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NLA President Gary Buffo
New York — In a survey recently conducted online by Harris Poll and commissioned by the National Limousine Association (NLA) in October 2015 among more than 3,000 U.S. adults 18 and older, it was revealed that 80 percent of consumers believe that ride-hailing services, such as Lyft, Sidecar, Uber, and Whisk, are transportation providers, not technology companies as these services claim, in circumvention of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act.
According to the survey, 73 percent of consumers consider drivers of ride-hailing service to be employees of those services, when, in actuality, they are regarded as independent contractors who are not required to either adhere to or comply with the same standards and regulations applicable to taxis and limousines. Further, the poll revealed that only 18 percent of Americans would continue to use ride-hailing services if they did not adhere to applicable labor laws.
“In a society that increasingly values convenience over safety and responsibility, it is the obligation of the NLA to raise awareness about how ride-hailing services, for reasons of financial gain, are circumventing the fair labor laws and are not required to adhere to or comply with the same safety standards and regulations applicable to taxis and limousines. As the survey clearly illustrates, ride hailing services are misleading passengers, exploiting drivers, and putting the public at risk,” said NLA Co-founder Scott Solombrino of Dav El/BostonCoach.
NLA Co-founder Scott Solombrino
To this end, the NLA, a not-for-profit organization responsible for and dedicated to representing the interests of the private driver ground transportation industry, launched Ride Responsibly™ in February 2015. The program is an unprecedented effort to bridge an industry-wide gap between the rights of passengers and the responsibilities of service providers, promoting best practices in regard to driver and passenger safety and duty of care.
“While the NLA applauds the steps that a handful of cities and municipalities have recently taken to regulate ride-hailing services, there is much work to be done on a national level,” adds NLA President Gary Buffo of Pure Luxury Transportation. "As these results overwhelmingly enumerate, a more accountable system and universal corporate responsibility remain the ultimate goal. Therefore, it is imperative this debate be afforded the national platform it deserves.”
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of NLA from October 6-8, 2015. Contact NLA@evins.com for complete survey methodology.
Visit limo.org for more information.
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Lake Success, N.Y — Advantage Funding, one of the largest ground transportation finance firms in the U.S., has launched a robust and interactive new website. Equipped with payment calculators, an online application form, and automated customer account functionalities, the site provides an enhanced experience for customers, prospects, and anyone seeking information about financing commercial and vocational vehicles and equipment.
“Advantage Funding is pleased to offer state-of-the-art online services and information for users of mobile as well as traditional technology,” said AlDamiani, CEO. “It’s our goal to increase knowledge about our company and products while also providing new efficiencies for customers and prospects.”
The new website also includes a pull-down customer service menu that provides secure access to customer account information and options; a newsroom blog with short takes on subjects ranging from how to create a value proposition to what’s new in waste equipment, financing information for dealerships, lease and loan customers, and prospects; and success stories and testimonials from Advantage Funding customers.
Also included on the enhanced site are videos, which include a profile of Damiani as well as a feature on the company’s unique customer service. Another new feature is an “Equipment for Sale” link that customers can open to view used equipment currently for sale at the company’s Brookhaven, N.Y., facility. “This is one of the more dynamic and most popular areas our site,” commented Damiani.
Visit advantagefund.com for more information.
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Members of the Greater Orlando Limousine Association, West Florida Livery Association, newly formed Southwest chapter, and Florida Limousine Association (FLA) were on hand for the October 12 FLA meeting
Miami — The Florida Limousine Association (FLA) hosted a full house at its October 12 meeting, which was held during the Chauffeur Driven Show at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. With representation from the Greater Orlando Limousine Association, West Florida Livery Association, and newly formed Southwest chapter of the FLA, operators and supporters from all over the Sunshine State were on hand for the breakfast meeting.
FLA Executive Director and CD’s Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela filled in for President Rick Versace of A1A Airport & Limousine Service, addressing the crowd and introducing the full slate of presenters who spoke at the meeting.
International Association of Transportation Regulators President Matt Daus of Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf kicked off the meeting by providing an overview of TNC regulatory progress. After explaining why he recently used Uber for a ride in Florida—“You need to know your enemy; if you don’t, you’ll never beat them”—he said that the FLA collective has seen the most success in its fight against ride-sharing services and offered some advice for moving ahead in their campaign.
FLA Executive Director and CD Industry & Brand Ambassador Philip Jagiela (left) and International Association of Transportation Regulators President Matt Daus of Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf
“This battle is not over but you guys are winning it,” Daus said, noting that “now’s the time to double down” by hiring the right lobbyists, being mindful of resource allocation, and staying the course.
Daus went on to explain how TNCs violate the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, giving legally operating, traditional transportation companies a leg up in that regard.
Those in attendance also heard from attorney Daniel Levine, who spoke about the differences between employee and independent contractor models; lobbyist Ron Book, who discussed ways to further the association’s TNC battle; Stuart Gold of miRide, which is gearing up to unite Florida’s chauffeured transportation operations under one app that offers a luxury experience as well as luxury service; and insurance agent Charles Caravella from Hawkeye Claims.
At the end of the meeting, several association members came forward to pledge additional monetary support to the FLA in order to help defray the costs of its lobbying efforts and other expenses necessary in maintaining the integrity of Florida’s transportation industry.
Visit floridalimousine.com for more information.
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