New York Operators Launch Petition to Counter TNC Bill

LBTOUNY President Kevin Barwell has launched a petition to stop a New York pro-TNC bill.

LBTOUNY President Kevin Barwell has launched a petition to stop a New York pro-TNC bill.

ALBANY, N.Y. — Responding to proposed legislation that would allow TNCs to operate statewide with little or no regulation, the Limousine, Bus & Taxi Operators of Upstate New York (LBTONY) launched a petition drive to force TNCs to adhere to current for-hire rules and regulations.

The Assembly Bill (AB6090) is a major cause for concern by operators. If passed, TNCs could not only operate freely in every municipality throughout the state, but could challenge New York City’s existing legislation that regulates TNCs the same as taxis.

“Basically, the bill is allowing Uber and Lyft to do whatever they want,” said LBTONY President Kevin Barwell (Giorgio's Limousine, Buffalo). “It calls for a blanket exemption from licensing and registration, and no liability and limitation insurance requirements because they are saying they are some kind of new transportation service in the world. But they’re not.”

The legislation was introduced in March by Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chairman of the Insurance Committee. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate.

The petition and accompanying letter directed to the state Senate and Assembly makes the case that “allowing these TNCs to have their drivers operate outside of New York’s mandated insurance and safety requirements puts the citizens of the state's safety and financial futures in jeopardy due to these rouge operators.”

To sign petition go here. Related Albany Business Review article here.