Paul Kirby is reporting in the Daily Freeman ride-sharing services are unlikely to be offered in many locations upstate under a bill to allow companies to operate them in New York state, according to Assembly member Kevin Cahill. The Kingston Democrat led the effort to allow Transportation Network Companies to operate in New York, but he told the paper in an email, “Indeed, with Uber in only about 400 metropolitan areas of the U.S. and Lyft in about 300, prospects are dim that they will actually decide to do business here. Our job is just to set the stage.” Cahill said Sat., Apr. 8, “The public has been heard and they want electronic ride-hailing.” He said under the agreement with the governor and state senate, drivers will be required to pass background checks and carry appropriate insurance. Also, TNCs will be required to create anti-discrimination policies and the state will have the power to investigate if passengers are denied a ride because of their race, color, national origin, age and more. The legislation also created a 4 percent tax on all app-based hails and is expected to generate approximately $24 million in general state support, Cahill said. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.