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When Uber (and soon after, Lyft) came to Milwaukee earlier this year, all hopes were that the limousine industry in Wisconsin would have the support of local officials. After some back and forth, the battle so far stands that a provisional license is proposed and that these ridesharing companies will be regulated—but it’s still up in the air on whether it will look more like taxi or limousine regulation. The June conservation at the Milwaukee City Council meeting was productive but any resolution was tabled until the following month (July, no meeting date available).
The Wisconsin Limousine Association (WLA) has been at the forefront. During its June meeting, President Mike Hartmann of Stardust Limousine said that he’d been hearing mixed reviews from the public about Uber. Other board of directors agreed that some of the feedback had been positive, especially with younger people because of the short wait times. But the public is taking notice of the increased traffic delays in some larger cities, and they are unsure about Uber’s safety regarding proper regulation and insurance.
In other news, the association is in the process of composing a letter to the city of Milwaukee regarding inspections. Hartmann says that WLA is requesting that Milwaukee accept the DOT inspection instead of requiring companies to physically bring their vehicles to the Milwaukee for inspection on an annual basis. With the passage of ACT364 (which was enacted on April 28, 2014), all limousine companies need to apply for and receive PC Authority from the State of Wisconsin. This legislation also brings the required minimum amounts of insurance to $350,000 up to $500,000. More information and links to the revised rules can be found on the association’s website at wisconsinlimo.org.
Visit wisconsinlimo.org for more information.
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UMA Members at Capitol Hill
Alexandria, Va. — Members of the United Motorcoach Association (UMA) took to Capitol Hill at the end of June to speak to their Congressional officials to discuss key MAP-21 issues affecting the motorcoach industry at UMA's annual event, Capitol Hill Days.
In total, UMA operator members held 284 individual appointments at Congressional offices, having increased from 210 appointments at last year's event.
In their meetings, UMA members shared information about their own businesses and presented key message points vital to motorcoach operators. Message points included: federal minimum financial responsibility limits, preservation of charter bus protections, return to zero federal fuel tax for over-the-road buses, increased opportunities for contracting with local transit agencies, and a host of regulatory reforms that include due process for Imminent Hazard and Out-of-Service orders, and prohibition on third-party inspection requirements, local entity requirements for registrations of charter bus operators, and en route inspections.
“To say our day was a success is an understatement," says Victor Parra, UMA president and CEO. "The feedback we've heard from our members on their meetings tell us they had a great experience and that this is exactly what we needed to make an impression on our regulators. This day may not provide the instant gratification we have all become accustomed to in this day and age, but I can promise you, the messages our members shared all over the Hill today will have a positive impact as we move closer to the reauthorization of the highway safety bill."
The day of meetings concluded with a reception for UMA members and Congressional Members and staff. Representative John Mica (Fla.-R) attended and was awarded with the inaugural "Motorcoach Champion Award" for his unfailing support for the private bus and motorcoach industry.
"Our members were incredible today," said Ken Presley, UMA's vice president of industry relations and COO. "It can be daunting to walk into a Representative or Senator's office and ask for their support on our issues, but they rose up to the challenge and made a difference."
Visit uma.org for more information.
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(L to R) Friedel Greene Corporate Livery Director for BMW of El Cajon, Marco Schnieder Key Marketing Manager for BMW of North America, Ron Mangseth General Sales Manager BMW of El Cajon, Dale Theriot and Rick Brown Owners of La Costa Limousine
San Diego, Calif.—
Fifteen black on black BMW 740Lis recently found a new home at La Costa Limousine, which serves the greater San Diego area. Co-owners Rick Brown and Dale Theriot began testing the 740Li with its customers several months ago and received a good reception, but the need to turnover their aging Town Car fleet made it imperative to make the major purchase.
“Our passengers are paying for a luxury service, and the BMW, especially the 7 Series, has that perception of luxury,” says Theriot. He said that they looked at other sedan options, but they either lacked the room or the panache of the BMW. “It’s a great car and our clients love the extra head and leg room. The trunk is even spacious.” He says the vehicles have had an unexpected bump in fuel efficiency of an average of three miles per gallon when in ECO PRO mode (the gas-saving level of BMW’s Driving Dynamics Control) over the old Town Cars. The fuel economy of the 740Li is rated at 19/29 mpg (city/highway).
Brown and Theriot worked with Friedel Greene, corporate livery director, and Ron Mangseth, general sales manager, both of BMW of El Cajon, to secure the vehicles. Marco Schneider, key account manager for BMW’s Limousine & Hotel Shuttle Program, was also involved and was able to offer additional incentives beyond those for livery customers thanks to the size of the purchase. A new program through the manufacturer includes tiered fleet discounts for multi-vehicle purchases, starting with as few as five cars. The current livery price for a single 740Li is $64,760 (additional dealer fees apply).
La Costa has been in business since 1989 and has a diverse fleet of 55 vehicles.
Visit
lacostalimo.com for more information. For more information about BMW livery incentives, contact Marco Schneider at
Marco.R.Schneider@bmwna.com
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