The ridesharing company Uber would like to set up shop in Dutchess County. At present, the state has no provision for the service – the New York City model is actually a livery service.
The company’s New York general manager, Josh Mohrer, released a study of the potential economic impact of the service on the Poughkeepsie market.
“We are seeing 1,200 people in the Poughkeepsie area open up the app each week looking for a ride so the demand is definitely there. We also think we can create 300 jobs in the first year in Poughkeepsie so it is exciting. It is a big opportunity on both sides,” he said.
Uber works as a network of private car owners, who provide their travel services on demand when people use a smart phone app.
Uber would like to set up shop across New York State if it can secure state permission. Mohrer said Connecticut and New Jersey already allow the service.