Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced that a measure that brings ride-sharing services to upstate New York is included in this year’s state budget agreement.

“Ride-sharing services will create more job opportunities, fuel our economic development, curb drunk driving and expand transportation options,” said Assemblyman Santabarbara. “Together, we’ve been fighting to make this happen, and together we’ve won.”

Despite accounting for 51 percent of total licensed drivers in New York State, upstate drivers account for 65 percent of alcohol- and drug-impaired arrests and 59 percent of all fatal and personal injury accidents.1 With ride-sharing services available, drivers will now have more options to not drive.

In a recent Temple University study, researchers found that since ride-sharing became available, drunk driving deaths had been cut by up to 5.6 percent, compared to cities without access to these services.2

“We want people to enjoy the downtown area, but safety is first,” said Schenectady County Sheriff Dominic Dagostino. “Offering more opportunities to avoid driving could have a dramatic impact on reducing drunk driving and making our roads safer. More convenient transportation options are a good thing and help take drunk drivers off the road.”

“Not only do ride-sharing services employ local residents, the increased access to reliable transportation will drive tourism to local businesses like the new casino in downtown Schenectady,” Santabarbara added.

"I am both personally and professionally supportive of the arrival of ride sharing in Upstate New York, and I applaud the legislative efforts that have been taken to move this important issue forward. We know from our experience in other markets that guests of Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady will absolutely take advantage of ride sharing, and we view it as a safe, reliable option for our visitors. I look forward to welcoming riders and drivers to Rivers," said Mary Cheeks, General Manager of Rivers Casino and Resort Schenectady.

“With a new casino opening in downtown Schenectady, there’ll be a growing demand for these services, which offer a convenient alternative to conventional taxi services,” said David Buicko, President and CEO of Galesi Group.

“Schenectady County’s economic redevelopment efforts have put us on the map as a true tourism destination, and the opening of the new Rivers Casino will make Schenectady County a sought after place to visit,” said Anthony Jasenski. “It is time to bring ride-sharing to Upstate New York so that our visitors have the convenience of additional transportation options like so many other tourist destinations around the country.”

“Ride-sharing would not only create new jobs, but it would also increase public safety and improve the quality of life here in the Capital Region,” said Matt Baumgartner, owner of Bomber’s Burritos & Wolff’s Biergarten in downtown Schenectady.

“Ridesharing could become a valuable benefit for the capitol region,” said Alan Fanitzi, Marketing Manager for ViaPort Rotterdam. It [Ridesharing], will not only make it easier for people to travel to popular destinations like Via Aquarium and Via Port; but also the downtown Schenectady area as well.”

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