ALBANY – While residents in New York City have had access to ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft, the rest of the state continues to be excluded from this popular mode of transportation.
To expand transportation options for upstate, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-57th District) joined her Senate Republican Majority colleagues today to pass comprehensive legislation that will provide the framework for ride-sharing companies to create jobs and ensure greater access to safe, reliable transportation.
“People across our state have been demanding access to ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Lyft because they offer safe, reliable services and an opportunity for drivers to make money at their convenience. Ride-hailing apps create jobs, make the roads safer, and offer greater options. These apps are used around the country, and even in our own state, and it is unfair that upstate consumers continue to be excluded,” said Senator Young.
“The Senate’s bill includes important public safety provisions, such as criminal and driving history background checks, detailed driver information and trip charges for passengers, and zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policies. Ride-hailing apps modernize our communities and make upstate more attractive for major concerts and sporting events, further spurring economic activity and job creation,” Senator Young said.
The bill passed today by the Senate differs from the Governor’s proposal by significantly cutting the taxes charged to customers. The bill cuts the tax charged on non-New York City rides from 5.5 percent, as proposed by the Governor, to 2 percent, and does not subject rides to the 4 percent state sales tax. The Senate’s plan also designates new revenue from ride-hailing directly toward infrastructure improvements for roads, bridges, and county transit needs.
“The Senate is committed to ensuring transportation equality to residents across our state, and the way ride-hailing operates currently is another example of downstate thriving while our communities are left out in the cold. We have advanced a comprehensive plan that creates jobs and expands transportation options, and now the state Assembly must do the same,” said Senator Young.
