ALBANY – On Tuesday, February 8, the New York State Senate passed a comprehensive bill that would bring ride-sharing services – such as Uber and Lyft – to upstate New York, in an effort to improve local economies and institute efficient and convenient transportation.

Senate Insurance Committee Chairman James L. Seward (R-Oneonta) sponsored the bill which lays foundation for ride-sharing companies to expand their operations to upstate New York.

Upon the bill's passing, Seward said, “This is long-awaited, comprehensive legislation that will allow Uber, Lyft, and similar companies to begin operating outside of New York City.”

“Business executives, tourists, college students, and everyone in between utilize ride-sharing apps when visiting cities around the nation and the world, upstate New York riders should not be left at the curb,” said Seward. “The bill delivers economic, environmental, and public safety benefits and is long overdue.”

In June of 2016, Seward sponsored a similar bill that did not make it out of the Assembly's Insurance Committee.