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Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced on Tuesday that ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft were coming to the area after striking a unique deal to ensure the safety of potential passengers.
The new program, dubbed “Thumbs Up,” is the first of its kind in the country. Drivers whose fingerprints have no criminal record will be given a “thumbs up” decal from the county that will be posted on their windshield to let customers know they are in good, safe hands.
McLaughlin took the time on Thursday to take the inaugural Uber ride in the city.
"We are very excited to launch the ridesharing economy here in Yonkers. The voluntary fingerprinting and additional background checks Uber has provided will help ensure that are riders safe. We will continue working with them to provide safe, reliable transportation to the people of Yonkers."
Officials noted that an independent Temple University study found that cities with Uber operating have as much as a 5.6 percent rate of drunk driving death when compared to city with access to ride sharing services.
"Hey, Yonkers - your Uber is arriving now,” Uber spokesperson Alix Anfang stated. “New Yorkers have been demanding ridesharing in their communities for years and our leaders have delivered ensuring that starting this holiday weekend, residents and visitors will always have an affordable, reliable ride.”
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