New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF, WE-Sag Harbor) this week announced his opposition to the Governor’s ridesharing proposal which would pre-empt local government regulation of such services. Currently, local governments have the authority to regulate ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft, like any other taxi or livery service. Some East End local governments exercise that authority.

The Governor’s proposal would address the insurance issue which has limited ridesharing in New York State. However, it also restricted local government authority. Specifically, ridesharing would be governed exclusively by State law. Local governments would be prohibited from regulation of ridesharing with the exception of local traffic and parking control.

Thiele stated, “I fully support ridesharing and the enactment of the necessary amendments to the State Insurance Law that would permit these services. There is a great demand for these services and the law should permit them. However, one size does not fit all. There are different issues in a large and diverse State like New York. The issues regarding ridesharing in a seasonal community such as the East End are very different than the issues faced in Buffalo at the airport. Local government should have the authority to address these issues, just as they currently do with taxi and livery services. There should be a level playing field. I am hopeful that in 2017 we can facilitate ridesharing in New York State while still recognizing the particular needs of different communities.”