Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi are applauding a new state budget that legalizes popular ridesharing services in Upstate New York

Griffo and Brindisi says it moves the Mohawk Valley into the 21st Century by allowing Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing applications to operate in the region.

Brindisi said “At long last, Mohawk Valley residents won’t be left at the curb when looking for safe, reliable transportation.  This is going to be a great benefit for business owners; people who do not want to drive from social events; and anyone who does not own a car.

Griffo said Finally, the people of the Mohawk Valley will soon be able to catch a ride with a simple click of the Uber app. Having reliable and affordable options for transportation are vital for any community to remain vibrant and competitive in the 21st century, and now our region will be able to take advantage of this ridesharing opportunity.

Upstate New York is one of the last regions in the country to legalize ridesharing.

A recent economic impact study prepared by Uber estimates that up to 200 new jobs could be created in Utica within a year of ridesharing's arrival.

The earliest ridesharing apps could roll out in Central New York is July 8th.

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