The fight over Uber's plans to expand throughout New York state is escalating as lawmakers enter the final weeks of their 2016 legislative session.
The app-based ride-hailing service wants state regulations that would allow it to operate in cities including Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany.
But taxi owners are worried about damage to their industry. They say lawmakers should require Uber to fingerprint drivers and make cars accessible to disabled passengers before signing off on the expansion.
A new proposal before lawmakers would allow local governments to craft regulations for their own communities.
Uber intensified its efforts Tuesday with a new Upstate radio ad urging voters to contact their lawmakers.
A Siena College poll released Tuesday shows more than two-thirds of New York voters support the expansion.
