It’s a moment that many in the Capital District have dreamed would come true. For years, local residents have clamored for the ride-sharing service Uber to come to Albany.

Now, they get their dream come true.

Uber has worked out a partnership deal to begin service in the Capital District immediately. “We are pleased to bring our ride-sharing service to the Albany Schenectady Troy area,” said Uber spokesperson Connie Morgan at a recent press conference. “We understand that there have been regulations in place regarding ride sharing and our service, but we have worked out a partnership deal so that Uber can now be part of the Capital District, starting immediately.”

Uber has set up an arrangement with three major Albany-based livery services in ride-sharing partnership. The organizations – Albany Taxi, Capital City Taxi and Capitaland Taxi – will offer riders the Uber experience, while still maintaining their independence and autonomy.

“All a customer has to do is use their cell phone and call our companies,” said newly-appointed Albany City Livery Commissioner Pikov Andropov. “Our clean, friendly taxicabs will arrive at the location of the customer, and our courteous, respectful drivers will take them from here to there. We’ll even give them a free water bottle.”

The partnership will have an Uber surcharge of $4 per ride, which is part of the partnership agreement between Uber and the Livery Commission. “We have to make this work for the customers,” said Andropov. “We’ve heard from those who want Uber here, but they don’t want to give up the superior service and experience of riding in our fine, well-maintained Albany taxicabs.”

The service starts today with a special promotion; the $4 service fee will be reduced to $2 for the first 24 hours. “We wanted to waive the fee entirely,” said Morgan, “but we needed to keep it in place, due to the rising cost of April fuel.”

For more on Uber arriving in Albany, please visit this link.