Uber thanks Steve Bellone in ‘tens of thousands’ of mailers
Uber thanked County Executive Steve Bellone for supporting ride-sharing services. Credit: AP / Seth Wenig
Uber said it sent “tens of thousands” of mailers this week to Suffolk residents thanking County Executive Steve Bellone for supporting ride-sharing services in the county.
“Steve embraces Uber because of his commitment to jobs, safer streets and new opportunities for us,” said the mailer.
Bellone last week became the first downstate suburban official to embrace the local ride-hailing services, calling it a “game-changer for our county.”
State legislation approved in April will permit ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft to operate statewide, although municipalities can opt-out. The law goes into effect June 29.
Bus advocates argue that the county should collect revenue from the ride-sharing services to restore millions of dollars in recent cuts to the Suffolk Transit bus system.
A measure announced Tuesday by Legis. Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) introduced an opt-out bill because of concern that some sex offenders would be permitted to drive for the services seven years after their convictions.
Uber and Lyft have said they support state legislation to close the loophole.
Uber declined to say how much it spent on the Suffolk mailers.
David Schwartz covers environmental issues. A native Long Islander, he's worked at Newsday since 2013.
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