Business

Uber and Lyft are finally available in all of New York State

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Published

8 years ago

July 4, 2017

Harris

Reviewed
By Lawrence David

Photo: Shutterstock

Introduction

After years of waiting, Uber and Lyft riders can finally hail a ride anywhere in New York State. Until 2017, these popular ride‑sharing apps served only New York City. But on June 29, 2017, lawmakers approved statewide expansion, letting residents in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and every corner of the state use the same apps that transformed transportation in the Big Apple Fox Business. Now, tourists and locals alike can enjoy on‑demand rides across upstate towns and scenic Long Island beaches. This guide explores how and why this change happened, what it means for riders and drivers, and how to make the most of ride‑sharing everywhere in New York.

The Road to Statewide Ride‑Sharing

Limited Service in the Big Apple

For much of the 2010s, Uber and Lyft were limited to New York City. Local taxi regulations and the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) debated how to license for‑hire vehicles. Only Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island had legal access to these apps. Riders in nearby regions had to rely on traditional cabs or private car services, often at higher costs and with unpredictable wait times.

Legislative Breakthrough

In early 2017, state lawmakers passed legislation to open ride‑sharing statewide. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law just before the busy summer season. Although the original plan set a July 9 start date, the governor and Legislature agreed to launch on June 29, giving passengers—and local businesses—a jump start before the Fourth of July holiday Fox Business.

First Midnight Pickups

At 12:01 a.m. on June 29, riders upstate and on Long Island opened their apps to find available cars. Cities like Buffalo—New York’s second‑largest city—and communities around the Finger Lakes instantly joined the ride‑sharing revolution. This marked one of the largest geographic expansions in ride‑hailing history.

Why Expansion Matters

Greater Mobility for All

Before June 29, many New Yorkers outside NYC spent hours waiting for a taxi or driving themselves. With Uber and Lyft, users simply tap their phones to request a ride. This convenience boosts mobility for commuters, students, seniors, and tourists across the state.

Economic Boost for Local Communities

Ride‑sharing brings jobs and spending to upstate areas. Drivers earn extra income with flexible hours, while local restaurants, shops, and hotels gain more foot traffic as visitors travel easily between towns. The expansion also creates demand for related services, such as vehicle maintenance and insurance.

Enhanced Safety and Reliability

Both Uber and Lyft include built‑in safety features, such as real‑time GPS tracking, driver background checks, and cashless payments. Riders can share trip details with friends and family and rate drivers after each ride. These tools help maintain high service standards across all New York regions.

What Riders Need to Know

Download and Account Setup

To get started, riders should download the latest versions of the Uber or Lyft apps from the App Store or Google Play. Setting up an account takes only a few minutes—simply enter your email, phone number, and payment method.

Service Areas and Availability

The apps now cover every county in New York State, from metropolitan Albany to rural Jefferson County. Availability may vary by time of day and local driver supply. In less populated areas, wait times can be longer, so plan accordingly during off‑peak hours.

Fare Estimates and Pricing

Both Uber and Lyft use dynamic pricing, which adjusts rates based on demand and traffic. Before you confirm a ride, the app provides an estimated fare. You can choose from different ride options—such as budget‑friendly shared rides, standard sedans, or premium vehicles—each with its own price point.

Promotions and Discounts

To welcome upstate riders, both companies often offer promo codes and first‑ride discounts. Check the “Promotions” tab in the app, or follow local social media accounts for regional deals. Students, seniors, and frequent riders may also find loyalty rewards or subscription packages.

How Drivers Can Benefit

Flexible Income Opportunities

Expanding to new areas means more potential trips for drivers. Those in upstate New York can now sign up for Uber or Lyft and work on their own schedules. Whether you drive full time or just for extra cash on weekends, ride‑sharing offers flexibility unmatched by many other gigs.

Support and Resources

Uber and Lyft provide drivers with tools for success, including in‑app navigation, rider safety training, and access to vehicle leasing or rental programs. Local driver hubs in major upstate cities offer in‑person support, vehicle inspections, and community events.

Earnings Tips

Drive During Peak Hours: Early mornings, weekday rush hours, and weekend evenings often yield higher fares.
Position Strategically: Being near colleges, shopping centers, and event venues can reduce wait times.
Maintain High Ratings: Quality service and good ratings unlock bonus programs and higher‑pay trip options.

Impact on Public Transportation and Taxis

Complementing Buses and Trains

Ride‑sharing fills gaps in public transit networks. In areas where buses run infrequently, riders can use Uber or Lyft to reach main bus routes or train stations. This seamless connection reduces “first‑mile/last‑mile” challenges in rural and suburban regions.

Competition with Traditional Taxis

While taxis remain licensed by local authorities, ride‑sharing apps offer lower fares and faster pickups in many markets. Some taxi companies have adapted by joining these platforms, giving riders more consistent service whether they choose a classic cab or a digital ride‑share.

Regulatory and Community Considerations

Local Rules and Permits

Although state law permits ride‑sharing statewide, drivers still need local licenses in certain jurisdictions. For example, some counties require special permits or meet vehicle safety standards. Prospective drivers should check their county’s transportation department for details.

Insurance and Liability

Ride‑sharing companies provide insurance coverage for drivers when the app is active. However, drivers must carry their own auto insurance as well. Understanding coverage limits and deductibles is crucial for safe and compliant operations in any part of the state.

Community Feedback

Local governments and civic groups continue to shape ride‑sharing policies. Many upstate municipalities held public hearings before the expansion. Community input led to rules on surge pricing caps, driver background checks, and accessibility options for riders with disabilities.

Tips for a Smooth Ride‑Sharing Experience

Plan Ahead: In rural areas, request rides early to account for longer wait times.
Verify Your Driver: Always check the driver’s name, photo, and license plate before entering the car.
Share Trip Details: Use the app’s “Share Status” feature to keep friends and family informed.
Tip Generously: A 15–20% tip shows appreciation for safe, courteous service—especially in areas where drivers face longer travel distances.
Rate Responsibly: Honest ratings help maintain service quality and accountability.

The Future of Ride‑Sharing in New York

Electric and Accessible Fleets

New York City has already set goals for electric or wheelchair‑accessible vehicles by 2030. As upstate adoption grows, similar sustainability and accessibility standards may spread statewide, reducing emissions and improving mobility for all riders.

Integration with Transit Apps

State transit agencies and ride‑share companies are exploring partnerships to integrate booking and payment within a single app. This unified system could let riders plan trips combining buses, trains, and ride‑shares seamlessly.

Autonomous Vehicles and Innovation

Uber and Lyft continue to test self‑driving cars in select markets. While full autonomy is still years away, future pilots in New York State could roll out in controlled environments, promising even lower costs and new mobility solutions.

Conclusion

With Uber and Lyft now available across all New York State, getting around from Buffalo to the Catskills has never been easier. Statewide expansion opens doors for riders and drivers alike—boosting local economies, filling transit gaps, and offering safe, reliable transport at the tap of a screen. Whether you’re planning a night out in Syracuse or an early morning flight from Albany, ride‑sharing puts New York at your fingertips. Embrace this convenient, modern travel option and enjoy seamless trips no matter where you live or where you’re headed. Happy riding!

Author

Harris

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Related Topics:Business Cars Lyft New York Uber

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Business

How Much Do SEO Services Cost in Lahore?

Published

3 hours ago

August 8, 2025

Alexander

Reviewed
By Malia Meadow

Introduction

In the rapidly growing digital marketplace of Lahore, businesses are realizing that having a strong online presence is no longer optional; it’s essential. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become one of the most effective ways to attract customers, boost credibility, and improve sales. But one of the most common questions business owners ask is: How much do SEO services cost in Lahore?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as quoting a single price. SEO costs vary depending on several factors, including the scope of work, the competitiveness of your industry, and the experience of the SEO provider. In this guide, we’ll break down the typical pricing structures, what you can expect for your investment, and how to choose the right SEO service in Lahore for your budget.

How Much Do SEO Services Cost in Lahore?

1. Factors That Influence SEO Pricing in Lahore

Before discussing specific price ranges, it’s important to understand the factors that determine how much you’ll pay for SEO services:

Scope of Work: Are you looking for local SEO, national SEO, or e-commerce optimization? Larger projects cost more due to the increased workload.
Industry Competition: Businesses in highly competitive industries (such as real estate, legal services, or e-commerce) often require more aggressive strategies, which can be more expensive.
Current Website Condition: A website with strong existing optimization may require less work than one that needs a complete overhaul.
Agency Expertise: Established agencies with proven results typically charge higher rates than freelancers or less experienced providers.
Service Frequency: SEO is an ongoing process; monthly retainer fees will differ based on the number of hours and tasks completed each month.

2. Common Pricing Models for SEO Services in Lahore

Most SEO providers in Lahore use one of three pricing models:

Monthly Retainer

This is the most common model for businesses that want ongoing SEO management. You pay a fixed monthly fee, and the provider delivers continuous optimization, content creation, link building, and reporting.

Typical Range: PKR 25,000 – PKR 150,000+ per month
Best For: Businesses looking for steady, long-term growth

Project-Based Pricing

Some agencies offer a fixed price for specific SEO projects, such as a site audit, keyword research, or on-page optimization.

Typical Range: PKR 30,000 – PKR 200,000+ per project
Best For: Businesses needing a one-time SEO boost or targeted improvements

Hourly Rates

Freelancers and consultants may charge by the hour for SEO work.

Typical Range: PKR 2,500 – PKR 10,000 per hour
Best For: Small businesses needing occasional support

3. What You Get for Different Price Levels

Understanding what’s included at different price points can help you make an informed decision:

Entry-Level Packages (PKR 20,000 – PKR 40,000 per month)

Basic keyword research
On-page SEO optimization
Google Business Profile setup
Limited content updates

These packages are ideal for small businesses or startups targeting a local audience with minimal competition.

Mid-Range Packages (PKR 50,000 – PKR 90,000 per month)

Comprehensive keyword targeting
Regular content creation (blogs, landing pages)
Technical SEO fixes
Link-building campaigns
Local SEO optimization

These are suited for growing businesses that need more robust SEO efforts to compete in a busy market.

Premium Packages (PKR 100,000+ per month)

Advanced keyword strategy for national or international markets
Aggressive link-building and outreach
In-depth content marketing
Ongoing technical SEO monitoring
Competitor analysis and reporting

These packages are best for large businesses, e-commerce stores, or companies in competitive industries.

4. Why Cheap SEO Isn’t Always the Best Choice

It’s tempting to choose the lowest-priced provider, but cheap SEO services can often do more harm than good. Low-cost providers might use outdated or “black hat” techniques that could lead to penalties from Google. Instead of focusing on quick fixes, choose a service that emphasizes sustainable, ethical SEO practices.

Tip: Look for providers who offer transparency in their methods, regular reporting, and measurable results.

5. How to Choose the Right SEO Service for Your Budget

Here are some steps to find the right SEO provider in Lahore:

Define Your Goals: Do you want to improve local rankings, increase e-commerce sales, or grow brand awareness?
Check Their Portfolio: Ask for case studies and references from past clients.
Request a Proposal: A reputable provider should be able to give you a clear plan with estimated costs and timelines.
Compare Value, Not Just Price: Focus on the return on investment (ROI) rather than the cheapest option.

6. The ROI of Investing in SEO in Lahore

While SEO requires an upfront investment, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. Unlike paid ads, which stop working once you stop paying, SEO can continue driving traffic and generating leads long after the initial work is done. For Lahore businesses, especially in competitive niches, investing in quality SEO can be one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies available.

Final Thoughts

So, how much do SEO services cost in Lahore? While you might find basic packages starting at PKR 20,000 per month and premium services exceeding PKR 150,000 per month, the real question is what kind of results do you want to achieve?

Investing in professional SEO isn’t just about paying for keywords and backlinks; it’s about building a sustainable online presence that keeps delivering value for years to come. By understanding your needs, setting a clear budget, and partnering with the right SEO experts, you can ensure your business stands out in Lahore’s competitive digital landscape.

Author

Alexander

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Business

Hire Service Now Developers: Build Smarter, Work Faster

Published

4 hours ago

August 8, 2025

emizentechae

Reviewed
By Malia Meadow

Introduction

As businesses embrace the digital age, technology platforms such as ServiceNow are increasingly central to managing IT processes as well as automating workflows and providing seamless services. However, to fully realize its potential, it’s crucial to recruit hire servicenow developers who can adapt the platform to meet your business requirements, simplify delivery and decrease manual effort.

If you’re a business or a seasoned enterprise hiring experienced ServiceNow experts on board can bring about measurable improvements in efficiency, agility, as well as speed to market.

Rise of Hiring ServiceNow Developers

As businesses grow more complex, they need faster ways to manage work and services. ServiceNow began as a simple tool for tracking IT tasks. Over time, companies discovered its power to automate many types of workflows—from HR requests to customer support. This success led to a new demand: skilled developers who can build custom ServiceNow apps and integrations. Now, hiring dedicated ServiceNow developers is a common step for organizations that want smoother operations and less manual work.

Benefits of Hiring ServiceNow Developers

Bringing in ServiceNow experts speeds up project delivery and ensures best practices. These developers know how to use ServiceNow’s tools to automate approval steps, route requests, and generate reports. They can tailor dashboards to show the right data to the right people. Because they understand the platform deeply, they reduce errors and create more secure processes. Overall, investing in ServiceNow talent saves time, cuts costs, and lets teams focus on meaningful work instead of repetitive tasks.

Role of ServiceNow Developers

ServiceNow developers act as builders and problem-solvers. They study business needs, map them into ServiceNow features, and write code to fill gaps. They design custom forms, automate email alerts, and connect ServiceNow to other systems like Salesforce or Slack. During each project phase, they test changes and fix bugs before a full release. Beyond coding, they train end users and update documentation. Their skills bring new capabilities to the platform, transforming manual steps into smooth, automated workflows.

Why Hire ServiceNow Developers?

1. Experts in Customizing ServiceNow to Fit Your Needs

Every business is different. When you engage ServiceNow developers You gain experts who can design and develop applications, workflows and integrations that are compatible with the specific needs of your business. They are adept at making use of ServiceNow’s ServiceNow platform to automate work and improve internal communication and enhance the overall quality of service.

2. Value Across Departments

ServiceNow isn’t only for IT. Expertly-trained developers can expand its capabilities to HR customer service facilities, legal and finance, providing you with a single and intelligent platform to run your daily activities.

Hire ServiceNow Developers for Agile Delivery

1. Work Smarter, Release Faster

Speed is the key to success in today’s digital age. When you decide to hire ServiceNow developers to provide agile delivery businesses can release updated features, new functions and other enhancements with shorter times. The agile ServiceNow developers are used to the sprint process, capturing real-time feedback and enhancing solutions as they progress.

2. Key Benefits of Agile Delivery:

Rapider release of features and enhancements
Continuous feedback loops to ensure continuous improvement
Collaboration among IT as well as business and IT teams
Greater flexibility to alter the scope of a project without causing significant disruption

If agility is the goal hiring agile developers with expertise can significantly improve the results from ServiceNow. ServiceNow implementation.

Hire ServiceNow Developers to Cut Dev Time

1. Reduce Time-to-Market Without Cutting Corners

In the business world time is money, and delays in development can lead to missed opportunities. If you engage ServiceNow developers to reduce development time You employ experts who are able to finish the task quicker and more efficiently.

2. How ServiceNow Developers Speed Things Up:

Utilization of pre-built libraries and modules
Expertise in troubleshooting and limitations
Automated testing, faster debugging and speedier testing
Experience of similar implementations

This helps reduce the learning curve, and also reduces project times and allows your team to concentrate on creating value, not fixing problems.

What to Look For When Hiring ServiceNow Developers

Essential Skills and Qualifications

Before you hire servicenow company. It is important to assess the right technical and soft capabilities. What to be looking for:

Certifications from ServiceNow (CSA and CAD etc.)
Solid JavaScript with REST API know-how
Experiential experience in HRSD, ITSM along with CSM modules
Expertise in Agile, Scrum, and practices of DevOps.
Collaboration and problem-solving capabilities

Employing a reliable agency or partner will help you bring professional who are qualified and can deliver results.

Flexible Hiring Models That Fit Your Business

Hire the Way You Want

Different projects require different approaches. It is a good thing that you can engage ServiceNow developers according to your particular requirements:

Full-time for ongoing development and help
Part-time for occasional updates or enhancements
Contract-based to be used for a single-time implementations or for migration projects
Team dedicated to support large-scale transformational initiatives

This flexibility allows companies to reduce costs while increasing development capacity as required.

Industries That Benefit from Hiring ServiceNow Developers

ServiceNow Solutions Across Sectors

Although initially focusing initially on IT, ServiceNow has expanded into a variety of sectors. Companies are able to employ ServiceNow experts to help improve:

Health: Automate the patient’s data and ensure compliance
Finance: streamlining processes and reduce the risk
Retail: Enhance the supply chain and customer service
Manufacturing: Monitor equipment, resources and downtime
Education: Manage student services and administrative processes

With the right team of developers, ServiceNow becomes a versatile platform that can be used in any sector.

Conclusion

If you’re eager to increase operational efficiency, speed up delivery times as well as embrace the digital age, it’s the right time to recruit the ServiceNow team–and you can’t find a better choice then EmizenTech.The right team can transform outdated systems, reduce manual tasks, and help your business stay competitive in a fast-moving digital world.

From 2013, EmizenTech is been providing customized digital solutions throughout in the Middle East. As a reputable ServiceNow partner with a base in Ajman Dubai , we offer trained hire servicenow experts that are ready to meet your requirements, whether you’re creating new workflows, moving from old systems, or expanding your workforce.

If you employ ServiceNow developers through EmizenTech You’re choosing quality, speed and long-term viability. Our flexible hiring model and extensive experience ensure your project is efficiently handled from beginning to end. Partnering with EmizenTech means gaining a reliable team committed to innovation, agility, and delivering real results.

Author

emizentechae

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Business

Shop Authentic South Asian Groceries Online at Surya Foods UK

Published

4 hours ago

August 8, 2025

Nikkoe07

Reviewed
By Ailani Meadow

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience meets culture in a single click—especially when you can shop authentic South Asian groceries online at Surya Foods UK. As one of the leading ethnic food suppliers in the United Kingdom, Surya Foods Online brings the vibrancy, diversity, and authenticity of South Asian cuisine directly to your doorstep.

Whether you’re craving the rich aroma of basmati rice, the warmth of fresh masala, or the comfort of traditional sweets and snacks, Surya Foods Online offers a comprehensive platform to fulfill your culinary desires. For those living away from home or simply passionate about South Asian flavors, this online store serves as a trusted source for quality, authenticity, and convenience.

A Gateway to Authentic South Asian Cuisine

South Asian food is celebrated globally for its rich spices, diverse regional specialties, and deep-rooted traditions. From Indian curries to Pakistani kebabs, Bangladeshi fish dishes to Sri Lankan sambols—each culture brings unique tastes and techniques that define its culinary identity.

Surya Foods Online curates a wide range of grocery essentials to represent this diversity. With one of the UK’s largest ethnic food product ranges, customers can easily find traditional ingredients that are otherwise hard to source in conventional supermarkets.

From everyday staples like flour (atta), lentils, rice, and cooking oils, to festive treats like sweets, snacks, pickles, and dessert mixes, Surya Foods Online ensures that every item delivers on taste and tradition.

Explore a Vast Product Range

What makes Surya Foods Online truly stand out is its wide selection of grocery categories that cater to every cooking need:

1. Rice & Grains

From premium-aged basmati rice to regional varieties like sona masoori and idli rice, the platform provides options for all kinds of dishes—from biryanis to dosas.

2. Flours & Grains

Whether you need whole wheat atta for roti, besan for pakoras, or rice flour for South Indian recipes, you’ll find the right texture and type here.

3. Spices & Masalas

No South Asian kitchen is complete without spices. Surya Foods Online offers everything from whole spices like cumin and cardamom to blended masalas for butter chicken, tikka, and biryani.

4. Lentils & Pulses

Choose from a variety of toor dal, masoor dal, chana, urad, and more—essential for everyday dishes like dal, sambhar, and khichdi.

5. Oils & Ghee

Stock up on cooking oils including mustard oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, and ghee for traditional flavor and richness.

6. Pickles & Chutneys

Add a tangy kick to meals with classic condiments like mango pickle, lime pickle, and coriander chutney.

7. Snacks & Sweets

Enjoy ready-to-eat delights like samosas, sev, Bombay mix, and traditional mithai such as gulab jamun, rasgulla, and barfi.

8. Frozen Foods

Busy schedule? Frozen parathas, naan, samosas, and curries help you recreate an authentic meal in minutes.

9. Beverages

From traditional chai blends to rose syrup and refreshing lassi, Surya Foods Online offers the perfect drink for every occasion.

Designed for the Modern Shopper

One of the main advantages of shopping at Surya Foods Online is the convenience it offers to busy individuals and families. The website is designed to provide a smooth, hassle-free shopping experience, complete with:

Easy-to-use search and filter options
Detailed product descriptions and images
Dietary filters (e.g., vegan, halal, gluten-free)
Secure payment options
Fast and reliable delivery services
Bulk purchasing deals for families and businesses

Whether you’re shopping for weekly groceries or ingredients for a festival or celebration, Surya Foods Online ensures you get everything you need without leaving your home.

A Cultural Connection for the Diaspora

For many South Asians living abroad, cooking and sharing food is a way to stay connected to their heritage. The right ingredients can make all the difference in recreating family recipes passed down through generations.

Surya Foods Online serves as a cultural lifeline, offering diaspora communities access to the same tastes and smells they remember from home. From Diwali sweets to Eid spices, Navratri fasting essentials to Onam cooking ingredients, every major cultural and religious celebration is supported by a thoughtfully curated range of products.

Great for Beginners and Food Enthusiasts

Even if you’re not from a South Asian background, Surya Foods Online is a fantastic resource for those eager to explore one of the world’s most flavorful cuisines. The product listings often include cooking suggestions, and the variety of ready-made pastes, sauces, and frozen options make South Asian cooking more approachable for beginners.

If you’ve tried dishes like tandoori chicken, palak paneer, or Hyderabadi biryani at restaurants and want to recreate them at home, Surya Foods Online gives you everything you need—from spice mixes to specialty rice.

Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

Thousands of satisfied customers across the UK and Europe trust Surya Foods Online for their grocery needs. The brand’s reputation for quality, affordability, and service has earned it a loyal base of repeat buyers.

Customer reviews consistently highlight:

Timely deliveries
Accurate orders
Excellent product quality
Value-for-money pricing

Frequent promotions, discount bundles, and seasonal offers also make it easier for families to save while shopping for essentials.

Final Thoughts

Shop Authentic South Asian Groceries Online at Surya Foods UK—because great food starts with great ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, a busy professional, or a curious foodie, Surya Foods makes it easy to enjoy the bold, colorful, and comforting flavors of South Asia at home.

With a deep commitment to authenticity, quality, and customer satisfaction, Surya Foods Online continues to be a trusted source for generations old and new. When you shop here, you’re not just filling your pantry—you’re preserving a culture, embracing a tradition, and celebrating flavor in its truest form.

Visit suryafoodsonline.com today and bring the heart of South Asia into your kitchen.