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L to R: IATR President Matt Daus, Driver of the Year Peter Hardy with Rick Versace of A1A Limo
The International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) held its 37th Annual Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida this past October 7-11, covering topics such as artificial intelligence, modernizing taximeters, improving accessibility, and innovative partnerships. Among the educational contention and regulatory bootcamps, this year’s conference featured IATR’s very first Mobility Shark Tank, where companies presented their ideas to a mix of representatives of regulators, academics, industry veterans, and investors. The show went full steam ahead, despite threats from Hurricane Milton.
While the conference was designed primarily to bring regulators from around the world together in conversation and share best practices among a wide variety of government agencies that license, regulate, and/or contract with for-hire ground transportation services, the event does have attract members of our industry to participate. Organizations like The Transportation Alliance (TTA), The Black Car Fund, and the Florida Limousine Association were represented during the event. TTA President Dan Reid was among the keynote speakers, where he emphasized innovation, the importance of non-emergency medical transportation regulations, and the need for technology to prevent fraud. A1A Limo was also recognized for proving transportation to and from the event’s gala.
L to R: Camille Kamga of UTRC, Lionel Morales of the Black Car Fund, Abubaker Azam of San Francisco International Airport, Ira Goldstein of the Black Car Fund, and Rick Versace of A1A Limo/NLA/FLA
Airport Challenges
Among the most pressing topics in our industry is curb access at airports. In a session moderated by Black Car Fund Executive Director Ira Goldstein, the panel featured Director of Landside Operations for Airport Services at the San Francisco International Airport Abubaker Azam, Director of the University Transportation Research Center (UTRC) at the City University of New York Dr. Camille Kamga, and Rick Versace Sr. of A1A Limo, who is also the president of the Florida Limousine Association and treasurer for the National Limousine Association. Goldstein highlighted the importance of equitable treatment for for-hire vehicles (FHVs) and taxis, particularly regarding curbside access and fees at airports, advocating for equitable treatment and negotiating with regulatory bodies.
Versace discussed the UTRC Limousine Airport Report authored by IATR President Matt Daus, which revealed that limousines make up just 12 percent of airport transportation but account for 75 percent of airline revenue due to their premium clientele. He emphasized the need for better signage, dedicated curb space, and equitable fee structures to improve the passenger experience for airport limo services. Versace also highlighted the importance of enforcing fair practices and ensuring that limos have designated areas to guarantee premium customers a smooth and efficient experience.
L to R: IATR shark mascot Jaws, Thomas Bania of Nexocité, Sam Evans and Jonathan Chaikin of GBM Capital, Angie De La Barrera of Arlington County, Virginia, Valerie Lefler of Feonix - Mobility Rising, Madonna Long of Vet Cycle, and IATR President Matt Daus
Sustainability: EVs & Congestion Pricing
With congestion pricing back in the news in New York City and the precarious future of electric vehicles hanging in the balance in the US, these were two hot topics covered at the conference. During the panel discussion, all sides of the congestion pricing model were addressed, noting that the model needs to be fair to all drivers while also tackling the need for public transportation improvements and balancing the quality of life for those in the city regarding traffic. Also discussed was the need for large-scale improvements on the EV infrastructure, which is lagging behind other areas of the world, including Europe and Canada.
Get Me to the Gala!
The IATR’s annual gala was held at the stunning Dalmar Hotel. The highlight of the evening was the live music featuring talented performers and several rocking and dancing regulators who kept everyone entertained late into the night, including IATR’s own Matt Daus.
Driver of the Year Award
Each year, the IATR selects a driver who has demonstrated exceptional performance and embodies the highest standards of professionalism in the industry. This year, Peter Hardy from A1A Limo, nominated by Rick Versace, was honored with the Driver of the Year award for his exceptional commitment to safety and outstanding community service. Hardy has consistently maintained a perfect five-star rating and an impeccable driving record, with no accidents or incidents throughout his career with A1A Limo.
Music City for 2025
IATR has announced that its 38th annual conference is heading to Nashville for 2025, which was voted by members. Dates and the host hotel will be announced soon, which will likely be the end of September or early October. The conference will feature engaging sessions, interactive workshops, and insightful panels focused on emerging trends in transportation technology, policy, and regulation. Participants can also expect numerous networking opportunities designed to foster connections and share best practices. Beyond the conference, attendees will enjoy Nashville’s vibrant culinary scene, lively entertainment venues, and renowned Southern hospitality, creating a memorable and enriching experience for all. Register now and renew your membership with significant discounts before December 31, 2024.
Renew Membership for Special Savings
Early-bird membership renewal is available through December 31, 2024, offering significant savings. Renewing memberships also unlocks early bird registration discounts for the 2025 conference.
