New York’s mayor Bill de Blasio no longer thinks Uber is playing a major role in congestion on city streets. On the Friday before the Martin Luther King holiday weekend (January 15, 2016), the de Blasio administration quietly released its long-anticipated report on the impact of car-hail apps like Uber on congestion in New York City.

The report found that while car-hail apps are “a contributor to overall congestion,” they “did not drive the recent increase in congestion in the [central business district].” The report was largely crafted by City Hall in conjunction with outside consultants. Although the mayor still insists a cap on the number of Uber-cars is still on the table, it is clear he has handed the keys to the City to Uber and other apps. See Politico New York’s report and that of the new York Times.

• Even after congestion report, mayor De Blasio says he’s still thinking of an Uber-cap.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/city-hall/2016/01/8588254/city-issues-low-impact-report-car-hail-apps#disqus_thread

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/16/nyregion/uber-not-to-blame-for-rise-in-manhattan-traffic-congestion-report-says.html?emc=edit_th_20160116&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=31553297&_r=0