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On March 23, the Limousine, Bus, Taxi Operators of Upstate New York (LBTOUNY) will be holding a business meeting via Zoom at 5:30 pm to discuss several legislative and industry-related items.
First and foremost, the association will be addressing stretch limousine laws that are scheduled to pass imminently after a report was issued by the state’s Safety Task Force with suggested actions and measures (full report can be read here). These include a 10-year “sunset” period on all stretch limousines that would, if passed in 2023, see anything older than a 2013 MY being pulled from the road. Also planned is a requirement of roll bars to be installed in the vehicle.
LBTOUNY also says they are working with local agencies and politicians to create new policies that will regulate illegal black car operators.
In addition to legislative items, LBTOUNY officers will provide trade show recaps, as well as updates on recent membership.
To receive the Zoom link for the meeting, operators are asked to RSVP to limocompanies@yahoo.com.
Visit lbtouny.com for more information.
[03.21.23]
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The Philadelphia Regional Limousine Association (PRLA) hosted their Spring membership meeting on Wednesday, March 15, at Il Granaio restaurant in Phoenixville, Pa. Sponsored by Philadelphia Insurance, the dinner meeting welcomed more than 30 members and guests, including guest speaker Ken Lucci of Driving Transactions.
“We had a great meeting, says PRLA Secretary Tracy Salinger of Unique Limousine. “There was a strong spirit of camaraderie, and we welcomed several new members.”
The group was joined by Adam Weisman of Philadelphia Insurance, who fielded questions from the attendees. Of the matters discussed at the meeting, chief among them was the new pickup zone at the Philadelphia International Airport. In the days before the PRLA meeting the airport designated curbside pickup to Uber and Lyft, limiting limousine and black car services to a section across a busy street.
“Because of this new rule, we discussed where liability starts when we pick up our clients. We are literally crossing traffic when we walk them to the vehicle. It goes without saying that we will be held responsible if, God forbid, an accident happens while we are taking our clients to the car. It’s just another reminder to look both ways, just like mom said,” says Salinger.
After a successful appearance at February’s Limousine Association of New Jersey meeting, Lucci was asked to share his Knowing Costs to Create Profitable Pricing Strategies presentation with the PRLA membership. Among the matters discussed was the fact that profit is not a dirty word. With costs steadily rising across the board, it’s important that operators not be afraid to raise their prices.
“This was a great crowd,” says Lucci. “The PRLA folks were engaged and eager to learn.”
During a board meeting that proceeded the dinner event, the PRLA Board issued dates for their 2023 quarterly meetings: June 14, September 13, and December 13.
Visit prlainc.com for more information.
[03.21.23]
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Motor Coach Industries (MCI) announced it has commenced delivery of 30 new MCI J4500 coaches to Sam’s Limousine and Transportation, providing extensive transportation services nationwide.
Through this order, Sam’s Limousine will expand its motorcoach fleet to a total of 100 vehicles, including 70 coaches, limousines, sedans, as well as shuttle and minibuses, allowing Sam’s Limousine to meet increased demand for charter services throughout Texas.
The MCI J4500 coach is recognized for its reliability, modern curb appeal and luxurious, spacious interior with best-in-class legroom. The new coach interiors are tailored to Sam’s Limousine specifications and include signature leather-trimmed seating, tray tables and cup holders, and programmable multicolor interior lighting for superior passenger comfort.
The luxury coaches also will be equipped with MCI’s latest Advance Driver Assistance Systems, which include collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control, along with 360-degree exterior cameras to help drivers prevent road incidents and a Cummins clean-diesel engine that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, 15 of the new coaches will feature wheelchair lifts to ensure accessibility and a comfortable riding experience for passengers with mobility devices.
“There is a hunger for group travel,” said Sam’s Limousine Founder & CEO Omar Ghandour. “Schools and sports teams are back traveling, and workers are returning to offices and job sites.”
Ghandour recalls that, when the pandemic brought transportation to a standstill, Sam’s Limousine team members kept in touch with customers, rescheduling bookings and accommodating businesses that were needed to transport essential workers.
“We kept communicating with our clients,” said Ghandour. “We stand behind them. We have invested in new coaches on their behalf, delivering on a commitment to provide the absolute best.”
“MCI appreciates the relationship we have with Sam’s Limousine. In the past 10 years, MCI has delivered 74 MCI J4500 coaches, including this contract,” said MCI Private Sales and Marketing Vice President Brent Maitland. “We believe that the foundation of any successful customer relationship is built on trust, exceptional service and support; our team, including our local service center in Dallas has done a tremendous job.”
“Our commitment to our customers is unwavering, and we strive every day to earn and maintain their trust,” Maitland continued. “At MCI, we understand that it takes more than just providing a product; parts, service, support and training are the keys to building a lasting relationship.”
Sam’s Limousine was founded in 1980 as a luxury limousine service in the Sugar Land and Houston areas. In 2004, Omar Ghandour acquired Sam’s Limousine; in 2010, it established a division dedicated to charters. Today, the company headquarters are based in Houston, which houses many of its vehicles, with plans to open a Dallas branch in June.
“The size and scope of our vehicle variety differentiate us as an A-to-Z operator,” Ghandour said. “We can handle all types of ground transportation needs.” Those factors led Sam’s Limousine to its position as one of the largest charter operators in Texas and one of the top 50 in the nation.
With nearly 200 employees, including drivers who are trained quarterly in safety practices, Ghandour attributes the company’s growth to his team, quality equipment and a personal passion for the industry. “Since I was a boy, I admired bus drivers and wanted to own this type of business,” he said. “I care about vehicles, appreciate our customers, and have a good team in place. I like everything there is about transportation.”
Visit mcicoach.com for more information.
[03.17.23]