Push Is On To Bring Uber To Utica Area [VIDEO]

Officials from Uber were in Utica today, pushing for legislative approval to bring the ride sharing service to upstate New York and the Utica area.

Josh Mohrer, General Manager of Uber New York, says every month, more than 1,300 people in central New York open up the app looking for a ride.

Mohrer says Uber would create about 200 jobs in the Utica area alone in its first year of operation.

Uber recently released a Statewide Economic Report which projects Uber would create 13,000 jobs across upstate New York in just its first year.

Senator Joe Griffo says the legislature is expected to take up the issue when the new legislative session begins in January.

A number of elected officials and community leaders attended today's event to show their support.

James Weisman, President and CEO of the United Spinal Association, issued a statement in regards to today's news conference:

“Before lawmakers give Uber a license to operate in Utica and across the state, they should examine the company’s accessibility record in New York City and ask whether they’d be handing over a license to discriminate. Uber has failed to put even 1 wheelchair accessible vehicle on the street. Uticans should take this opportunity to demand that the company make its services fully accessible so that everyone has equal-access, not just those who can walk.”