For nearly two years, I advocated tirelessly for ridesharing to be approved in Upstate New York. During that time, I worked with several local organizations and leaders to get our message to Albany, and I want to thank everyone involved for their efforts. Now, (after far too long), our community will finally have ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft, along with the many benefits that come with their services. However, the timing doesn’t make any sense.

For those that have never used ridesharing, it is a safe, reliable, affordable, and more readily available “taxi” service, where the drivers use their own vehicles and typically work part time. I have used Uber while traveling, and look forward to having the option here in Buffalo. However, right after the state budget was announced, we learned that ridesharing wouldn’t be allowed for 90 days, which went past the Fourth of July holiday. After learning that ridesharing would be allowed just days after the Fourth of July I immediately called on Albany to amend the law, and set the start date as July 1, which I believe will help make for safer roads, reduce DWIs and result in less DWI related accidents. 

Since releasing my statement on April 8, I have not heard of any attempts by state leaders to amend the timeline. As a result, I will be sponsoring a resolution at the Erie County Legislature’s April 27 session that calls on New York State to do everything in its power to amend the timeline to allow ridesharing companies to get up and running by July 1. I believe this can be accomplished for the benefit of residents.

I recently read an article that stated that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that “Fourth of July is the worst day of the year for fatal car crashes. And, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40 percent of all highway deaths between 2007 and 2011 were caused by drunk driving over the Fourth of July weekend.” While those statistics are somewhat older, we face the same dangers on the roadways every year. Worse, the NHTSA reports that every day, 28 people in the United States die in an alcohol-related vehicle crash.

While ridesharing services can help reduce drunk driving and fatalities, Uber and Lyft can only reduce DWI accidents and arrests when individuals actually utilize the service. Anyone who is planning to go out and drink absolutely needs a plan to get home. Once available, ridesharing will provide an option to get home safely and easily.

When ridesharing is officially available, hopefully by July 1, it will have a positive impact beyond DWIs. Our tourism and entertainment industries will benefit greatly. It will also provide an alternative option for resident who don’t have access to public transportation, especially in more rural areas. Additionally, the agencies that work with people with disabilities and the elderly, including People Inc., have outlined the many benefits that ridesharing can provide, such as door-to-door transportation to doctor’s appointments.

As always, if you have a question or concern about a county matter, please contact me at 858-8922 or joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.