De Blasio, Uber strike deal on proposal

Mayor de Blasio and Uber struck a deal a day before the City Council was to vote on a bill that would cap the number of cars Uber and other for-hire car services could have on the streets of NYC.

The de Blasio administration made a deal with Uber to not limit the growth of its services on Wednesday. In return Uber agreed to take part in a four month study on the impact its cars have on traffic congestion and the environment. Under the deal Uber would also work on making its cars more handicap-accessible.

“We are pleased new drivers will continue to be free to join the for-hire industry and partner with Uber,” said Josh Mohrer, Uber’s New York City general manager, in a statement. “Together, we can build an even better, more reliable transportation system. This is great news for all New Yorkers, including Uber riders and drivers.”

The City Council was set to vote on the legislation on Thursday. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo criticized the proposal during an interview with the radio show “The Capitol Pressroom” early Wednesday.

“I don’t think that government should be in the business of trying to restrict job growth, I don’t believe you can restrict job growth,” said Cuomo.

“Uber is one of these great inventions, start-ups, of this new economy. And it’s taking off like fire to a dry grass. And it’s offering a great service for people and it’s giving people jobs.”

Over the past month Uber and the de Blasio administration butted heads over the proposal.

De Blasio wrote an op-ed in the Daily News voicing concern over Uber’s increased presence on the streets, its lack of disability friendly cars, and overcharging consumers. Uber retaliated with rallies, TV ads saying that the Mayor was being influenced by taxi companies and a “de Blasio” button on its application that made every Uber car disappear and had wait times skyrocket. The company also requested a livestreamed debate with de Blasio, who declined.