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Atlantic City, N.J. — The Florida Limousine Association (FLA) met up November 14. Led by President Rick Versace of A1A Limousine & Airport Service, those in attendance discussed potential changes the industry could be facing on both the local and national levels.
With the election preceding the meeting by less than a week, the future of the Affordable Care Act—commonly referred to as “Obama Care”—was in question. Possible changes to the Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, and Department of Labor were also discussed.
The National Limousine Association’s (NLA’s) upcoming legislative session will determine the five states where it will zero in on key TNC battles. It is looking for regions that have the best chance of seeing the passage of legislation that protects the riding public. The FLA has seen success joining with its regional taxi industry in terms of preventing TNCs from gaining significant traction, and is now setting its sights on such passenger-friendly legislation. A top priority will be advocating and lobbying to make fingerprint background checks mandatory for all for-hire providers: luxury ground transportation, taxis, and TNCs.
Versace emphasized that leveling the playing field and putting TNCs on the defensive will be a central focus of the year to come. He credited the NLA with working to ensure that TNCs’ comparatively lax approach to safety—both of their passengers and the riding public in general—remains a rallying cry for the industry and a prevailing topic in conversations about rail-hailing services.
Visit floridalimousine.com for more information.
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South Portland, Me. — Maine Limousine Service is pleased to announce that they’ve recently acquired Lilley’s Limousine of Scarborough, Me. The acquisition was a natural progression in the steady growth that Maine Limousine Service has experienced over the past several years. The company’s fleet now includes ten sedans, four SUVs, three vans, eight limousines, a shuttle bus, and an antique Bentley. Moreover, the majority of Lilley’s chauffeurs will be staying on board to provide service for Maine Limousine Service.
The largest black car service in the state, Maine Limousine Service has been in operation since 1987, originally under the name of Flo Hutchins Limousine. Current owners Teale Smith and Kim Madore-Smith purchased the company in 2007, with an eye toward growth. As an interstate provider, the company serves all New England airports, cruise terminals, and train and bus stations. They specialize in high quality corporate and leisure travel, point-to-point transportation and special events.
“We are thrilled to announce this next chapter in the story of Maine Limousine,” said Teale Smith. “We strongly believe that the clients of Lilley’s and Maine Limousine will benefit greatly from this alignment because it allows us to invest even more in the things that impact their travel experience most, including fleet diversity and technology.”
Visit mainelimo.com for more information.
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On August 29, ILA’s lawyers filed a brief on the association’s behalf, which explained its members wishes for an appeal regarding the Federal court's ruling on the lawsuit against the City of Chicago in the 7th circuit court. Final arguments were presented by both sides of -2009, Illinois Transportation Trade v. City of Chicago on September 19th at the US District Court.
On November 1, ILA informed its members that it has “received the ruling and opinion from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding our appeal.” The ruling was written by three of the nine appellate court judges, who expressed that it is the opinion of the appellate court to dismiss ILA’s appeal and the case.
But there is a next step. Guided by attorney feedback, the ILA Board of Directors will continue to work all legal options by not only requesting a rehearing by all nine appellate court judges (which is already in progress) but also seek a U.S. Supreme Court review should their next request is either denied or does not alter the most recent judgment.
While the ILA has negotiated with its lawyers to ensure that their next course of action will come with no legal fees, the association remains nearly $9,000 short of its $25,000 goal to cover the Appellate Court appeal fees; it is asking that any members who have yet to pay their assessment fees do so immediately.
The association is still awaiting the City of Chicago study regarding background checks for TNC drivers. Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago, a disability rights group, is suing Uber failing to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The next ILA event will be its open board meeting December 7.
Click here for a copy of the final ruling. Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information about the ILA.
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