SERINO CALLS FOR CONSENSUS ON RIDE-SHARING BILL

ALBANY, NY— Senator Sue Serino (R, C, I—Hyde Park) today hailed the passage of a bill in the Senate that would bring ride-sharing to upstate communities and urged Assembly to act.  

“The fact that the Legislature has not come to a consensus on an issue that has the potential to improve life for countless New Yorkers is endlessly frustrating,” said Serino who co-sponsors the bill. “Ride-sharing has the potential to help revitalize countless downtowns across the state, empower seniors in desperate need of affordable transportation options, and mobilize college students in our community. We absolutely cannot afford to ignore the mass demand from consumers and localities who recognize the invaluable role that these businesses could play in their community. We owe it to New Yorkers to cut through the red tape and come to a resolution on this issue today. The Assembly Majority must no longer stand in the way of innovation.”

The fact remains that existing transportation options, while invaluable resources for so many communities, are no longer meeting the demand of our ever-growing population. Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft emerged as a means to meeting that growing demand effectively and efficiently by providing a digital platform that matches consumers with local drivers offering rides using their personal vehicles.

Currently, these companies are only operating in New York City where they are regulated by the Taxi and Limousine’s Commission. This bill would address the insurance issues which are hindering TNCs from operating upstate and would help to allow these businesses to expand and operate in communities throughout Upstate New York by ensuring these businesses are properly insured and the public is protected.

Notably, this bill makes certain that the decision to regulate the operation of these companies will fall to local municipalities so that each community can set regulations that work for their residents.

“Passing legislation that would enable localities to set the rules, ensures that these businesses add value to the communities in which they operate,” Serino continued. “This bill is a win for localities and it’s a win for consumers. If we want to send the message that New York is truly ‘open for business,’ we need be open to innovation by capitalizing on evolving technology that works.  I urge the Assembly to Act before this Legislative Session is adjourned.”

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