This letter comes as our transportation industry is becoming more efficient and easier to manage. Technology is the pinnacle of our society these days. We live in a society in which everyone wants "instant gratification" . No one wants to "wait " for products or services. The need for "on demand" products & services by consumers has increased, forcing many industries to change to meet the demand. Over the past 5 years Technology Companies have created new technologies that help consumers achieve the goal of "on demand" transportation services.

To meet the new demand ,technology companies created "Transportation Networks" often referred to as "TNC's".  TNC's help "pair" complete strangers who "need a ride" with people that have "open seats" available in their vehicle. The TNC's refer to this transportation service as "ridesharing" which is easily confused with "Car-pooling" .

The services provided by the TNC's mirror Taxi or Limousine services and charge money for these services. The fares paid by the "rider: are not for "gas money". The TNC drivers who engage in "ridesharing" are earning compensation full or part time to support their families.

TNC Drivers consist of Students, Housewives retirees as well as former Taxi & limo drivers. All of these drivers are not providing these services for "free". They are compensated by the "rider" who is willing to "pay" for the transportation services provided by the TNC driver.

TNC’s operate as a "For-Hire" transportation service & meet the definition outlined in the states Motor Vehicle Laws. New York State Defines "For-Hire" as:

• What does for-hire mean? – "For-hire" is defined as the business of carrying or transporting passengers for compensation (direct or indirect) 

Presently TNC’s are trying to convince New York State's legislators & regulators that they are not a transportation company, and they should be exempt from all laws & regulations that pertain to "For-Hire" vehicle. This is simply not true!

 New York State has a  "duty" to treat all transportation services equally requiring Transportation Networks to follow the current laws & regulations "For-Hire" vehicles requiring :

• Commercial “For-Hire”  auto insurance.
• Livery/ Taxi registration of  vehicles used "For-Hire" 
• Collect Sales tax, if operating as a Black Car or Limousine
• Class E license which is required by NY State DMV.
• Follow laws & regulations of statewide municipalities that regulate Taxi or Limo's
• State & Local mandated background checks for Taxi Licensing
• Workers Compensation

 Our Coalition of legally operating Limousine, Livery, Black Car & Taxi companies & Drivers (along with many of the local and national associations) OPPOSE these currently pending bills!

The TNC’s currently operating in NY City have been willing to comply & have found success in the marketplace

I am someone who works in the Transportation Industry & feel that TNC's should have to comply with ALL of  New York States laws & regulations that pertain to  "For-Hire Vehicles .

WE NEED TO PROTECT THE CITIZENS & SMALL TRANSPORTATION BUSINESSES OF NEW YORK STATE THAT EMPLOY PEOPLE, COLLECT SALES TAXES & OPERATE LEGALLY IN NY STATE!

PLEASE Appose bills A06090A /S4280A or S04108C!