New York: Uber Wants to Expand Ride-Share Upstate

He listened to arguments – a few of which emerged on Monday during a similar roundtable in New York City – from Avik Kabessa, chairman of the New York State Livery Fund Benefit, that regulations required of for-hire vehicles should equally apply to the app-based companies.

In trying to convince New York legislatures to grant it access in more areas within the state, Uber will be going on a statewide tour, building support by flashing more job and revenue projections. Cuomo says under his plan, municipalities would still have the power to regulate their own taxi and limousine services.

The Board of Airport Commissioners approved Uber/Lyft/etc. pickups months ago, but they still have to make specific agreements with each service, and that process has dragged-negotiations between Uber, Lyft, and the airport over the “operational information” that LAX needs have taken a month alone. He said that would result in over “200 different varieties” of licenses, all with slightly different rules.

“We are confident in the high standards we have in New York City to protect the riding public”.

He said driving for Uber would not necessarily be a full-time position; drivers can work as much as they want each week.

James Weisman, president of the United Spinal Association, urged Cuomo to require Uber to be accessible for people in wheelchairs.

“Uber has the potential to bring 13,000 jobs to New York state at a time when the upstate economy is experiencing a revitalization and investing in innovators”, said spokeswoman Alix Anfang.

Uber began a strong push this week to begin offering services throughout the state, and said it would help create jobs.

They said ride-sharing would allow for options in transportation, reduce drunken driving and create a positive first impression for tourists when they arrive at the Albany-Rensselaer train station.

Cuomo’s comments come at a pivotal time for Uber.

Uber general manager Josh Mohrer said the need is there, and that 350,000 upstaters and Long Islanders have already downloaded the company’s app, even though they can’t get the service where they live.