Majority Leader Joseph Lorigo joined Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, members of the Western New York State Delegation, Erie County Legislators, Buffalo Common Council Members, representatives of diverse sectors including tourism, business, education, cultural institutions, health care and developmental disability advocates at a rally at Kleinhan's Music Hall to voice their support for enabling ridesharing companies to operate throughout New York.  

Majority Leader Lorigo stated:

It is great to see so many people here today supporting the effort to allow ridesharing companies to operate in Upstate New York. I have repeatedly pushed our leaders in Albany to move quickly and approve legislation allowing Uber and other companies to bring their services here. 

New York City is already benefitting from ridesharing, why is Upstate New York being shut out? Western New York and the rest of New York State are just as important and just as in need of this service. 

Residents deserve a choice when it comes to transportation. Just last week, Buffalo was ranked the top city to visit by a national travel magazine, but when visitors get here, their options for public transportation are incredibly limited. In light of our recent resurgence, many people are shocked we are so behind in this area. 

We have seen the success of Uber around the world, and for far too long New York State has unnecessarily banned ridesharing.  There are a number of reasons to support ridesharing—and we in the County Legislature dealt with one very important benefit just recently.  Statistics prove that when ridesharing companies start operating in a city, instances of drunk driving and related accidents decrease.   That alone should be reason enough to expedite its approval.  

Unfortunately, when Albany wants to ban something, they tend to work a lot quicker. Time is running out to get ridesharing approved.  The State legislature breaks for recess at the end of June.  Again, I implore them to get something done this year.  Residents of Western New York have waited long enough.  As the only NFL city not to have ridesharing, we cannot go into another football season without it.  Get to work!