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First on the agenda was a prickly issue that Connecticut NELA members are having with the NYC Taxicab and Limousine Commission (TLC) in regard to TLC officers inappropriately ending interstate travel jobs by removing chauffeurs, clients, and also impounding their vehicles, is one step closer to resolution. The TLC is now working with NELA due, in no small part, to the efforts of Lew Aflalo, general manager of Hoyt Livery. Aflalo initiated a meeting in the Constitution State with state legislators and representatives from the Connecticut Department of Transportation to formulate a broader plan to deal with these issues in short order.
NELA Chief Executive, Rick Szilagyi discussed the continuing efforts in Rhode Island to institute a minimum price floor for livery ($40), which was begun years ago in an effort to further clarify the lines between taxi and livery, and now is being challenged by app-only companies (Uber, SideCar, Lyft, etc.) entering that market. “The PUC plans to move ahead with another hearing on the issue,” says Szilagyi, “The $40 minimum charge we believe is in the public interest because it keeps them (Uber) as a non-taxi service, and that protects our industry and consumers from such things as surge pricing, and ensures the public is provided transportation in vehicles that meet safety and compliance regulations.”
Szliagyi also reviewed a plan to meet with the new Boston police commissioner, William Evans, who has previously stated that he views the app-only companies as “gypsy operators.” NELA Secretary Teale Smith of Maine Limousine closed out the meeting. Smith, who is also co-chair of the upcoming NELA Seminar & Tradeshow, gave an overview of the event itself, and the seminars (Insurance, DOT Operating Responsibilities, PCI Compliance, Quality Control in Your Office, Email Marketing, Social Media Marketing, and App Panel Discussion) that will be presented on April 22 at the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
4/14
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Jerry Thomas, formerly of Prime Time Limousines, has stepped down as treasurer of NCLA after selling his company. NCLA thanked him for all his hard work and fellowship before announcing that Vernon Gambill of Black Tie Transportation will take up the baton as the new treasurer in Jerry’s stead.
Jon McCormick, U.S. DOT division administrator, discussed compliance with DOT regulations of safety, licensing, and insuring vehicles over 15 passengers. McCormick asserted that the agency “has difficulty witnessing many violations because a DOT officer’s work is not performed on the weekends or evenings when many trips commence.” McCormick made his information available to the group for assisting in investigations into operators not operating under DOT regulations. President Carolyn Henson of Prestige Limousine recommended that one person from NCLA be a means of bringing information to the DOT to simplify and to avoid increasing the workload on DOT personal.
Ground Transportation Manager at Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, Laurie Suggs, then took the podium. Suggs disseminated a good deal of information regarding the new terminal, Terminal 1, at RDU. First and foremost, it was determined that “Limo Zone 4” (denoted by a brown sign) is the area that all for-hire vehicles will be required to pick up and drop off passengers. Suggs strongly suggested to call ahead if passengers would need assistance in this drop off/pickup area, and it was made known that no cameras will be focused on the area. Suggs then shifted gears to discuss the renewal of RDU stickers for livery vehicles. Renewals soon will be able to be accessed online via the RDU web site, and operators will be able pay for the new sticker with a credit/debit card. The renewal period for these stickers has also been extended by one month until the end of April.
Suggs concluded the meeting by guiding interested NCLA members on tour of the new terminal, and all its amenities.
Visit nclimo.org for more information.
4/14
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In developing this product, Quality Magnetic Impressions kept in mind that it needs to be compact, changeable, and have a high-quality look.
The industry has used many types of ingenious ways to capture the attention of an intended client…from handwritten signs to more complex electronic devices. In terms of cost, an electronic device, which may cost in the area of $250, can be a costly expenditure. Also, issues can arise if the unit is lost, stolen, or damaged; not to mention the need to renew a damage protection plan every two years or having to deal with any monthly charges.
Quality Magnetic Impressions is a high-quality, low-tech, and supremely elegant solution to the problems that are inherent with handwritten signs, and electronic devices. Our solution allows a chauffeur to easily store the device in his/her pocket or suit-jacket while performing services for their clients.
QMI has customization options for graphics, logos, and other specialty needs that are required to support the branding requirements of any livery service, boutique, hotel, resort, and corporate travel departments that have to have their brand displayed to arriving VIP’s.
Future options include language-lettering sets, and specialty magnets set options that allow the marquee to announce different events: from “Happy Birthday” to “Bachelor or “Bachorlette” events.
Visit qualitymagneticimpressions.com for more information.
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