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For business owners, accepting credit cards is a necessity, but so too is ensuring that those numbers are protected. Case in point: Payment Card Industries (better known as PCI compliance) industry research indicates that the vast majority of businesses that accept credit cards are storing unencrypted card numbers on their network. This opens up security risks to your clients, as well as your business.
On March 16, the Illinois Limousine and Bus Association held its latest Coffee With ILLBA educational meeting, which addressed the important topic of payment security. More than two dozen operators from across the country (and some as far as Europe) took part in a session given by Steve Wolfson of Century Business Solutions entitled Payment Security: 2021 Trends to Securely Accept Payment.
Steve Wolfson of Century Business Solutions discussed payment security
According to Wolfson, with more people working from home (or out of work) thanks to the pandemic, there has been an upswing of credit card fraud. This is largely due to the simple fact that people now have more time on their hands to devote to hacking accounts. As a result, operators should be taking care to make their payment processes compliant with the standards set out by PCI. Wolfson provided attendees with a brief overview of the do’s and don’ts of storing card information, and gave tips on how to set your business up to be PCI compliant. The chief tip is finding a credit card processing company that not only maintains PCI standards, but will also advocate for you in instances where clients request a chargeback (particularly in cases of fraud).
Wolfson also advocated for operators to have fraud prevention modules installed on websites that accept payment. These software components will allow owners (or their IT team) to personalize levels of security, including, for instance, blocking IP addresses or countries where you don’t provide service.
Following the presentation, Wolfson fielded questions from members on topics ranging from accepting Bitcoin to setting up charge alerts.
Following the lively Q&A, ILLBA Executive Director Paula DiBiasi concluded the meeting, promising more relevant education on topics suggested by members. A recording of the meeting is posted on ILLBA’s YouTube page.
Visit illinoislimousineassociation.com for more information.
[03.16.21]
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New Flyer of America, one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, recently unveiled its next generation battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG heavy-duty transit bus, built on the proven Xcelsior platform. This comes after February’s debut of its Xcelsior AV, an electric and autonomous model bus that is being marked toward transit systems.
New Flyer unveils Xcelsior CHARGE NG
Based on New Flyer’s low-floor transit bus that the company introduced in 1991, the Xcelsior was launched in 2009, with more than 16,000 delivered to date. Having surpassed 4.5 million service miles with its battery-electric Xcelsior CHARGE and fuel cell-electric Xcelsior CHARGE H2 buses, New Flyer applied that research to develop its newest electric bus.
Xcelsior CHARGE NG incorporates three distinct technology advancements to deliver a high-performance bus, including next generation, high-energy batteries that extend range up to 13 percent, advanced protective battery packaging designed for easy install and simpler serviceability, and a new lightweight electric traction drive system with up to 90 percent energy recovery, according to a press release from New Flyer.
“The Xcelsior CHARGE NG harnesses the best technology on the market. It includes a streamlined design that reduces maintenance, increases energy density, and improves energy recovery while significantly reducing weight—offering a lighter, more energy efficient, and longer range electric bus,” said New Flyer and MCI President Chris Stoddart. “As EV demand continues to build, so too has our innovation. With better manufacturability, higher energy recovery, fewer parts, and improved system durability, our Xcelsior CHARGE NG is a high-performance bus that is more sustainable and easier to maintain.”
New Flyer says that it manufactures its own batteries in its bus production facilities, and that the internally developed battery packaging utilizes single waterproof enclosure design and offers weight reduction and simpler maintenance, decreasing the number of parts by 90 percent. This design also allows technicians to simply “plug in” or “unplug” individual battery packs, significantly reducing bus downtime and allowing easy replacement as needed in future, according to the company.
High-energy, long-range batteries utilize an active liquid cooling system to maintain temperature and respond quickly to increases in power demand and environmental loads. The batteries are also better insulated, lending optimal temperature maintenance, prolonged battery life, and greater power efficiency, according to New Flyer.
“Millions of people count on us every day, whether for reaching their destinations or expecting the highest quality from our technology,” said New Flyer Vice President of Public Sector Sales and Marketing Jennifer McNeill. “This is why, alongside vehicle technology advancements, we have evolved our manufacturing and field services processes to ensure a safe, reliable, scalable approach to be ready for tomorrow’s growing electric bus demand today. In turn, we also enhanced training for our teams and those of transit agencies across North America; enabling EV adoption while supporting continuous workforce development to drive the new mobility era.”
To provide workforce development on Xcelsior CHARGE NG technologies, New Flyer will host a no-cost virtual training session on May 26 through the company’s Vehicle Innovation Center (VIC). To register for the VIC session, or to learn more about the Xcelsior CHARGE NG battery-electric bus, visit newflyer.com/NG.
[03.16.21]
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The National Limousine Association (NLA) will be holding several livestreams this month that are important to your business and to help you save money. These sessions will be streamed on the association’s Facebook page.
NLA President Robert Alexander
3/17 at 12:00 p.m. ET—**NEW DATE** for its health insurance livestream with host NLA President Robert Alexander and guest Terry Gorman of World Insurance Associates. All your questions will be answered about rates and enrolling. The session will be followed by the NLA Board meeting at 2:00 p.m. ET.
3/24 at noon ET—Join NLA President Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide as he hosts the State of the Insurance Industry livestream. Speakers include Tim Delaney of Lancer Insurance, Adam Weisman of Philadelphia Insurance Companies, and Michelle Wiltgen of National Interstate Insurance.
Stay tuned to the NLA’s Facebook page or visit limo.org for updates and more information.
[03.16.21]