New York, NY - June 28, 2017 - The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today announced that statewide ride sharing services provided by Uber and Lyft will begin on Thursday, June 29. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation to expedite the implementation of ride sharing by 10 days to allow ride sharing over the Fourth of July weekend. The applications submitted by Uber and Lyft were approved by DMV this afternoon.
“New Yorkers have long demanded statewide ride sharing services and I’m pleased that these services will now be available in time for the July 4th weekend,” said Terri Egan, DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner. “Ride sharing will enhance safety on our roads, open new economic opportunities for New York’s small businesses, and enable thousands of New Yorkers to earn extra income. This is an exciting chapter in the history of New York transportation and another example of how government and industry are working together to move the Empire State forward.”
DMV has put together a set of FAQs for ride sharing passengers, applicants, drivers and local government. New regulations were also approved as part of this legislation.
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 the driver works for.
DMV has established a complaint process for violations by ride sharing companies, available on the DMV website. Additionally, the ride sharing companies have established a process for consumer complaints, accessible easily through the ride share app.
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. 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 to be formed 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 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.