KINGSTON – Mayor Steven Noble of Kingston is one of nine mayors in the state to sign a letter addressed to state leaders asking them to approve ridesharing statewide.
“The municipalities that we represent differ in many ways, but each of our communities needs more transportation options,” the mayors wrote. “Ridesharing will benefit our local economies and provide 21st century solutions to many of the transportation-related challenges that we face.”
Noble said Kingston is working to improve its multi-modal, affordable and accessible transportation network.
“Overhauling our parking, improving pedestrian and bicycling, and trying to get people to move around the city much more easily; I think ridesharing can play an important role and be part of our overall transportation system,” he said.
Their letter to Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, said that services like Uber and Lyft “allow people to better utilize our existing transportation infrastructure and provide a convenient and cost-effective way to connect people with jobs, recreational opportunities, and medical appointments.”
Noting that transportation is a big challenge for older adults, ridesharing could be a “cost-effective part of the solution.” The companies can develop partnerships with senior living centers, community organizations, and houses of worship to provide service to those who do not have smartphones, they said.
Ridesharing will also allow seniors to age in place and allow people with impairments “to achieve the highest level of independence and participate more fully.
The mayors told the state leaders that they support a task force to explore solutions for residents who cannot use a personal vehicle.
And the city officials said economic benefits “are passing us by without access” to ridesharing.
In addition to Noble, the letter was signed by the mayors of Buffalo, Utica, Rome, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton, Ithaca and Albany.
