EDITORIALS

New York should let Uber, Lyft operate in Rochester

Editorial Board

The Empire State, at least the upstate portion of it, is fast developing a new nickname: Luddite Land.

If you are unfamiliar with the term, "luddite" is someone who is opposed to technological change.

There are often good reasons to be skeptical about the promise new technologies hold. And, by their very nature, disruptive technologies destroy as well construct. But, when something is embraced as widely and enthusiastically as ride-sharing has been across the nation and throughout the world, places that don't offer Uber or Lyft-type services begin to appear stagnant, outdated and musty.

We strongly urge New York state lawmakers to collaboratively pass legislation allowing ride-sharing services to venture into the "backwoods" of New York.

The absence of these services is damaging to a region that is trying to restore its economy by attracting high-tech firms — and their equally high-tech employees — that, for the most part, can easily go somewhere else. As our "On the Bridge" feature shows, Rochester's young professionals are very eager to stop driving, or even owning, cars. It is one of their top priorities according to a survey by RocCity Coalition, an umbrella organization for dozens of young professional groups. That aspiration is severely hampered by a lack of good transportation alternatives that should include ride-sharing.

►READ AND LISTEN: On the Bridge essays and podcast

►READ: NY Senate passes Uber, Lyft bill

These companies are already doing business in New York City, albeit by different rules than those now being proposed for upstate operations. But, those rules don't make good business sense in cities that are a fraction of the size, thus offering an infinitely smaller base of customers.

Right now, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has a plan to pull upstate transportation into the 21st century. His proposal is slightly different than the plan approved by the state Senate, which was co-sponsored by Sen. Rich Funke. There is inertia in the state Assembly, which has yet to pass any legislation allowing ride-sharing here.

A similar scenario prevented progress last year, leaving upstate stuck in a passing era. That cannot happen again this legislative session.

We understand the objections to ride-sharing in upstate. These concerns — such as the future of the taxi industry, inadequate worker and consumer protections, and inflated promises about driver incomes — are not vastly different than the concerns that were voiced in hundreds of other cities across the US, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia that now allow the service.

And yes, there are lawsuits against ride-sharing companies, and reports of questionable practices. But, by and large, these companies are increasingly being recognized for providing unprecedented convenience, affordability and customer service. They are not going away any time soon, because there is a strong market for them — for reasons beyond keeping up with the Jones'.

Rochesterians who have avoided cabs because of the cost and unreliability would have an appealing option to get to and from the airport. Ride-sharing services could help draw more people into the city for a night out, having a positive impact on local bars and restaurants. Visitors to our region could have a much easier time getting around.

And, they would not feel as if they had stepped back in time.