UTICA, N.Y. -- Local leaders and businesses in the downtown Utica area have been working hard to give this small city a big city feel.

"We want to make sure that we are on the forefront of the latest technologies," said Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi. "With new companies and high-tech companies moving into our area, we want to make sure we're providing 21st Century technology and ridesharing technology and many options for transportation."

Uber is a phone app which provides an affordable and easy connection between riders and nearby drivers. 

"On a rainy day, when the buses aren't running or the schedule doesn't meet their need, they could utilize Uber and maintain their independence," said Mark Mojave, owner of Gerber's Tavern.

With four colleges in and around Utica, school leaders say that, for students who don't have cars, this resource would be invaluable.
 
"I imagine a day when a student walks out of of North or South Hall or Boulder Hall, and they hit their Uber app, and within 5 or 10 minutes, there's a safe right to take them to Varick Street, the AUD, their job at Hannafords," said Utica College President Todd Hutton.
 
Riders wouldn't be the only people to benefit. According to a Utica Economic Impact Report, in the first year alone, more than 200 jobs would be created in Utica, and 13,000 jobs in Upstate New York. So what's keeping this area from having a resource like this?  Legislation.
 
"[In] half of U.S. states and over 60 cities across the country we have rideshare frameworks already as law today," said Uber New York General Manager Josh Mohrer. "So we hope that New York State will do the same."

Uber representatives say they're hoping for legislation to pass quickly in the 2016 session so they can begin to grow across the state. Uber is currently being utilized in 67 countries and dozens of cities nationwide. New York City is the only location where Uber can be used in New York State.

Uber has made similar announcements in recent weeks in Syracuse and Binghamton.