NYC regulations could mean more ride-share drivers on LI

A cap on ride-sharing services in New York City could lead to an influx of Uber and Lyft drivers on Long Island.
The Long Island Limousine Association says it wants lawmakers in Albany to rewrite state law to force Uber, Lyft and others to comply with the same local rules that cab and limo drivers must follow, including having insurance, undergoing background checks, driver registration and paying local taxes.
Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey agrees.
"They have to spend more money in terms of getting licensing, fingerprinting, background checks, which I think is very important," he says.
But the ride-share services say there's no need to rewrite the law.
"No one should be fooled by misinformation -- the state law requires thorough background checks, insurance minimums 20x greater than what is required of local taxi and limo, and extensive consumer and driver protections," an Uber spokesperson said.
And a Lyft spokesperson said, "These rules are working, and we look forward to continued implementation of the current law."
State lawmakers are expected to take up the proposal when the new session begins in January.