Grocery store employees receive free CDTA rides

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) will now offer unlimited free rides to nearly 5,000 Price Chopper and Market 32 employees through its Universal Access Program. The CDTA announced the expansion on Tuesday.

With this agreement, employees can use any of CDTA's services by using their Navigator smart card or Navigator app to access schedules or plan their trip. According to the CDTA, Price Chopper and Market 32 employees can use their smart card for any reason, not just for transportation to work.

"CDTA is excited to welcome Market 32/Price Chopper to its Universal Access Program," said
CDTA CEO Carm Basile. "Our comprehensive route network ensures a hassle-free commute for
their workforce. CDTA understands how important it is for employees to get to their destination
safely and efficiently, especially for employees at Market 32/Price Chopper, who provide the
community with vital goods and services no matter the day or the weather. We're happy to take
away the worry of a commute for employees and provide reliable and affordable transportation."

The grocery retailer joins more than 60 Capital Region colleges and businesses in the program. The initiative aims to reduce travel expenses, commutes and parking costs for employees and residents.

"Joining CDTA’s Universal Access Program is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for all their hard work and part of our ongoing promise to make their journey – to work, in their careers, and in life – as smooth and supportive as possible," Market 32, Price Chopper President, Blaine Bringhurst said.

There are numerous Price Chopper/ Market 32 locations around the region. According to the CDTA, although not all services have stops at the store locations, the CDTA does have stops near and even at, several stores and the retailer's distribution center.