L to R: Matt Miller from Misty Thunder Limo, David Bastian of Towne Livery, Buster Bison, LBTOUNY President Kevin Barwell of Giorgio's Chauffeured Transportation, and Jimmy and Stephanie Wolf of Chautauqua Limousine
The Limousine, Bus, Taxi Operators of Upstate New York (LBTOUNY) returned to Shalen Field in Buffalo, N.Y. on Tuesday, August 20 for their annual membership meeting/baseball outing. Sponsored by Towne Livery Vehicles, the event welcomed members from throughout the upstate region, along with family and friends, to watch minor leaguers the Buffalo Bisons take on the Omaha Storm Chasers.
“Overall, it was a great night. The outcome of the game could have been nicer if the Bisons had won. But it was a lot of fun to socialize and network. The operators had a chance to step back and discuss the market and where bu 
L to R: James Barwell of Giorgio's Chauffeured Transportation, Ed Reed of Executive Transportation, Mark Chrisifulli of Haylor, Fryer & Coon, and Mike Ziotkowski of Aces Limousine
The meeting was held in a private suite overlooking third base, and the members and guests were treated to a visit by mascot Buster Bison. However, prior to the first pitch, the association had the opportunity to discuss their recent legislative victories and challenges.
“We talked about what we just went through in regard to the Schoharie Accident and everything that followed,” says Barwell. “The state had about 30 different laws that they wanted to enact, and we were able to get 75 percent knocked out. The “sunset” period on limos was probably the biggest one that passed, but you can’t win every battle.”
The Sunset Laws that recently went into effect remove any stretch limousine off the streets after 10 years or 350,000 miles.
“Then, we discussed what we’re going to start looking at in the future—namely, insurance reform. In the upstate region, the rates are becoming astronomical. We have an operator that was told it would be $70K to insure one bus. That’s a death sentence. Upstate, $70K is illogical to stay in business. We’re going to have to raise our rates so high that people won’t use our service. All we’re doing is trying to provide safe transportation to people,” says Barwell.
In the coming weeks, Barwell says the LBTOUNY Board will meet to strategize a plan to introduce insurance issues to state legislators.
“We’ve been fighting significant issues for the past 12 years. Initially, we were fighting stuff related to the bus industry. Then we took on the rideshare companies so we could get an even playing field. Then it was the Schoharie accident—now, it’s insurance,” he says.
Barwell is hopeful that they will get the attention of the state legislators in the coming year.
Visit lbtouny.com for more information.
[08.27.24]