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NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi
Durham, N.H. — A few years ago, the New England Livery Association (NELA) Board of Directors decided to work toward establishing separate, state-by-state funds to finance contracting with lobbyists and other professionals.
In Connecticut, the association was unable to rally members to develop a legislative fund for the state. In Rhode Island, meanwhile, they did so—though NELA’s legislative effort ultimately failed. But in Massachusetts, the association was successful in developing a state legislative fund: The fund is ongoing today, and NELA was successful in passing new legislation in the commonwealth.
In August 2016, the Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed NELA’s TNC legislation into law. One of the results of the legislation was a new procedure, mandating that all TNC drivers in Massachusetts be subjected to a background check by the state’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU). TNCs can—and do—still conduct their own version of background checks; since the spring of 2017, their approved drivers must also be checked by the MA DPU. According to statistics from the department, the results have been consistent: 10% of drivers approved by the TNCs have been screened-out due to the DPU checks.
Another aspect of that 2016 legislation was the creation of a fund: the Transportation Infrastructure Enhancement Trust Fund is financed by TNCs remitting 20 cents for every TNC ride in the commonwealth for five years, with 5 cents of that set aside for the taxi and livery industries. Doing the math, those nickels amount to $3M dollars in Year One; assuming TNC rides remain stable in number, that’s $15M over the full five-year period.
How is the money to be used? The legislation does not prescribe any details. A firm has been contracted by the state’s finance and economic development authority to develop a plan. We have held initial conversations with the firm, and more will transpire over the next few months.
What can be expected? The fund is real. Should operators all expect a check? No, but operators should expect that NELA is on top of this, and using professionals to guide them—just as they did to get the legislation passed in the first place. The association’s goal is to see that this money is used as intended: to support the efforts of taxi and livery in Massachusetts.
Persistence works. NELA not only has but also will continue to win battles on behalf of its members. Now is the time to strengthen its base: Ask fellow operators who are not members to consider joining the NELA today. Additionally, all of members with business interests in Massachusetts should consider supporting the fund.
Email NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi at rick@lexian.com or call 866-736-6352 for more information.
Visit nelivery.org for more information about NELA.
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MCTA members met up March 7 for the association’s second meeting of the year
Minneapolis — The Minnesota Chauffeured Transportation Association (MCTA) held its second membership meeting of 2019 March 7 at Kip’s Irish Pub. A social hour kicked off the meeting at 5:30, and was followed by dinner and welcoming statements from MCTA President Gus Ortis of Executive Transportation.
The evening’s first presentation was from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Mike McKay from MNDOT’s Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations provided an update on interstate carries and sought input on increasing vehicles for the Final Four. Mark Mullen discussed MNDOT’s roadside inspection program for commercial vehicles.
To submit commercial vehicle operations complaints, the online application is located at www.dot.state.mn.us/cvo/complaint.html. MCTA members can also call MNDOT’s dedicated complaints line at 651.366.3661. If you would like more information about the process, contact Will Jensen-Kowski at William.Jensen-Kowski@state.mn.us and he can assist you.
The second presentation was from Annabelle Juin from the Minneapolis Final Four Local Organizing Committee. She provided an update on Final Four activities relating to transportation, parking, and drop-off zones.
Information regarding transportation issues for the Final Four has been emailed to members. Please contact Peter Glessing at PHGlessing@locklaw.com if you have further questions.
Visit mnlimo.org for more information.
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Scott SolombrinoEverett, Mass.—Scott Solombrino, the longtime president and CEO of Dav El/BostonCoach Chauffeured Transportation Network, is leaving his position after 43 years. Solombrino, who founded his first limousine company in 1978 while a freshman at Suffolk University, is moving on to focus on his leadership roles within the ground transportation industry and write a memoir of his life in the industry. Under Solombrino’s leadership, Dav El/ BostonCoach grew to become one of the country’s largest privately held chauffeured transportation companies.
Solombrino will remain a strong force for the betterment of the ground transportation industry internationally, through his work as president of the Allied Leadership Council for the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and as a member of its Board of Directors, positions he has held for more than 20 years. Solombrino will also continue serving as secretary and director of the National Limousine Association (NLA), of which he was a four-time president and co-founder. He will remain a leading voice and ferocious advocate for improved safety regulations for ride-hailing companies through his leadership roles with Ride Safe Massachusetts and Ride Responsibly.
The decision not to renew his current employment agreement with Dav El/BostonCoach was made after a long and deliberative process. In addition to his focus as an industry leader and icon, Solombrino plans to write a memoir detailing his life in the industry. He had strong praise for Dav El/BostonCoach and is very optimistic about the company’s future.
“This is a decision I am making for positive reasons and I look forward to the future,” said Solombrino. “I leave Dav El/BostonCoach with great pride, knowing our team is operating the finest chauffeured transportation company in the world. Our standards have set the bar and our reputation for impeccable services are unmatched in the ground transportation sector. I want to thank David and Derek Marcou and all of our employees, and want them to know I have full confidence they will continue leading this company toward a great future. I wish everyone the best as I move on to the next chapter in life.”
Solombrino’s positive impact on the industry was never more evident than in 2002, when the U.S. Congress and President Bush unanimously passed legislation expanding the rights of chauffeured transportation operators nationwide. His continued dedication, discipline, and hard work contributed to the passage of the landmark legislation on behalf of the industry he worked for throughout his career. Now, he looks forward to telling his story.
“It’s been an incredible ride in an amazing industry. I have so many positive experiences to share and have gained a unique perspective on life through this work. I now will have time to write that story,” added Solombrino.
Visit davelbostoncoach.com for more information.
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