Letter to Therese McMillan, Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration

Letter

Dear Administrator McMillan,

I am writing to urge the Federal Transit Administration's support of the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) -- Proposed Washington/Western Bus Rapid Transit Line -- Small Starts -- Project Development application. You may recall that I raised this project to your predecessor, Administrator Peter Rogoff, when he testified to the Senate Banking Committee on January 16, 2014.

The expansion of fast, efficient and environmentally sound connections between major activity centers is needed in the upstate New York region served by the CDTA, but especially through the City of Albany. In the past, I was helpful in securing appropriations funding for CDTA's first BRT which runs along the Route 5 corridor and links the cities of Albany and Schenectady. The Route 5 BRT line has been a tremendous success and CDTA has proposed to expand their BRT program. A large number of major activity centers have been identified, including several Albany neighborhoods, state governmental centers, major educational institutions, shopping centers and proposed developments. The proposed Washington/Western BRT Line would serve downtown, the State Capitol and several large state office buildings, the College of St. Rose, the Harriman State Office Campus, the University at Albany, the State University's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, the region's largest shopping center, Crossgates Mall. Other transit connections to the Greyhound bus station at the Albany Bus Terminal stop are also primary activity centers.

With a significant percentage (25-35%) of the population that does not own an automobile, improved mobility for this transit dependent population in Albany is much needed. Improved access to jobs, schools, universities and shopping centers would benefit these individuals.

The improved mobility and access that would be afforded by this expanded bus rapid transit line would also encourage the redevelopment and revitalization of many underutilized properties and parcels in the eastern end of the proposed Washington/Western Bus Rapid Transit Line corridor.

Overall, this project would significantly boost the Capital Region's economy, help invigorate multiple neighborhoods in the City of Albany and Town of Guilderland, and thereby raise the standard of living for our citizens.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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