CDTA to Pilot New FLEX+ Service
District Transportation Authority (CDTA) is piloting a new on-demand service beginning Monday, January 29, 2024. Called FLEX+, it will provide a convenient and cost-effective way for customers to travel to and from the Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station and Downtown Albany. Customers will be able to pre-book trips around their train’s arrival and departure.
“We’re excited to add this on-demand service to our menu of mobility options,” said CDTA CEO Carm Basile. “The Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station is one of the busiest in the nation, and now customers will have an efficient option to get to downtown Albany. Many train riders are headed to the state capitol to conduct business or to visit the many locations in and around the city of Albany. This direct and technology-driven service will be perfect for this market. We look forward to piloting the program and seeing how we can improve the customer experience at our regional gateway facility.”
Customers looking to book FLEX+ on-demand rides should download The Routing Company’s “Ride Pingo” app from the Apple App or Google Play Stores. After creating an account, customers can pre-book and pay for their scheduled ride. Customers can also pay using CDTA’s Navigator app, or cash. The service will cost $3.00 per ride, and FLEX+ will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The key locations where FLEX+ will pick up and drop off are Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station, Empire State Plaza, New York State Museum, Alfred E. Smith Building, New York State Capitol, Hilton Hotel (State Street), Renaissance Albany Hotel, Albany Capital Center, Albany City Hall, Palace Theatre, Leo O’Brien Federal Building, and MVP Arena.
The pilot program will test the technology and the interface between AMTRAK and FLEX+ schedules. It will also provide CDTA with operating experience with on-demand services that are linked to specific locations.
Anyone needing more information about FLEX+ can contact CDTA’s Customer Service Center at (518) 482-8822. Customer service representatives are on duty 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. weekdays and 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday and from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday and holidays.