Murphy: Time to Bring Ridesharing to Hudson Valley

ALBANY, NY – For residents in the lower Hudson Valley ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are popular cell phone apps. However, when someone is in need of a ride the services are not available. New York State Senator Terrence Murphy says its time for that to change.

“Allowing companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in the Hudson Valley is simple common sense,” Murphy said. “It is ridiculous to be allowed access to these services when we are in the five boroughs but not in our hometowns. It is time to finally approve ridesharing for all New Yorkers and stop this paralysis due to over analysis.”

Earlier this year the Senate approved legislation, co-sponsored by Senator Murphy, that would bring New York on par with other states that already have transportation network companies (TNCs). This bill addressed the insurance issues that prevented TNCs from operating outside of the five boroughs of New York City. Unfortunately, this legislation was sent to the Assembly where no vote was taken before the end of the 2016 legislative session.

Now lawmakers like Murphy are amping up their efforts to see ridesharing be expanded across New York State. Residents are urged to visit Senator Murphy’s website to sign his petition to pass legislation which a November poll showed 80% of New Yorkers would support if it meant ridesharing was delivered statewide.

“Apart from the fact that this is simple common sense, ridsharing services would be an economic boost for local economies,” Murphy added. “By embracing the technology of the 21st Century we are signaling to the nation that New York is willing to take the necessary steps to welcome businesses back to the Empire State.”