California Ground Transportation Regulatory Group (CGTRG) has announced that they are organizing an exclusive education & networking mixer on Wednesday, June 25. Held at Proud Bird in Los Angeles, the CGTRG calls this an essential event for ground transportation operators across Orange and Los Angeles Counties.
The event promises to be a unique opportunity to:
CGTRG Co-Founder Mo Garkani of The COTS Group (left) and Harry Dhillon of Ecko Worldwide at the NLA Day on the Hill
- Learn how CGTRG is actively representing the interests of California operators in meetings with major airports and the CPUC
- Get insights on upcoming seminars and workshops planned for the remainder of 2025
- Network with fellow operators and industry leaders committed to advocacy and advancement
Registration for the mixer is $50 and includes a hosted beer and wine bar and appetizers. To register, click here.
“Let’s connect, collaborate, and drive progress—together!” says CGTRG Co-Founder Mark Stewart.
CGTRG Co-Founder Mark Stewart
In other CGTRG news, the organization reports that effective July 1, 2025, there will be an increase in the fees associated with accessing ground transportation facilities at San Diego International Airport. This updated fee structure is intended to promote consistency and equity across transportation modes while aligning access fees with current market rates. In response, CGTRG encouraged operators to submit any questions or comments to the airport officials via email. A follow-up meeting will also be scheduled to share a summary of the feedback received and to provide any necessary clarifications.
On the legislative front, the CGTRG reports that California Assembly Bill 1340 (AB 1340), was introduced in the 2025-2026 legislative session by Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks and Marc Berman. Titled the Transportation Network Company Drivers Labor Relations Act, this bill aims to establish collective bargaining rights for drivers working with TNCs such as Uber and Lyft.
Per the Bill, “while AB 1340 aims to enhance drivers' rights and working conditions, it also poses financial implications for ride-hailing companies, which may, in turn, impact consumers through higher ride fares.”
Lastly, CGTRG Co-Founder Mo Garkani of The COTS Group was one of the participants in this year’s NLA Day on the Hill. This annual event brings together leaders from state associations, NLA Board Members, and operators from across the country to meet directly with members of Congress, addressing key legislative issues impacting both small and large ground transportation operators.
Key topics discussed during the event included support for the NLA through the Tax and Reconciliation Process, restoration of bonus vehicle depreciation, no federal tax on tips, enhancing IRS Section 179 deductions, and an opposition to congestion taxes that could impact operators in urban markets.
As active members of the NLA, CGTRG and its co-founders have stated that they are closely reviewing how these national advocacy efforts may align with or influence California-specific challenges, including taxation, regulatory policy, and small business protections. These takeaways will help guide CGTRG’s mission as we continue addressing the evolving needs of licensed operators throughout the state.
Visit cgtrg.org for more information and to become a member.
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