Governor Cuomo Announces New Regulations To Bring Ride Sharing To Upstate And Long Island This Summer

LongIsland.com

Governor Cuomo signed the legislation last night to expedite the implementation of ride sharing to allow ride sharing over the Fourth of July weekend.

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New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Photo by: Kevin P. Coughlin/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Greenlawn, NY – June 7, 2017 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced new regulations for the implementation of ride sharing across New York. Required regulations have been issued by multiple state agencies to allow ride sharing services to be offered by June 29th.
 
"Extending ride sharing across New York is a matter of fairness that brings new transportation options and – with it – new economic opportunity and innovation," Governor Cuomo said. "This framework provides for a fair, safe and compressive ride sharing system that will benefit communities in every corner of this state."
 
Governor Cuomo signed the legislation last night to expedite the implementation of ride sharing by 10 days to allow ride sharing over the Fourth of July weekend.
 
The regulations include:
 
For Passengers:
 
The new regulations require that the fare or estimated fare be provided on the ride sharing app to the customer before the ride begins. The app must display:
 
  • A photo of the driver;
  • Make, model and color of the vehicle; and
  • The vehicle’s license plate number.
Ride sharing vehicles must also display a prominent emblem on the passenger side of the vehicle's front windshield to verify to passengers the company they work for.
 
DMV is required to establish complaint procedures for license violations of ride sharing companies. Additionally, ride sharing companies must establish a process for consumer complaints.
 
For Ride Sharing Companies:
 
To become an approved ride sharing company, an application must be completed and submitted to DMV and companies must have an app to connect with riders. There is a $100,000 application fee, $90,000 of which is refunded if the company is not approved. There is also an annual renewal fee of $60,000.
 
Ride sharing companies will have to provide vehicle liability insurance for $1.25 million whenever a passenger is being driven and companies must provide workers compensation coverage for their drivers.
 
Companies are also required to adopt anti-discrimination policies for all passengers, including those with disabilities. The New York State Transportation Network Company Accessibility Task Force will analyze and advise companies on how to maximize effective and integrated services for persons with disabilities.
 
Ride share companies seeking more information on how to become authorized to offer these services can visit the DMV website for an application here.
 
For Ride Sharing Drivers:
 
Drivers must pass a criminal background check before they can transport passengers, which includes a review of their driving record. Ride share companies must enroll drivers in DMV’s License Event Notification System, which tracks and reports traffic ticket convictions, suspensions, revocations, reinstatements and other events.
 
Anyone wishing to become employed in this industry must contact the ride sharing companies. Drivers must have a valid license issued by DMV and be at least 19 years old. DMV does not have specific vehicle requirements, but the ride sharing companies may set standards.