By Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli
Let me state up front that I am supportive of the transportation network companies, or TNCs like Uber and Lyft. The unresolved issues which are preventing the passage of legislation allowing these services to operate outside of New York City are required levels of insurance and final local safety regulations.
I believe that the fair and sensible way to allow the new ride-sharing businesses to operate throughout New York state is to pass legislation that requires insurance and safety requirements similar to those that currently govern taxis and limousines.
It is my opinion that TNCs are a new industry whose time has come. Attempting to try and hold back innovation in order to preserve the status-quo has failed throughout history. Cases in point: typewriters vs. computers; land-line phones vs. cell phones; printed newspaper industry vs. internet/social media.
Instead of hampering economic change and opportunity, I believe that lawmakers’ primary responsibility must be in ensuring the public’s safety and well-being.
Herein lies the reason that, unfortunately, legislation has not passed in Albany this session that allows TNCs to operate outside of New York City. Although both the Senate and Assembly have agreed to allow local municipalities to regulate TNCs, the Senate and the Assembly have separate bills addressing the insurance limit issue.
Compromise is the name of the game in resolving the issue of insurance limits. Currently, the main point of disagreement between the Assembly and the Senate is over the amounts of insurance TNCs must carry with the Assembly favoring requiring greater amounts of coverage, the Senate lesser amounts.
I don’t get the sense that there is major opposition to allowing TNCs throughout our state from operating. The issue is agreeing on the language to get us there. We are very close to finalizing this issue. I hope it will be sooner rather than later. TNC’s time has come.
