Transportation service companies like Lyft and Uber could be coming to North Country, according to Sen. Patricia Ritchie and Sen. Joseph Griffo who both applauded the senate’s passage of a bill that would permit operation outside of New York City.

The measure approved by the Senate differs from the Executive Budget proposal by cutting taxes to be paid by ride-sharing customers to make it more attractive for businesses to operate Upstate.

While the Executive Budget includes a 5.5 percent tax on rides that begin outside of New York City, the Senate’s legislation cuts that tax to two percent and does not subject rides to the 4 percent state sales taxes. New revenue generated would be dedicated to infrastructure improvements for roads, bridges and other county transit improvements.

“In many communities in our region, transportation options are limited, leaving people without safe, reliable ways to get where they need to go,” said Senator Ritchie.

“People in nearly every other state—and in New York City—have access to ride-sharing and for Upstate New York to be left behind is simply unfair. I am pleased that the Senate has approved this legislation, which will help to create more transportation options for people in the region I represent and beyond, as well as boost economies and create jobs.”

Griffo said “as economies continue to evolve in this 21st century, I believe ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft will empower communities in the Mohawk Valley and the North Country to grow and adapt in the face of new opportunities. “By embracing the same modern options for safe and affordable transportation that are currently available in many other states, Upstate New York will be in a competitive position to experience the kind of vibrancy that can attract younger generations, energize communities and foster business growth. I am proud to support this measure, which would better ensure that across the state these drivers and passengers are offered the safest and most accessible experience they expect with this opportunity.”

In addition, the measure also includes key protections for drivers and consumers, such as criminal and driving history background checks, passenger notifications of driver information and trip charges, and the adoption of non-discrimination and zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policies. The legislation also creates a new “TNC Accessibility Task Force,” which would work to identify and address barriers to and opportunities for greater access for New Yorkers of all abilities, and includes TNC drivers in workers’ compensation insurance offered through the existing Black Car Fund.