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He’s confirmed! David Do is officially the new commissioner and chair of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), after a unanimous vote by the City Council this past week. Do was former head of Washington, D.C.’s Department of For-Hire Vehicles (DFHV) and was nominated by New York Mayor Eric Adams in late April following the resignation of Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk.
TLC Commissioner and Chair David Do
Mayor Adams called the taxi and for-hire industry “a critical piece of a just and equitable New York City” and expressed his confidence that Do is the person to achieve it, thanks to his reputation as a thoughtful policymaker with the use of innovative technology to help meet those initiatives.
Do has his work cut out for him. After a punishing few years that have included a rapid decline in medallion prices on top of a pandemic and mental health crisis among for-hire drivers, Do is tasked with shoring up existing issues while also pivoting an industry for the 21st century.
While serving as the head of the DFHV, Do spearheaded the launch of DC Microtransit, an on-demand shuttle service for riders living outside the traditional routes of public transit. He also led the agency through the COVID pandemic and distributed personal protective equipment to drivers to keep them safe on the job. Do is also chairman of the International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) Technology and Innovation Committee.
Former TLC Commissioner and IATR President Matt Daus
“I am excited and ready to take on this role to serve the entire for-hire industry at this critical time, and I want to thank Mayor Adams, Deputy Mayor Joshi, and the City Council for this incredible opportunity,” Do said following his confirmation. “I want to let drivers know that they have a partner in me. I am fully committed to helping drivers get relief from crushing medallion debt, delivering true transportation equity for our customers with disabilities and those outside of Manhattan, and leveraging technology and innovation to diversify and strengthen our industry.”
Black Car Fund Executive Director Ira Goldstein
The announcement has earned the praise of many in the industry, including former TLC Commissioner and IATR President Matt Daus, New York Taxi Workers Alliance Executive Director Bhairavi Desai, and Black Car Fund Executive Director Ira Goldstein.
“David Do has the experience and expertise to guide TLC into the future, while ensuring drivers and operators have the support they need to move our industry and our recovery forward,” Goldstein said. “The Black Car Fund looks forward to working with David to create safer streets, a better transportation network, and conditions that allow drivers and the for-hire vehicle industry to thrive.”
"I know firsthand how challenging this position is, and he is the right person at the right time–to bring order, morale, and confidence back to the TLC," Daus said, who works with Do through IATR. "His experienced leadership will guide the industry toward further innovation and multimodal integration, while making strides to promote access and equity."
You can find more information about the agency and its objectives here.
[05.24.22]
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Tuesday, May 24, 2022, marks a major milestone for Dawson Rutter and his award-winning company, Commonwealth Worldwide Executive Transportation, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary as one of the most trusted names in the business.
Having decided to pursue college in Boston in the late 1960s, Rutter said, “You learn pretty fast that a quality education isn’t cheap, even back then. I drove a cab for 10 years until a friend of mine started working for a limo company. I decided that I liked the air conditioning and the cleaner clientele much better than the cab.”
Rutter and Director of Operations and Affiliate Relations (and wife) Tami Saccoccio Rutter from the July 2018 issue of CD
Eventually, having learned the ropes in all aspects of the business along the way, he bought a single vehicle—a 1982 Cadillac “Formal” limousine. He had a clear vision: to provide a level of personalized service that would keep customers coming back again and again.
Commonwealth's first vehicle, a 1982 Cadillac “Formal”
Today, Rutter is known as one of the industry's most respected leaders, and a generous one at that. He’s served on the NLA Board and is a regular at local association meetings, is a frequent “mentor” at the CD/NLA Shows, and is always willing to offer his advice on finances to surrounding yourself with the right team to picking a good bottle of wine (and everything in between). His company has evolved as a powerful international force in the industry specializing in financial roadshows, general aviation, and C-level corporate travel and entertainment/production tours with affiliates in 82 countries.
“We continuously look forward: New technology; new safety programs; new, constant investments in our people, fleet, procedures, and systems,” Rutter explains about his success. “Even through periodic financial perils—including the pandemic we have just emerged from—we managed to retain a solid, experienced core of talented professionals as well as our loyal customer base.” In fact, between 1998 and 2007, the company grew at an average rate of 45 percent per year and allowed them to open a second location in New York City.
Commonwealth has been selected “Best of Boston” seven times and won the New York City “Concierge Choice” Award for Best Limousine Service. They added the national TLPA "Limousine and Sedan Operator of the Year" to their list of accolades in 2014. He and wife Tami Saccoccio Rutter have also appeared on the cover of Chauffeur Driven, most recently in July 2018.
Visit commonwealthlimo.com for more information.
[05.23.22]
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L to R: LANJ President Jason Sharenow, CD President Chris Weiss, and Tim Rose of Dolphin Transportation Specialists
For the first time since 2019, the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ) returned to Fernandes Steak House in Newark, N.J., for a member dinner/meeting on Tuesday, May 17. In addition to offering members and guests from across the tri-state area (and beyond) the opportunity to network while enjoying an all-you-can-eat Rodizio-style meal, the event allowed LANJ to recognize one of their longest and most dedicated members.
Bruce Cirlin, who is retiring from Complete Fleet, was honored for his dedication to LANJ
Spirits were high as an open-bar cocktail hour sponsored by Complete Fleet Livery Sales started the evening, giving attendees a chance to schmooze a bit and reconnect as an association after more than two years. More than forty operators and guests were in attendance, including CD President Chris Weiss and Editor Rob Smentek.
L to R: Jeffrey Cartagena of Leros/Royal Coachman, CD President Chris Weiss, and Jay Glick of First Class Customs
Prior to the meal being served, LANJ President Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite Worldwide welcomed everyone to the dinner and expressed his gratitude to those who took the time out of their busy schedules to come to the event. He added that operators are “learning to walk again” after keeping their businesses afloat after the pandemic, and emphasized LANJ’s commitment to its members and the industry at large. Next, Sharenow got the crowd enthused about the upcoming CD Executive Retreat, and spoke a bit about the recently nominated New York Taxi and Limousine Commissioner David Do, who is viewed as an ally to the area’s luxury ground operators.
L to R: Joe Gulino of Gem Limousine, LANJ President Jason Sharenow, Eric Coolbaugh of Advantage Remarketing Solutions, Glenn Stafford of Love Limousine, and Glenn Stafford Jr. of Love Limousine
Sharenow then presented an award to Complete Fleet’s Bruce Cirlin, who recently retired from the industry after more than 40 years of fleet vehicle sales. Not only is Cirlin a beloved figure in the industry, but he is long-time supporter of LANJ, serving as a co-organizer of the association’s annual fundraising auction dinner. Visibly moved by the award, Cirlin thanked his partners at Complete Fleet, clients, friends, and his wife, Sheryle. Though enjoying retirement, he confirmed that he will remain a friend to the industry and looks forward to returning to next year’s CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas.
Visit lanj.org for more information.
See the June 2022 extended magazine version here. [05.23.22]