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

Who it's for

CDTA covers Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 (Saratoga 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 Saratoga 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 riders age 65+ on fixed-route buses) or STAR ADA paratransit (for riders with qualifying disabilities), or both.
2. Gather your required documents. For the Half-Fare ID, you need proof of age 65+ (such as a photo ID) and proof of Saratoga County residency. For STAR paratransit, you also need ADA-eligibility certification.
3. Choose how to apply. You can apply online through the CDTA website or by phone at 518-482-8822. You may also apply 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, a CDTA representative will guide you through the process.
5. If applying for STAR paratransit, complete any additional ADA eligibility steps that CDTA requires 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 for an estimate. Once approved for the Half-Fare ID, you can ride fixed-route buses in the Capital District — including Saratoga County — at half the regular fare. The Half-Fare ID does not require renewal on a set schedule, so it remains valid on an ongoing basis. If you are approved for STAR ADA paratransit, keep in mind that paratransit eligibility requires periodic re-certification, so watch for notices from CDTA and respond promptly to avoid any lapse in service.

Renewals

ongoing; paratransit re-cert periodically