Buster Bison poses with LBTOUNY members and guests at their annual baseball outing/meeting
On Tuesday, September 15, the Limousine, Bus, Taxi Operators of Upstate New York (LBTOUNY) held its annual membership meeting/baseball outing at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, N.Y. Sponsored by Towne Livery Vehicles, the event welcomed members from across the region, along with family and friends, to watch the Buffalo Bisons defeat rivals the Rochester Red Wings.
Prior to the first pitch, LBTOUNY members held a meeting to discuss association news and state legislation. President Kevin Barwell of Giorgio’s Limousine Service and Legislative Chairman David Bastian of Towne Livery Vehicles addressed several issues faced by the membership, most notably tort/insurance reform and illegal operators.
“It was a good event. We do this every year, and it gives us the opportunity to get together talk about the various legislative items that we’re going to be hammering on in the new year,” said Barwell. “Now we’re working with the Long Island Limousine Association to work with them against the illegal operators at this end of the state.”
Barwell said that it’s been a challenge to fight the unlicensed operators because there is little enforcement from the state DMV.
LBTOUNY Legislative Chairman Dave Bastian of Towne Livery (left) with Treasurer Jim Barwell of Giorgio’s Limousine Service
“There are so many illegal operators running around the state with unproper insurance, registration, and even licensing,” he said.
LBTOUNY also is working with the Black Car Fund to challenge the adoption of autonomous vehicles in the state.
“They’re planning on testing them in rural areas just to say that it works great in New York State so they can put them in NYC,” said Barwell.
A rise in insurance rates has been a huge frustration for LBTOUNY members, and without a lot of insurance options, Barwell said it can be “bleak” for smaller operators. The association plans to continue to seek insurance reform in 2027.
Also, LBTOUNY is planning online educational programs for its members. In the fall, they will have a session on DOT updates with a representative from the department to address members.
“And in the spring, we’re going to welcome an attorney come in with insurance representatives from the loss departments to discuss legal liabilities and what companies should be concerned about. And these will be done on Zoom, so members don’t even have to leave the office,” said Barwell.
Visit lbtouny.com for more information.
[09.21.26]
