State could strip local authority over Uber, Lyft

<p>Critics say there will be chaos in local municipalities if state lawmakers pass a new ride-sharing bill attached to the state budget.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 21, 2017, 7:21 PM

Updated 2,567 days ago

Share:

State could strip local authority over Uber, Lyft
Critics say there will be chaos in local municipalities if state lawmakers pass a new ride-sharing bill attached to the state budget.
State lawmakers are considering allowing ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft to operate under one state authority. Local taxi services still have to register locally and operate in accordance with local rules.
East Hampton Supervisor Larry Cantwell says the potential agreement would create chaos.
"On the face of it, the state's creating a double standard here," says Cantwell. "One set of rules if you pay a tax to the state and get licensed on a statewide basis and a separate set of rules in every local jurisdiction if you're not. So it's a double standard that I think upsets the whole competitive environment in many ways."
East End residents are also worried of a repeat of last summer, when hundreds of Uber drivers were ticketed after jamming up the streets competing for fares.
"How much confusion and chaos is caused in the hamlet of Montauk when hundreds of Uber drivers come there just for the weekend, tying up the street, creating traffic, sleeping in their cars?" asks Cantwell.
Still, others welcome the idea of the ride-sharing companies out east.
"I think it's absolutely frustrating to have to deal with cabs," says Bob Walczak.


More from News 12
10:39
Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Stony Brook University

Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Stony Brook University

1:47
Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

0:25
Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

Suffolk police: Plane lands safely on Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai

1:37
Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

1:21
DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

0:13
School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

1:51
Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

0:32
Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

0:26
Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

0:24
Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

0:27
MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

1:46
What's Cooking: Steak Taco

What's Cooking: Steak Taco

2:57
Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

2:01
US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

0:33
Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

0:53
USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:27
Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments

Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments