Upstate New York residents are hoping for ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft to make an appearance in their cities.

According to WBFO, Uber and Lyft supporters are contacting state lawmakers and asking them to allow operation of those services in upstate New York.

These two ride-sharing companies started in San Francisco but have since gained popularity all over the world. People are able to use their mobile devices to log into an app, arrange for private transportation at any time, select which ride package they want, and get picked up and taken to their destination.

Currently the only ride-sharing services in the state are in New York City.

The Federal Highway Association reports that there has been a significant increase in the amount of time a person spends in their own vehicle. These ride-hailing services would change that in the upstate area.

“Some live and work in areas where there are huge transportation gaps,” Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO of People, Inc, said. “Having ride-sharing options can help our seniors and individuals with disabilities get to critical doctor appointments.”

Frederick also added that these services could increase employment around the area because they will provide opportunities for people who don’t have their own vehicle or are not on a bus line.

Mayor Lovely Warren of Rochester, along with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan are all supporting the statewide approval of ride-sharing services in upstate New York.

“Time is running out,” Joseph Lorigo, Erie County Legislator, said. “The State Legislature breaks for recess at the end of June. I implore them to get something done. Residents of western New York have waited long enough.”

The Democrat and Chronicle reports that despite the gaining popularity of the tech startups, taxi drivers in Rochester and surrounding areas have been protesting the ride-sharing services.

“We’re out here doing holidays when we want to be home with our families,” Johnnie Reynolds, a Rochester cab driver with over 30 years experience, said. “We take our passengers to our hospitals or wherever they have to go — we’re there.”

Alix Anfang, a spokeswoman for Uber, addressed the criticism of cab drivers as well as the increase in popularity.

“While the taxi industry continues to spread lies about Uber,” Anfang said, “we are confident that state leaders will hear the voices of the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who are demanding regulated ride-sharing in their cities and towns.”