Public Transit Association Supports Surcharge For
Ride-Hailing Services
The New York Public Transit Association sent a letter to the governor Thursday in support of allowing Transportation Network Companies, a.k.a. ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft, to operate in Upstate New York. In taking the position though, NYPTA also called for a surcharge on the companies.
“While NYPTA supports this new travel option, there is the potential for TNC’s, as private for-profit carriers, to draw some riders away from existing, government supported, transit systems. NYPTA recommends that a portion of any new state revenues received from TNCs be used to support public transit,” Association President Bill Carpenter said.
Carpenter said a fee, like what taxicab are already charged in New York City, should be included to help offset the loss of riders on existing public transit systems. NYPTA represents more than 100 agencies across New York state.
One ride-hailing proposal legislators are considering, would include a 50 cent surcharge on every ride, with the money going to local transit. Some Republican Senators have suggested any new revenue generated from ride-hailing would be better spent on infrastructure.
New York Public Transit Association, Inc.
December 22, 2016
Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor, State of New York
State Capitol, Executive Chamber
Albany, NY 12224
Dear Governor Cuomo:
The New York Public Transit Association (NYPTA), which represents more than 100 transit systems across the state, supports the passage of state legislation that would allow Transportation Network Companies (TNC’s) to operate outside New York City. NYPTA also supports a fee on TNC’s, similar to the New York City taxicab surcharge now used to fund the MTA, to support upstate and downstate public transit.
TNC’s are successfully operating in New York City and elsewhere around the nation. They can provide another transportation option if expanded to upstate urban and rural areas. Similar driver and vehicle safety and insurance requirements, as currently in place in New York City, can provide necessary public protections.
Transit systems are prepared to partner with TNC’s to provide more travel choices and improve mobility in urban and rural areas. NYPTA encourages the development of state polices to facilitate cooperation between TNC’s and existing transit operators to help improve services to the public.
While NYPTA supports this new travel option, there is the potential for TNC’s, as private for-profit carriers, to draw some riders away from existing, government supported, transit systems. NYPTA recommends that a portion of any new state revenues received from TNCs be used to support public transit. A fee, like the taxicab surcharge in place in New York City, should be included in any legislation to help offset the loss of riders and revenue on existing public transit systems from TNC operation.
Thank you for your continued support of our public transit systems and our customers who rely on transit every day.
Sincerely,
Bill Carpenter
NYPTA President
