Upstate mayors, advocates, law enforcement, legislators call for ridesharing to be passed in early 2017; touts safety benefits ahead of New Year’s Eve weekend
Coalition touts safety of ridesharing ahead of New Year holiday weekend
ALBANY, N.Y. (Dec. 28, 2016) — The Capital Region Ridesharing Coalition, an alliance of businesses, residents, and community leaders who support the legalization of ridesharing (i.e. Uber, Lyft) in Upstate New York, urged for ridesharing to be passed early in the 2017 legislative session.
The coalition held a press conference and rally at Albany City Hall, touting the safety benefits of ridesharing during the holiday season — especially ahead of New Year’s Eve. Ridesharing is currently allowed in New York City, in addition to 47 states. The lack of these services in New York’s Capital Region has the potential to make the region less competitive in the global economy.
Local mayors, law enforcement officials, business owners, and advocacy groups are calling for ridesharing’s passage.
Attendees also included Assemblymember Patricia A. Fahy, business owner Matt Baumgartner, Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple, Troy Deputy Mayor Monica Kurzejeski, Capital Region Chamber Director of Government Relations Thomas O’Connor, and representatives from the Lark Street Business Improvement District.
“Ride sharing needs to be a complement of the transportation system for any city in the 21st century,” said Albany Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan. “Allowing this service in Upstate New York will expand opportunities and access for business, residents, and visitors. Importantly, it will also promote safe driving choices.”
“Upstate cities like Troy need to build diverse populations and thriving economies to ensure the continued economic growth of our region. The expansion of ridesharing services to the Capital District will not only provide reliable alternative transportation options for visitors and residents alike it will also assist in supporting the next century of businesses and residents in our communities. We must embrace what other thriving city centers across the country and even downstate already experience. The City of Troy strongly supports bringing ridesharing to our region and look forward to working with our partners to make this goal a reality in 2017,” said Troy Mayor Patrick Madden.
“I am excited to be a member of this coalition and to work alongside many fellow elected officials to continue the push to permit ridesharing in Upstate New York. I am pleased that Governor Cuomo is engaged in this effort as it is a critical economic development need for Upstate New York that will create jobs, “drive” business to our local restaurants and undeniably prevent many senseless accidents or deaths by reducing the occurrences of DWI. My request is that the Governor and the Legislature act swiftly the first two weeks of January to not hold this initiative up in the budget process and ensure its timely implementation,” said Assemblymember John T. McDonald III.
“It’s comical that we are still advocating for access basic technology readily available all over the world, but that’s New York state politics for you,” said business owner Vic Christopher.
“Don’t make us wait any longer. Businesses of sizes and from all sectors are united in support to bring Ridesharing to Upstate New York. We call upon the legislature to let us use available technology for access ground transportation in Tech Valley,” said Capital Region Chamber CEO Mark Eagan.
“Allowing ridesharing in upstate New York would offer our community a new, attractive way to bring people into local eating and drinking establishments with safety and ease. This legislation has the potential to revitalize our economy — with a reliable way to get home from a night out, people are more likely to shop, dine, and go out downtown. I hope that when the legislature convenes this will be at the top of their to-do list,” said Jay Holland, director of government affairs for the New York State Restaurant Association.
“Downtown is in the midst of substantial growth, a trend that will continue as we prepare to welcome an estimated 80,000 people annually to the Albany Capital Center beginning in 2017. The importance of how visitors are welcomed cannot be understated, and ridesharing is a critical amenity that matches the level of investment we are experiencing in our District; as people travel to Downtown from the airport, train and bus stations, this on-demand service would provide a wonderful introduction as they prepare to take advantage of our world-class nightlife, dining, shopping, arts and entertainment,” said Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District.
“As an association representing craft beverage producers in New York’s Capital Region, the Capital Craft Beverage Trail strongly supports ridesharing to be passed in the new year. We believe that this will encourage cross-regional tourism and help promote craft production and distribution within the region and throughout the state,” said Capital Craft Beverage Trail Association President John Curtin.
View on Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/document/335226325/Mayors-lawmakers-advocates-law-enforcement-rally-for-ridesharing-ahead-of-New-Year-s-Eve-weekend
