Albany, NY (January 16, 2002) - - - Upstate Transit, Inc. has begun round trip bus service linking Saratoga Springs and Albany International Airport. Upstate's service will also include direct links to downtown Albany and the Rensselaer Amtrak station.

Upstate Transit, Inc. will operate the buses for Saratoga County. Partial funding for the program's operation was made available by the New York State Department of Transportation, New York State Department of Labor and the Capital District Transit Authority through the state's Community Solutions for Transportation program.

Four new buses were purchased by Saratoga County with a $650,000 grant provided by the Federal Transportation Administration and Congressman John Sweeney of Clifton Park. The buses are equipped with air conditioning, wheelchair lifts and lavatories.

"The addition of Upstate Transit service to Albany International Airport offers travelers a convenient and economical link to Saratoga Springs, downtown Albany and the Rensselaer Amtrak station," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority.

The round trip route begins in Saratoga with stops at Northway Park & Rides at exits 15, 12 and 8. The route continues to the Airport, downtown Albany and the Rensselaer Amtrak Station. The cost of the ride from Saratoga to the Airport is $6.00. The weekly Commuter Fare from Saratoga to downtown Albany will be $42. CDTA will offer Upstate passengers free transfers to CDTA buses.

"Upstate Transit also offers a special guarantee to its customers," said Paul Kulls, President of Upstate Transit. "If the bus arrives at an Albany destination more than nine minutes later than the scheduled arrival, and is due to circumstances within Upstate's control, the ride home is free."

Upstate tickets may be purchased on board the bus at the time of travel, by mail or at the Upstate Transit, Inc. office on Geyser Road in Saratoga Springs between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In addition to Upstate Transit, the Airport is served by CDTA, Greyhound, Adirondack Trailways and Vermont Transit and offers travelers departure to various locations.

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