mayor Collins said.

Warren County will be the sixth county to join CDTA following expanded service into Montgomery County in August 2022.

“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.”

Up next will be a several months long transition to bring GGFT’s employees and assets, including equipment, property and other administrative items into the CDTA organization. CDTA will also develop community connections and outreach efforts to familiarize its brand with GGFT riders.

“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.”