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Washington, D.C. — The Transportation Alliance (formerly known as the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association) wrapped up its annual legislative fly-in on June 5, with transportation executives from around the country holding more than 50 policy briefings with members of Congress in an effort to begin a national dialogue on critical issues facing the for-hire transportation industry. The alliance’s two main priorities included:
1. Protecting non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Each year, approximately 3.6 million Americans in urban and rural communities miss or delay receiving essential, non-emergency medical care due to transportation barriers. Provided through Medicaid, NEMT is a critical service for people who have no means of transportation to and from their medical appointments. NEMT is believed to save Medicaid $480M annually for every 30,000 recipients. The Transportation Alliance is urging Congress to pass legislation ensuring NEMT services remain protected.
2. Defending passenger safety for federally funded travel. More than 80 programs across the federal government are authorized to fund transportation services for individuals with disabilities, older adults, persons with lower incomes, and federal workers themselves in the performance of their jobs. The alliance is urging Congress to pass legislation requiring that drivers paid for with federal funds pass an FBI fingerprint-based background check and drug and alcohol screen.
“The Transportation Alliance knows the importance of passenger safety and NEMT, and we’re on Capitol Hill to make sure the voices of our members across the country are heard,” said alliance President Terry O’Toole of Transdev on Demand. “Good policy protects lives, and no one knows those best practices more than our members.”
Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-GA) spoke to fly-in attendees and delivered an impassioned speech about the need to protect NEMT services, praising the association “for not being stumbling blocks, but for being a stepping stone for our vulnerable populations … people who need so very desperately the help that you provide.”
Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) also spoke to the group about technology, including the need for a national policy framework for autonomous vehicles. She also called out the need to accelerate America’s technological advances, particularly in terms of electric vehicles.
“Other countries are investing in it, and we are lagging. I think it’s becoming a national security issue in how we’re beginning to lag in innovation and technology,” Dingell said at a breakfast briefing for members.
The Transportation Alliance’s next event will be its 101st Annual Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas this October 16 to 19.
Visit tlpa.org for more information.
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Founded in 1988 with one sedan, RMA Worldwide has grown to become the region’s leading transportation providers and has been recognized for exceptional client service, including awards from Bethesda Magazine and industry trade magazines. Today, RMA Worldwide provides chauffeured transportation for Fortune 500 executives, as well as individuals working in finance, media, entertainment, sports, university athletics, and destination management companies. RMA’s extensive fleet includes new executive sedans, SUVs, deluxe touring vans, and more than 100 late model mini- and motorcoach buses that service its more than 30 charter and shuttle contracts with colleges/universities, private schools, municipalities, and building owners.
“The combination of RMA and International Limousine Service creates a strong transportation option for businesses, associations, and individuals in the Greater Baltimore-Washington region,” said RMA Worldwide CEO Robert Alexander. “In combination, we can provide a premium quality service for every client’s transportation needs—whether it’s operating shuttles, providing executive transportation, or motorcoaches.”
International Limousine Service grew from five vehicles in 1980 to more than 120 today, also providing executive sedan, limousine, bus, and shuttle services.
“The strategic merging of our two companies creates an incredibly strong portfolio, said International Limousine Service CEO Richard Kane. “It means that our clients will benefit from a more diverse product offering and high-levels of customer service, something which is being lost with the ride sharing model.”
The combined business will serve more than 6,000 clients and transport nearly 12,000,000 passengers in more than 400 vehicles each year. The privately held company will employ more than 550 people in the region and will operate facilities in Baltimore, North Bethesda, Washington, DC, and will soon open additional facilities in Richmond, Va. RMA projects more than $65M in revenue this year and will continue to provide customers with worldwide service through its affiliate network in 600 cities around the globe.
“The market for chauffeured transportation has grown tremendously over the last few years,” added Alexander. “We realized that with the expanded market there is an incredible opportunity for a provider who is focused on service quality and safety. We want to be the first choice for chauffeured services, whether it’s running shuttles between campuses or driving executives to the airport. We can now deploy vehicles more quickly, provide more transportation choices, and do it with white glove service.”
Visit rmalimo.com for more information.
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The Fast 50 winners were selected and ranked based revenue growth from 2015 to 2018. The numbers are submitted to the Business Journal and they analyzed by their research department and CPA firm Withum. Approximately 140 privately held companies in Massachusetts submitted nominations for inclusion in this year's Fast 50 awards. Boston Car/Above All was the only chauffeured ground transportation company to be among the honorees.
“We are extremely happy to be honored by the Boston Business Journal as a Fast 50 recipient for the second year in a row,” says Boston Car Service CEO Brett Barenholz. “I am thankful to my partner Kevin Cronin and our entire team who works incredibly hard each day to help us achieve our goals.”
Visit bostoncar.com for more information.
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