May 18, 2026 by Elias Prodger (‘26)
On November 30, 2025, the Capital District Transit Authority discontinued its two Saratoga Springs-based fixed bus routes, the #451 and #452, replacing them with a new on-demand “FLEX” service. Six months later, the transition has drawn a large swath of reaction, from praise from certain riders and the agency to skepticism from advocates, and students who say the shift has left vulnerable communities behind.
The FLEX model is a form of microtransit. Rather than fixed routes on a set timetable, a fleet of two to four vans responds to ride requests made through a mobile app or by phone. Riders can call 518-482-8822 or download the Navigator app to schedule a pickup. Service operates Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 10:45 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. The $1.50 fare, the same as the standard bus service, are paid on board the van.
CDTA officials described the new service area as covering most stops previously served by the #451 and #452, with added coverage on Washington and Beekman Streets. The authority said riders benefit from a point-to-point pickup and drop-off system, with an average weekday wait time of around 13 minutes, well under the 30-minute threshold the agency had initially advertised. Designated stops include the Saratoga YMCA, Skidmore College, Congress Park, and Saratoga Hospital, with new pick up and drop off locations being added since November.
The #450, which connects Schenectady and Wilton via Saratoga Springs, continues operating and has been retained for later evening hours when FLEX demand is lower. Additionally, the #452 will retain its night service on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
The shift to FLEX comes as CDTA faces financial strain. “This upcoming fiscal year, we are expecting a deficit,” according to Lindsey Varney and Emily Devito, who serve as Mobility Manager and Communications Manager, respectively, due to the exhaustion of COVID-era federal relief funds. A state contract currently under negotiation has left the full scope of that deficit unclear.
CDTA officials framed the move to FLEX as a service rebalancing rather than a reduction, noting that the system has expanded to include new pickup locations and that the agency is looking to extend the model into other parts of its service area.
Depending on the time of day, 2 to 4 vans operate in the Saratoga area. Each van includes 5 seats as well as a wheelchair ramp.
On Skidmore College’s campus, one of the locations served by the former routes, students have pushed back against the changes. A Change.org petition started by the Skidmore College Democrats gathered more than 1,000 signatures calling on CDTA to restore regular fixed-route service. “This change in the system has greatly impacted my ability to utilize areas off campus.” Skidmore Student Bella Legatta says. “With FLEX, you must schedule a ride ahead of time, and locations are in limited places… As a busy college student, I cannot always plan hours in advance, so I just haven’t been to town as often.” Skidmore students can use their college ID to ride CDTA for free.
In the senior community, the transition has posed challenges. Jordan Rosecrans, an advocate at the Saratoga Senior Center, said the new system places a burden on a population that may not be comfortable with smartphone technology. “FLEX does rely a lot on cellphones, which is not always comfortable for the community,” Rosecrans said.
For seniors and riders with disabilities, CDTA also operates STAR, a separate paratransit service for individuals whose disability prevents them from using standard public transit. Unlike FLEX, which operatesstop-to-stop, STAR provides curb-to-curb service and can be booked by phone, email, or fax, though it requires an application process to establish eligibility. Rosecrans said navigating STAR is manageable for those she works with, and that helping community members book appointments is part of her regular role at the center.
CDTA officials said the agency has taken steps to address the technology barrier, including partnerships with organizations like the Mechanicville library, where riders can access a tablet to call the vans. This system does not currently exist at the Saratoga Library. “Any organizations that might need assistance because people don’t have a cell phone or don’t know how to use technology can definitely call usand we will help them with that,” Devito and Varney said. The agency also employs travel trainers to assist new riders in navigating the system.
Community advocate and author Diogenes Kauffman has vocally disapproved of the program. “I don’t think the ‘uberfication’ of CDTA is actually serving anyone,” Kauffman said. “Riding the bus is not just a means of transportation; for people who use the bus regularly, this is part of their connection with their communities, and to disrupt that for no apparent reason other than profit is another way that community connections are being dismantled.”
CDTA officials said the agency is prepared to scale the service as demand grows, including during the summer tourism season. “We will be prepared to keep wait times down and handle any seasonal workers and visitors, so we really encourage people to give the FLEX system a try,” Devito and Varney said.