How to apply for CDTA — Capital District Transportation Authority + STAR Paratransit (Rensselaer County) in New York

Who it's for

CDTA covers Rensselaer County with fixed-route bus service (Capital District) and STAR ADA paratransit. Senior Half-Fare ID for riders age 65+ cuts fares in half. Apply at the CDTA office (110 Watervliet Avenue, Albany) or via cdta.org. Phone: 518-482-8822.

What you'll need

• Proof of Rensselaer County residency
• For half fare: proof of age 65+ (photo ID)
• For paratransit: ADA-eligibility certification

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about CDTA — Capital District Transportation Authority + STAR Paratransit (Rensselaer County). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of Rensselaer County residency, for half fare: proof of age 65+ (photo ID), for paratransit: ADA-eligibility certification — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Decide which service you need — the Senior Half-Fare ID (for fixed-route bus service at half price) or STAR ADA paratransit (for door-to-door rides if you have a qualifying disability), or both.
2. Gather your documents. All applicants need proof of Rensselaer County residency. For the Half-Fare ID, also bring a photo ID showing you are age 65 or older. For STAR paratransit, you will need ADA-eligibility certification.
3. Choose how to apply — online through the CDTA website, by phone at 518-482-8822, or in person at the CDTA office located at 110 Watervliet Avenue in Albany.
4. Submit your application and documents through your chosen method. If applying by phone, have your documents ready so staff can guide you through the process.
5. If you applied for STAR paratransit, complete any additional ADA eligibility steps that CDTA staff request as part of the certification process.

What to expect: After submitting, CDTA will review your application and documents. Processing times vary, so contact CDTA at 518-482-8822 if you need an estimate. Once approved for the Half-Fare ID, you can ride fixed-route CDTA buses in the Capital District at half the regular fare. The Half-Fare ID does not require periodic renewal. If you are approved for STAR paratransit, keep in mind that paratransit eligibility requires recertification periodically — CDTA will notify you when it is time to renew your paratransit status.

Renewals

ongoing; paratransit re-cert periodically