Lawmakers are considering legalizing Uber ride-sharing statewide in exchange for a 50-cent surcharge per ride with proceeds going to the MTA.

State Sen. Jack Martins wants the surcharge given to county bus systems in Nassau and Suffolk. 

Nassau's NICE Bus system faces a budget deficit approaching nearly $12 million year, and Nassau County is looking to cut its NICE Bus subsidy by $3.6 million. Martins says he believes that the 50-cent surcharge, if enacted, could prevent NICE Bus from making those cutbacks this year.

NICE Bus says it supports the proposal but doesn't know if it will generate enough money to close the budget shortfall. Uber is in favor of the proposed ride-sharing surcharge, saying, "We're hopeful that the framework they come up with allows Uber to offer all communities an affordable, reliable ride."

The surcharge proposal could be voted on in Albany as early as next week.