- Regulator Membership: The early-bird annual fee is $700. Beginning January 1, 2025, the annual fee increases to $1,000.
- Associate/Industry Membership: The early-bird annual fee is $900. Beginning January 1, 2025, the annual fee increases to $1,500.
Visit iatr.global or join their mailing list info@iatr.global for more information.
[12.23.24]
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John (left) and Bart van Leijden of ETS Luxury Driving proudly displaying their 2023 International Affiliate of the Year award at the 2024 CD/NLA Show in Vegas.
ETS Luxury Driving is pleased to announce that the company recently gained worldwide exposure when it was featured in Sotheby’s International Realty magazine. In the article, ETS’s commitment to high-quality service was highlighted, as was their global reach spanning 54 countries and 300 cities. Also showcased was the company’s fleet of 35 luxury vehicles, which includes exclusive vehicles, such as the Mercedes E Class, Mercedes S Class, BMW 5 and 7 series, and fully electric models, such as the BMW i7 and the Mercedes EQV, which can accommodate five to seven passengers. For larger groups, ETS Luxury Driving offers Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans that can seat between 8 and 23 people.
Of ETS’s high-end service, Founder Bart van Leijden said to Sotheby’s: “We understand that time is valuable. With our luxury vehicles, travel time becomes just as productive as office time. A stable Wi-Fi connection, a comfortable workspace, and a driver who takes care of every detail ensures that our clients can work undisturbed. We customize every aspect of the ride, from the temperature of the vehicle to the background music: anything is possible.”
ETS Managing Directors John (left) and Nick van Leijden
Furthermore, van Leijden shared that ETS—with offices in the Netherlands and Belgium—prioritizes safety, comfort, and communication, with a booking system that makes things as easy as possible for their clients.
“Our clients can easily book their ride using our online portal,” explained van Leijden in the Sotheby’s piece. “They receive driver details 24 hours before the trip along with updates about the driver's location by text message or e-mail. Our exceptional service covers the entire journey, from pickup at Prinsengracht to drop-off at Schiphol and from Singapore Airport to the client’s final destination. We also invoice in a single currency. And if we're even one minute late, the ride is free.”
Since 2023, Van Leijden’s sons John and Nick have taken the reins of the company, serving as joint managing directors. Van Leijden stepped down after more than 30 years in the industry following winning Music Express’ International Affiliate of the Year award in 2023. However, John and Nick continue to run the family business with the same passion and dedication.
“Our mission? No request is too crazy, no challenge too big. We strive to make every journey, no matter how complex, perfect,” stated John.
Visit worldwide-ets.com for more information.
[12.23.24]
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- Category: Industry News
Lancer Insurance, a leading insurer dedicated to the passenger ground transportation industry for nearly four decades, has partnered with PAX Training, the gold standard in passenger transportation training, to deliver an integrated safety training experience to their mutual clients. This collaboration reinforces both organizations’ commitment to elevating safety standards across the industry.
Through this partnership, Lancer clients who are also PAX Training members will gain access to Lancer’s comprehensive library of safety videos from within the PAX Training Platform. These resources reinforce vital safety topics, including safe following distances, driver fatigue, and what to do in the event of an accident. These resources will be further enhanced by incorporating automatic recordkeeping, time tracking, and all-new quizzes to ensure understanding and comprehension at the end of each course.
Known for their exceptional service and deep industry expertise, Lancer helps clients mitigate risks and maintain operational excellence.
Lancer VP of Marketing & Customer Service Steven O’Shea
“At Lancer, safety is at the core of everything we do,” says Lancer VP of Marketing & Customer Service Steven O’Shea. “Partnering with PAX Training allows us to seamlessly extend the reach of our safety resources, making them more accessible and actionable for our policyholders. This will help ensure the right information reaches drivers to help reduce accidents and incidents which can directly impact premiums.”
PAX Training President James Blain
PAX Training specializes in customizable, comprehensive training for the passenger transportation industry. Their innovative platform streamlines the implementation of safety training by passenger ground transportation companies, ensuring compliance and promoting best practices across the industry. In addition to the new Lancer Insurance exclusive materials, PAX Training provides a comprehensive training library.
“We are proud to collaborate with Lancer Insurance, a long-time industry supporter and name synonymous with safety,” says PAX Training President James Blain. “This partnership strengthens our ability to deliver impactful training that helps passenger transportation companies operate at the highest safety standards.”
Owners of passenger ground transportation companies insured by Lancer Insurance can contact PAX Training customer support to gain access to these exclusive training materials added to their PAX membership.
Visit lancerinsurance.com and paxtraining.com for more information.
[12.20.24]