REGULATE RIDESHARING STATEWIDE

Assemblyman Lupinacci says county control presents ‘direct conflict of interest’

            Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci (R,C,I,Ref-South Huntington) today criticized the efforts of various lobbying groups to consolidate regulation of ridesharing companies to the state’s counties. Uber and Lyft contest that the regulatory boards of Nassau and Suffolk counties are responsible for policy governing ridesharing companies but are composed of representatives from the taxi and limousine services who are also their direct competitors.

            “As we begin to weigh policy regarding ridesharing in the upcoming budget it is critical we consider the goals of each side’s ambitious lobbying efforts,” said Lupinacci. “It is no secret the Taxi and Limousine Service as well as ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have spent large amounts of time and money attempting to sway legislators in a direction that is best for their company, but one that may not be in the best interest of our communities. However, to shift control of ridesharing companies to Nassau and Suffolk county regulatory boards, whose members represent their competitors interests, is a direct conflict of interest. We need a statewide policy that ensures the safety of the consumer, removes any conflicts of interest and regulates taxi, limousine, and ridesharing companies under one system in a fair and uniform manner.”   

            According to a Siena poll conducted last month, at least 70 percent of voters from every region and party are supportive of allowing ridesharing services to operate across New York.