Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara has launched an on-line petition ahead of the upcoming legislative session in an effort to boost support for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Upstate NY. The petition is available online at www.assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Angelo-Santabarbara/

“Smart investments to improve infrastructure with 21st century engineering and technology will ensure the future success of upstate communities – but this work is just the beginning.” Assemblyman Santabarbara said. “Our upstate communities must be as accessible as possible. Bringing ride-sharing services to our area helps ensure easy and convenient travel options for local residents, workers and students, and can encourage even more visitors to come and take part in all we have to offer.”

“With a new casino opening in downtown Schenectady, there’ll be a growing demand for these services, which offer a convenient alternative to conventional taxi services,” said David Buicko, President and CEO of Galesi Group.

“With Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady ready to open its doors on February 8th, expanding access to ride-sharing can make a big difference for both residents and regional visitors in traveling in the upstate area,” said Mary Cheeks, General Manager of Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady.

Ride-sharing could also be an effective tool in combating drunk driving, noted Santabarbara. According to a letter released by the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, upstate drivers account for 51 percent of total licensed drivers in the state yet are involved in 65 percent of alcohol- and drug-impaired arrests and 59 percent of all fatal and personal injury accidents.

“Ride-sharing would not only create new jobs, but it would also increase public safety and improve the quality of life here in the Capital Region,” said Matt Baumgartner, owner of Bomber’s Burritos & Wolff’s Biergarten in downtown Schenectady.

Efforts to permit and regulate ride-sharing services upstate were unsuccessful during the past legislative session, but Santabarbara has expressed an eagerness to take up the issue again. “Ahead of the upcoming session, I’m encouraging residents to add their voice to support ride-sharing in Upstate NY. Simply visit my website, sign the online petition, and keep it going by sharing it with family and friends,” Santabarbara concluded.