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Uber comes to Chautauqua County

Ride-hailing service Uber is no longer a fantasy in Chautauqua County.

As of Thursday, at 12:01 a.m., the popular app that allows people to request on-demand private drivers, was brought online in Upstate New York, the only region of the country that had yet to adopt it.

Uber and Lyft, another ride-hailing app, were brought to fruition in Upstate New York after Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation earlier this month to start the services before the Fourth of July holiday. The two apps had previously been limited to picking up passengers in New York City until lawmakers voted this year to permit the expansion, according to a report by The Associated Press.

County officials have already praised the service.

“Ride-sharing is a welcome addition to Chautauqua County and it is just in time for our busy visitor season,” said Vince Horrigan, Chautauqua County executive.

“This is a fantastic service for area attractions, restaurants, wineries, breweries and lodging properties to let their customers know about,” said Andrew Nixon, executive director of the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau. “It provides a convenient and affordable alternative to driving when necessary.”

From a safety aspect, law enforcement officials say more driving alternatives could curb the number of drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking.

“This is nothing but positive for us,” said Chautauqua County Sheriff Joe Gerace. “If (people) have common sense and use alternatives to driving, we support that wholeheartedly.”

Another benefit of Uber: job opportunities.

“I’m currently a full-time care provider in Jamestown … and saw (Uber) as a way to get outside, see people and make some additional income,” said Joyce Sheehan, a city resident who recently became an Uber driver. “It’s a good thing … especially for (passengers) that don’t carry cash or who have been drinking.”

Another city resident turned Uber driver, Howard–he declined to give his last name–said he’s been unable to work and that Uber has given him the opportunity to work again.

“Uber is a neat thing,” he said. “It’s a lot cheaper and quicker than (taxis). I’ve already had two successful trips.”

Those interested in becoming drivers can visit www.uber.com/drive/requirements. Candidates are expected to undergo a background check and provide copies of their driver’s license and vehicle registration among others.

The state Department of Motor Vehicles said more than 20,000 drivers are expected to provide rides for Uber and Lyft in Upstate New York, according to The Post-Standard of Syracuse.

To utilize the service, individuals should go to the Google Play Store or Apple Store using a smartphone and search for the Uber App. They download the app and supply the required permissions and financial information. Once the app is installed and working, users can type in their desired destination in Chautauqua County. Uber will link the user with options for a driver and an estimated pick up time. All the arrangements and the financial transactions take place through the user’s smartphone, via the Uber app.

In the future other ride sharing services such as Lyft are projected to be available in Chautauqua County, according to county officials.

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