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Bus manufacturer Prevost recently released a detailed checklist to help motorcoach operators prepare for the next phase of business in the new “normal.” Called Clean + Care, the program offers advice on everthing from cleaning and storage to ramping up to again serve customers.
“Prevost is here for you: That’s the message we want to convey to our customers and to the industry as a whole,” says Prevost General Manager Francois Tremblay. “While so much of this crisis is out of our control, Prevost’s goal is to do everything we can to provide some peace of mind. With that guiding us, we have embraced a Clean + Care approach to all that we are doing for operators.”
Clean + Care includes:
- Warranty Extensions: Prevost says it was the first to offer a Warranty Extension program on parts and coaches for qualifying parked coaches and a 24-month parts warranty.
- Free Online Training from Prevost Technical Institute gives an learning management system that is trackable and provable. Use this time to learn new subject matter or brush up on existing skills for drivers and technicians.
- Technical Support: Prevost has set up a way for operators to contact them even when many are working remotely and operators may be unsure who is available. The email prevostcrisissupport@volvo.com is being monitored for any needs or requests.
- Storage and Cleaning: Easy access for downloading processes and procedures from Prevost’s Technical Publications are available on the company’s website and include storage and startup guidelines for parked coaches as well as cleaning procedures and instructions.
- Contact-Free: Operators can drop off and pick up vehicles through its contact-free protocol. Centers with parts warehouses have also instituted a process for contact-free parts pickup for customers’ convenience.
- Back to Business: In order for operators to be ready to get back to business, Prevost developed an offer that includes creating ways your riders feel comfortable about the equipment in which they are being transported. Current and future options include:
- New driver barriers
- Passenger warning and information decals for coach interior
- Air purifier systems
- Improved ventilation with fans in roof hatch options
- Hand sanitizer dispensers and installation suggestions and instructions
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (4L)
- Electrostatic misting systems
- Filtration systems
- Masks are available for operators to provide to riders for additional confidence and protection
- Seat distancing decals
- Passenger partitions (coming soon)
- Headrest covers (coming soon)
Details on these resources and programs can be found on Prevost’s website and customer communications page.
Prevost’s service network continues to be available as all Prevost service centers remain open. The manufacturer also notes that parts are available and being shipped daily, and its PASS line is available 24/7 for assisting with scheduling and warranty work (800.463.7738).
For additional information, follow Prevost on social media for updates, visit prevostcar.com, or utitlize its crisis support email address prevostcrisissupport@volvo.com for any questions.
[05.12.20]
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Doing what associations do best! When its last in-person meeting was thwarted by the no-gatherings order—originally scheduled for March 18, just two days after the mandate was announced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis—the West Florida Limousine Association (WFLA) Board shifted into virtual mode to keep its members informed and safe. After weeks of fellow members checking in on each other via phone and email, Secretary Tom Halsnik of Walsh Chauffeured Transportation floated the idea of a Zoom meeting, which was met with an amazing response. The first meeting on April 29 was a success with nearly 20 members in attendance.
“Immediately following that meeting, I was bombarded with thanks and requests for another,” said Halsnik. “It was a feeling of relief that we were all experiencing the same thing, questions were answered by our insurance and vehicle sales members, information and advice sharing, and just to see folks face to face that we haven't seen in a while.” Halsnik quickly invited members to a second meeting, which was held on May 6 with about a dozen members.
The laid-back meeting, led by President Jeremy Jenkins of His & Hers Limousine, Treasurer David DiDomenico of Showtime Transportation, and Halsnik, was filled with lots of good-natured banter between members and some possible adult beverages (we won’t tell!), but was also heavy on information.
Members voiced some frustrations with the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a new loan program specifically designed for COVID-19 relief for small businesses with 500 or fewer employees. PPP, part of Congress stimulus CARES Act, was created to cover the costs and partial rent and utilities for businesses for an eight-week period, although it’s been an imperfect fit for those industries like ours that are shut down indefinitely. Some on the call said that they has been approved, but had yet to be funded, noting that they had better luck with small community banks over the larger financial institutions.
Earlier in the day, Halsnik shared an update from The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, the regulatory body of the Tampa International Airport. As of May 11, “all tenants and employees that work at Tampa International Airport will be required to wear a face covering when working or transiting any public space of the airport,” which includes chauffeurs and drivers. The Authority has launched its #TPAready initiative to ramp up for post-COVID travel, which includes ground markings for social distancing, plastic shields at ticket counters and boarding gates, enhanced cleaning of terminal facilities, and, of course, the use of face masks/coverings. More details can be found here. Additionally, the notice said that operators may temporarily be permitted to park in the short-term garage, although the situation will be monitored and updated as needed.
Vendor members Joseph Madiedo of PIC Insurance and Jim Armstrong of Limo World fielded tons of questions from those on the call, from insurance premiums to what the market looks like for selling vehicles as operators look to cut costs and sell any unneeded inventory. A big part of the conversation centered on the in-demand Plexiglas dividers that many companies are installing to keep customers and chauffeurs safe. Some commented that affiliates were requiring the installation, which Madiedo noted had been used—and applauded—in taxis for years.
WFLA plans on holding another Zoom meeting on May 13 at 5 p.m., as well as its official “lunch” meeting on May 20 at 12:30 p.m. Information on how to join the meeting can be found on WFLA’s Facebook page.
[05.08.20]
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Brentwood Livery, a luxury ground transportation company based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, commemorated their 30th anniversary with a Virtual Celebration on April 30. Founded in 1990 by the husband-and-wife team of David and Marilyn Ferguson, the family-run company is now manned by the second generation.
“My parents started this company with a six-passenger Caprice Classic stretch limousine with burgundy interior,” says Brentwood Livery “Chief Experience Officer” Brent Ferguson. “Before he passed away in 2007, his focus was always on customer service. He taught me how to be an entrepreneur. Helping our clients be successful is why we continue to do this.”
Brent is joined in the company by his wife Laura, who he says fills the role of “chief whatever-I-don’t-do” and his sister Beverly Bryant, who serves as key reservationist.
“I’m fortunate to have successful women around me,” says Ferguson. “They make me a better person.”
Together, the Ferguson/Bryant team spearhead a staff of 30 employees and manage a fleet of 30 vehicles, which includes everything from sedans to buses. Recently, Brentwood introduced a couple Teslas into their vehicle options, and they’ve become a hit with clients—and spectators.
“After we dropped our first Tesla clients at the airport, they called from the terminal to book their next two trips with the electric cars. And, our chauffeur told us that people were taking pictures of the car at curbside because they were so impressed with the look of the gull-wing doors,” says Ferguson.
When it came time to celebrate Brentwood’s approaching anniversary, the company initially planned a large party for their clients and friends. However, the COVID-19 crisis forced the team to be creative.
“How do you celebrate when you can’t hug your clients?” wondered Ferguson.
In lieu of a traditional get-together, on April 30, the Ferguson family hosted a 30th Anniversary Virtual Celebration on Zoom and Facebook Live where their clients were invited to share any memories of how Brentwood Livery contributed to an unforgettable life event or experience. Dozens participated, including their hometown mayor, who sent a message of thanks. Several videos from the celebration can be viewed on Brentwood's Facebook page.
Brent says that another person who took part in the virtual celebration was a 25-year Brentwood client who was first driven by David Ferguson to a high-school reunion. Since then, the client has booked with the company for several major life events–including his mother’s 90th birthday party—not to mention regular corporate transportation.
“It’s cool to know that we’ve made an impact on peoples’ lives,” says Ferguson.
Visit brentwoodlivery.ca for more information.
[05.11.20]