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- Category: Industry News
The National Limousine Association (NLA) is hosting an exclusive webinar with Chosen Payments President & CEO Jeff Brodsly on Wednesday, February 10 at noon ET.
Moderated by Bill Faeth of Limo University and streamed live on the NLA’s Facebook page, the session will tackle industry trends in the pre- and post-pandemic world along with a frank discussion about what is working (and not) for operators in 2021. As a leading financial partner for the luxury ground transportation industry, Brodsly is able to offer a unique perspective on the current the current state of the industry as well as where things are heading. Click here for direct access to the NLA Facebook page.
Meanwhile, the NLA is still in the process of building a health insurance program for its members that has the potential to save the average operator substantially on their monthly premiums. In order to get the best rates locked in, the NLA Board of Directors is requesting that all interested operators AND any benefit-eligible employees complete a personal healthcare questionnaire. Click here to access the survey.
The site is secure/HIPAA compliant and the information submitted will only be used only by the insurance underwriters to set the NLA rates for the health insurance program. It is vital that the information that is submitted is as accurate as possible so that operators receive the best and most accurate rates.
Please note:
- Completing the Personal Health Information does not obligate you to participate in the plan, it just allows the underwriters to set the rates.
- The more companies and individuals that complete the form, the more likelihood of lower rates since the risk is spread across more individuals.
- This health insurance plan will only be available to NLA members.
Deadline to complete the form for operators and their employees is February 15 for coverage to begin April 1, 2021.
Visit limo.org for more information.
[02.09.21]
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- Category: Industry News
Passengers of Troy, Mich.-based ALLSTAR Chauffeured Services can now request to have their chauffeur rapid tested for COVID prior to their trip for extra peace of mind. Rapid testing is available in the Detroit Metro area as well as select cities throughout the United States.
Testing is conducted using the CareStart rapid COVID-19 Antigen Test, which is authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and designed to detect SARS-CoV-2 with a nasal swab. Test results are interpreted within 10 minutes. A $60 fee applies per rapid test requested trip. Prior to pickup, the passenger receives an alert with their ALLSTAR chauffeur information and confirmed test results.
“This is just another step we are taking to give all our travelers options as we continue to support healthy travel for all our guests,” said ALLSTAR Chauffeured Services President Bob Beutel, who has managed to keep his 26-year-old business operating despite challenges of a world-wide pandemic. “We’re working hard to keep our chauffeurs and passengers healthy and confident in our services.”
As the health crisis emerged, Beutel instituted stringent safety-measures throughout his company. ALLSTAR office staff and chauffeurs begin the day with a mandatory temperature check and passengers are greeted and driven to their destination by a masked chauffeur. In the event a guest needs a mask, surgical masks are available upon advance request. UV light sanitization is used daily at the beginning and end of shifts to disinfect shared items used by the chauffeurs, such as keys and iPads, and complimentary hand sanitizer bottles are a staple in all vehicles.
The company strictly adheres to CDC recommendations and requirements for safe travel. Shared reading material has been removed and all touch surfaces are disinfected between trips. Vehicle air filtration systems are sanitized with a fogger disinfectant and ALLSTAR has increased the amount of vehicle Ozone Machine cleanings.
Visit allstarvip.com for more information.
[02.09.21]
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- Category: Industry News
Motorcoach manufacturer New Flyer recently unveiled the Xcelsior AV, an electric and autonomous model bus that is being marked toward transit systems that can offer a pre-programmed, geofenced route. The company worked with its technology partner Robotic Research to develop the project.
This debut coincides with a recent executive order signed by President Joe Biden to mitigate climate change by strongly suggesting the federal government only purchase zero-emissions vehicles in the future. Although the two are not directly related, it does demonstrate the market shift for both the manufacturer and the Biden administration to protect the environment.
New Flyer President Chris Stoddart
The bus is rated at an SAE level 4, which means that no human intervention is required, but can override the system if needed—and is the level where most ridesharing vehicles are expected to operate for now. The technology is also able to problem-solve—to apply a human term—in case of system failure.
In 2020, New Flyer also worked with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to launch three automated Xcelsior CHARGE heavy-duty transit buses for an automated driving demonstration. The project was funded by the Federal Transit Administration’s Integrated Mobility Innovation program.
“Our Xcelsior AV represents the anticipated future of safety in public transit and the latest leap forward for New Flyer,” said New Flyer President Chris Stoddart told Clean Technica. “We committed to building an automated transit bus and within five years, (and) we’ve delivered an industry-changing vehicle. The technology is real and it’s here … together with Robotic Research, we are leading clean, accessible, reliable mobility that’s safer for all.”
To see the Xcelsior AV in action, a video is available on its Youtube channel.
Visit newflyer.com for more information.
[02.09.21]