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The meeting kicked off with Jagiela discussing the rapidly approaching Chauffeur Driven Show in Miami, and noting how present PRLA member Alan Candeub of Park Avenue Limousine will be among the mentors at the Operator Mentoring Program on the first day of the show.
On behalf of software company Limo Alliance, PRLA’s newest vendor member, Matt Hayes and Raj Grewal respectively introduced the new venture and offered an overview of its services. Grewal, also of Blackbird Worldwide, explained how the Limo Alliance reservation and dispatch app “lifted the best part of TNCs so passengers have everything they want” and aims to solve the industry’s supply problem in terms of populating its app with a shared inventory among those companies on its platform, which was 26 users at the time of the meeting. Available October 1, the software targets small- to midsize operators, offers back office capabilities, and allows for a customizable interface.
PRLA President Steve Rhoads of Rhoads Limousine reported on how a few members made the trek to Harrisburg at the end of July to speak with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) legal staff, which was a largely successful endeavor and “a learning experience for both sides.” The PRLA’s representatives stressed the importance of public safety, especially in terms of TNCs’ lack of insurance, and were somewhat frustrated when the PUC didn’t respond quite as they anticipated. With state legislature, the PUC, and PennDOT all vying for jurisdiction, enforcing varying and conflicting regulations is nearly impossible—though members feel like they’re being given the runaround or simply blown off. PRLA’s membership base is encouraged to write letters to the PUC, Department of Labor, Philadelphia Parking Authority, and other related organizations to make sure their voices are heard.
A TNC hearing in Pittsburgh had been scheduled for the next day, for which PRLA members had drafted a letter meant to be read as a testimony; however, Jim Schantz, legislative assistant to Senator Linda Boscala, had to regretfully inform the room of the meeting’s cancellation. He assured everyone that the PRLA’s letter would be read at the next hearing, and that all efforts would be made to hold a similar hearing in the Philadelphia region so local operators would be able to both attend and testify.
The TNC conversation continued, with operators conveying their displeasure that Uber Black is allowed to operate in Pennsylvania. Some operators noted how the playing field still hasn’t been leveled off (though Uber Black does follow the regulations put to traditional chauffeured ground transportation) and others conceded that “no one’s going out of business over Uber”—but it was emphasized that the industry and taxis alike must keep fighting because “once we’ve stopped fighting, we’ve lost.”
Buses were also a topic of discussion, in terms of apportioned plates, intrastate travel, and possible changes in the lease and exchange of vehicles between operators. Rhoads, an honorary director of the Limousine Association of New Jersey, shared how the neighboring association has written a response to the “absolute nightmare” presented by the proposed liability assumed by those who would borrow large vehicles from other operators.
As two seats are set to expire on the PRLA board—those of Rhoads and Director Perry Camerlengo of Luxury Limousine—the meeting ended with a discussion of association bylaws.
The next PRLA meeting is scheduled for October 7 in Doylestown.
Visit prlainc.org for more information.
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The evening’s educational component included a presentation from Agentis Safety Development CEO Brandon Dufour, who focused on the dangers of distracted driving. Other speakers included Scott Duffy of Don Brown Bus Sales, which was the dinner sponsor, and Brett Barenholtz of Boston Car Service. Chauffeur Driven provided a pass to next month’s Miami show, which was won by longtime NELA member Sonny To of 128 Coach.
With a handful of members preparing to attend a TNC hearing in Boston the following week, NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi said that this latest battle in the association’s ongoing fight against TNCs was a much-discussed topic at the meeting.
The hearing turned out to be an all-day affair, at which NELA had significant representation: Szilagyi, Scott Solombrino of BostonCoach/Dav El, NELA 1st Vice President Dave Lathbury of Black Tie Limousine, and Mike Fogarty of Tristar Worldwide were among those speaking on behalf of both the association and the industry.
Szilagyi said that the September 15 hearing saw a few regulatory wins, as Boston Police Commissioner William Evans voiced his support for TNC drivers being subject to fingerprint background checks; by the end of the day, it looked as though biometric background checks have potential to become a requirement that TNCs will no longer be able to sidestep. TNC insurance is also a high priority for the association, as on-again/off-again coverage does not provide adequate coverage for either the riding public or transportation providers.
The next NELA quarterly meeting will be its holiday party, scheduled for December 8.
Visit nelivery.org for more information.
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With a 16 percent increase in attendance from last year’s event, the KLA had ample opportunity to connect with scores of the 601,672 fair-goers traversing the event’s grounds. Increasing public awareness about the differences between TNCs and licensed ground transportation companies was a key goal for this year, and members spoke to those visiting KLA’s booth about their efforts to ensure the riding public’s safety. Two local police officers also took the time to impress upon the public that state licensed and approved companies are a safer transportation option than nonregulated TNCs.
This year’s display vehicle was a bus supplied by Xtreme Transportation, and the KLA’s booth also featured daily giveaways of gift certificates offering limousine rental discounts. The grand prize, which the KLA raffled off at the end of the fair, was a free four-hour stretch limousine rental provided by the association member whose operation is geographically closest to the prize winner.
In other association news, Xtreme Transportation—owned by KLA’s Treasurer Jenny Summit—has acquired a company located in Bedford, Ind., and has also purchased additional storage space in the Louisville area.
The next KLA meeting will be October 13.
Visit kylimo.org for more information.
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