Bill Gains Major Support to Expedite WNY Ride-Sharing

Buffalo, NY – Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R, C, I – Amherst) has announced today at Canalside, where thousands gather for Independence Day fireworks, that his legislation (S5814) to quicken access to ride-sharing services for Western New York has secured a sponsor in the State Assembly.

The legislation has also garnered bi-partisan support from twelve Senators, representing regions all across the state, as co-sponsors after being written just one week ago.

“The momentum is building to get ride-sharing services up and running in Western New York for the Fourth of July holiday weekend,” said Ranzenhofer. “The legislation is one step closer to a reality with Assemblyman Cahill’s leadership in the State Assembly. I look forward to working with him to get this bill passed by both houses of the State Legislature.”

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D – Ulster, Dutchess) has introduced the bill (A7624) in the State Assembly. 

“With full legislative recognition of the unique business model of the ride hailing industry, it makes sense to move up the authorization a few days to allow for the services to kick off before the 4th of July holiday. I will work to fast track this legislation through the Assembly and I am sure Senator Ranzenhofer will do the same in the Senate. It will then be up to the TNC's to bring their product to market all over upstate New York,” said Cahill.

The bill amends the effective date for the ride-sharing legislation, Part AAA of Chapter 59 of the laws of 2017 approved as part of the recent state budget, from 90 to 80 days. If enacted, transportation network companies would be available as soon as June 29th. Under existing law, it would not be available until July 9th. 

Senator Ranzenhofer noted that transportation network companies will help to further public safety.

“Every year, we read about accidents and deaths caused by motorists who should not be driving during this holiday weekend. As families and residents celebrate the founding of our nation by watching fireworks all across the region, it is so important for our roads to be as safe as possible. One more safe, reliable transportation option will help to prevent injuries and save lives,” said Ranzenhofer. 

Today is the first day of National Travel and Tourism week, and local business and tourism officials explained the importance of allowing transportation network companies to operate in Buffalo and Niagara Falls at one of the busiest travel times of the year.

“Buffalo is gearing up for its best tourism season yet, with more new hotels, attractions, restaurants, breweries and distilleries to offer visitors than ever before,” said Visit Buffalo Niagara President & CEO Patrick Kaler. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome ridesharing to Buffalo to weave together all these new, exciting developments and make it easier than ever to navigate our resurgent destination.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the New York State Legislature for taking positive action on ridesharing for Western New York. This is the type of amenity that tourists have come to expect when visiting a destination so we are excited to finally be on a level playing field with our competition. I would like to specifically thank Senator Ranzenhofer for his efforts to expedite these services prior to the busy Fourth of July holiday. Being able to more easily move tourists around Niagara County is an important part of our mission to get people to stay longer and explore more,” said Destination Niagara USA President & CEO John Percy.

“Upstate’s wait for ridesharing is almost over, but there is no good reason this valuable service cannot be in place and operational in advance of the July 4th holiday,” said Buffalo Niagara Partnership President & CEO Dottie Gallagher-Cohen. “Giving all New Yorkers access to ridesharing has always been about job creation, road safety and economic fairness for Upstate. Senator Ranzenhofer’s legislation will help deliver on those goals faster and I thank him for his leadership.”

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