SENATE PASSES MEASURE TO EXPEDITE RIDE-SHARING AVAILABILITY IN UPSTATE COMMUNITIES

The New York State Senate today passed a bill (S.5814), co-sponsored by Senator George Amdore, that would accelerate the availability of ride-sharing throughout Upstate New York, offering more safe, reliable transportation options for the upcoming summer tourism season and 4th of July weekend.  

Senator Amedore said, “New Yorkers have waited long enough for ridesharing. Moving up the implemenation date to allow our Upstate communities to take advantage of this long-overdue service sooner will help increase public safety as we approach the busy summer travel months and holiday weekends.”

The Senate led legislative efforts to authorize ride-sharing outside of New York City. It was included in the enacted state budget this year, but is not scheduled to go into effect until July 9th. 

This bill would accelerate the effective date by 10 days to make ride-sharing available as early as June 29, 2017. Taking this step will make roadways safer and save lives by offering an alternative to driving for those consuming alcohol over the 4th of July weekend. It will also speed up economic benefits by creating more jobs and by offering New Yorkers and tourists a new transportation option.

The bill was sent to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblymember Kevin Cahill.

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