- Details
- Category: Industry News
FMCSA had previously announced in mid-January that it was delaying any movement toward a final rule and preparing to issue a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking. However, after consultation with the new Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao, the Agency elected to abandon this plan and withdraw the proposal. A brand new rulemaking would need to be initiated in order for any changes to be made in the future.
As the American Bus Association (ABA) and many other commenters argued in nearly 200 sets of submitted comments, FMCSA must first evaluate and consider the results of the CSA Correlation Study currently underway within the National Academies of Science (NAS), before moving forward with any changes to the CSA program, including Safety Fitness Determinations. Currently identified by three “ratings” from FMCSA, safety fitness is indicated by the “Satisfactory,” “Conditional,” and “Unsatisfactory” designations.
ABA and several bus operator members were active in participating in the three public meetings of the NAS throughout 2016 and helped to provide the motorcoach industry’s perspective on the CSA program during their discussions and deliberations. The final report of the NAS study is set for publication in June 2017. ABA further elevated the withdrawal of the SFD rule as one the Association’s top priorities with President Donald Trump’s Transition Team and in direct correspondence with Secretary Chao.
“This is a big win for the commercial motor vehicle industry. ABA supports getting the bad actors off of our roads as the safety of our passengers is our number one priority,” said ABA President and CEO Peter Pantuso. “However, making decisions based on bad data is not a path that would result in increased safety or the removal of substandard operators. So it makes good sense to withdraw this rule until the data can be improved.”
As recognized with a direct excerpt from ABA’s submitted comments in the published withdrawal notice, ABA’s voice and the voice of the motorcoach industry was heard loud and clear by the new Administration throughout this process.
“Conceptually, the use of real-time safety performance data for making safety fitness determinations is a good idea. But the data must be sound, timely, accurate, and reliable. Unfortunately, the current data is just not there yet,” Pantuso said.
The ABA will be hosting its 2017 Capitol Hill Fly-In May 3-4 in Washington, D.C.
Visit buses.org for more information.
[CD0417]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
In March, Chosen Payments was notified by Gem Limousine Worldwide that a client had used various names and credit card numbers to fraudulently book transportation primarily between LAX and a residence in the Griffith Park area of Los Angeles. The suspect frequently redirects airport transfers to become “as directed” jobs that last several hours with stops at The Project, on Hollywood Boulevard, The El Rey Theater, and area jazz clubs.
The suspect uses a mobile app to place orders with various limo operators. Upon completion of the order, the credit card is either declined after service has been rendered or the true cardholder initiates a chargeback resulting in a loss of money to the operator. Since all of the past orders have involved a farm-out, the Los Angeles based companies who perform the rides don’t lose any money but the company that farmed the job out is left holding the bag. Chosen Payments is currently working with Detective Michael Gentry with the LAX Police Department since the thefts technically occur at LAX at the time the ride begins or ends.
Operators should always pre-authorize a credit card, use the Address Verification System when processing cards and have your chauffeur physically view the credit card along with a matching form of identification unless the client is an established client.
Additionally, Chosen Payments would like to share information specifically for Los Angeles based operators who might find themselves in the same situation. Gem is no longer accepting these orders and most recently, Concorde Worldwide, also based in New Jersey was the latest victim. “It is important that we work together as an industry to locate this criminal and bring him to justice," said Jeff Brodsly, president and CEO of Chosen Payments.
The suspect uses the following names: Aren Carter, Aren Green, Jason Friedman, and Paul LeRoy.
The most frequent addresses for pickups and drop-offs are: 6459 Rodgerton and 822 No. Formosa in Los Angeles.
Should any operator take an order that may be associated with this suspect or these addresses, please contact Detective Michael Gentry with the LAX PD at 424.646.8351 or contact Jim Luff at Chosen Payments.
Visit chosenpayments.com for more information.
[CD0417]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
Chicago North Shore Limousine, owned by Terrin Lange, was not part of the acquisition but will continue to be managed by the new entity.
Jacobs says this group was chosen because “CTG and all of its affiliated companies were absolutely a standout. We have the same culture, willingness to serve, ethical standards, and the same operating software. They have been our primary farm-out company in Chicago for years, just as we are theirs.”
The merger increases Windy City’s fleet to over 300 vehicles, 400 employees, and a combined revenue of over $30M. “It is reasonable for us to grow 4-6 percent this quarter,” Jacobs adds. “For the year we look to achieve double digit growth beyond what CTG has brought to the table. We are well equipped to handle it.”
CTG has been under the leadership of Tracy Raimer, who will join Windy City as vice president of operations. Raimer has enjoyed a long relationship with Jacobs. “It is true, about 20 years ago I embarked to my first limo show in Vegas,” Raimer says. “I specifically searched for George thinking he would be more open to talking to me about my business. For the next few years I would bounce questions off of George and still do to this day. It certainly feels as if we have come ‘full circle’.”
“I am excited for some key staff members of CTG and the opportunities that Windy City will provide for each of them,” states Raimer. “Namely Erica Shor will continue in her Affiliate Manager’s position and forge new relationships within the industry as well as ‘show off’ all the new amenities she can now offer. In addition, lead dispatchers Curt Strandemo and Nick Georgiev will be working with increased staff, and it will be fun watching each of them grow within their positions.”
Visit windycitylimos.com for more information.
[CD0417]