New York’s governor says he’s in favor of a statewide licensing system for Uber and Lyft as the two app-based car services look to expand throughout the state.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo tells reporters Wednesday that a statewide policy would be better than a complicated patchwork of city-by-city licensing rules.

Uber and Lyft want lawmakers to pass legislation next year to allow them to operate throughout the state. Both companies are now limited to the New York City area.

Supportive lawmakers say they’re working on proposals to allow for the expansion, which they say would create new jobs and new transportation options for residents throughout the state.

The Legislature is scheduled to convene in Albany in January.

(AP)