Week In TNCs: Danger, DUIs, And Dumb Moves

Smugglers Use Uber-Registered Drivers to Move Migrants to U.S. Border: On June 10, five vehicles carrying 34 Central American migrants were apprehended while traveling together between the northern Mexican states of Zacatecas and Coahuila, an official said. Four of the vehicles were linked to the Uber Technologies platform, but it was unclear whether the human smugglers had hailed the drivers using the Uber app. The drivers said they were not the owners of the cars, but worked as Uber drivers, he said. Fortune article here

What Happens When Your Uber Driver Gets A DUI?: When Katie Gallion’s Uber driver started swerving across the road’s rumble strips only 15 minutes into her ride near Durham, N.C., on June 3, she decided to give him a pass. She didn’t know he’d polished off four beers before starting to drive for Uber that night. When the car crossed over a grass median, coming precariously close to the oncoming traffic lane, Gallion began considering her options. BuzzFeed article here

Uber Driver Faces Charges Of Sex Assault On Orlando Woman: An Uber driver is facing charges after a woman said he sexually assaulted her before he dropped her off. The driver denies the charges, and said she was the aggressor. But detectives said in a report the Uber driver took advantage of her because she was intoxicated. WFTV 9 ABC article here

Lyft Driver Groped, Threatened to ‘F— Up’ Passenger, Prosecutors Say: A recently fired Lyft driver has been charged with threatening the Lakeview, Ill., woman who reported him for groping her last month, prosecutors said June 25. In a voicemail, Momen Hamdan, 21, told the woman, “Listen, b—-. You got them to fire me at Lyft. I’m going to f— your a– up.” DNAinfo article here

Leaked Uber Documents Suggest Uncertainty Over Impact Of Price Cuts: Internal company documents provided to BuzzFeed News, as well as conversations with Uber economists, suggest while the company claims lowered fares mean more money for drivers, Uber actually knows less than it publicly suggests about the relationship between price cuts and driver pay. Many drivers, meanwhile, say they lose money when Uber reduces prices. BuzzFeed article here

Keywords

criminal incidents   driver behavior   drunk driving   employee vs independent contractor   employee wages   Florida operators   illegal operators   Illinois operators   Lyft   Sexual Assault   TNCs   Uber   

 

Follow @lctmag on Twitter

via Limo News http://ift.tt/29mpmUd

Prevost Unveils Responsive, Mobile-Friendly Website

STE-CLAIRE, QUEBEC — Prevost recently debuted a redesigned website at www.prevostcar.com. Reflecting Prevost’s brand, the site is fully responsive, adapts automatically to all mobile devices, and translates into English and French.

The Prevost website offers a multitude of information and functions including online parts ordering, access to technical documentation and warranty documents and product line information for seated coach, conversion and motorhome. A primary goal of the redesign was to simplify the user experience in locating needed information.

“Our goal is to provide the best experience for our customers and that includes being as current and technologically accessible as possible,” said Michael Power, director of marketing, in a statemenet. “Our website, http://ift.tt/1hWxt5N, has been updated and modernized to meet the needs of our customers. The clean and streamlined look allows anyone to find what they’re looking for faster and easier than before. With features like an advanced search bar, dynamic headings and drop down menus, Prevost’s new website gives the customer the ultimate online experience.”

Reaction to the new site on social media has been overwhelmingly positive. Sean K. stated: “Was on their yesterday looking up technical info – very well done, much easier to navigate through. Home page is sharp!”

“I use the web site weekly. The new site is 110 percent better than old. Much appreciate the update, please keep up the excellent work!”, added Patrick C.

Along with the new and improved website, Prevost also has increased its social media presence. Stay up-to-date with the latest Prevost news and events by following the Prevost Facebook page at http://ift.tt/297ZPS3 and @PrevostCoach on Twitter.

Prevost builds premium intercity touring coaches and conversion coaches for high-end motorhome and specialty conversion. As part of the Volvo Group, it has access to the financial strength, research capability, and manufacturing expertise of the group. The Volvo Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy-duty diesel engines.

Prevost has its main manufacturing facilities in Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada and has 10 parts and service centers in the U.S. and Canada. www.prevostcar.com.

Source: Prevost press release

Keywords

buses   CANADA   charter and tour operators   luxury buses   manufacturing   marketing/promotions   motorcoach operators   motorcoaches   OEMs   Prevost   tour buses   vehicle production   web marketing   websites   

 

Follow @lctmag on Twitter

via Limo News http://ift.tt/29lrRGB

What Does Brexit Mean For Business And Leisure Travel?

Long-Term Uncertainties Hang Over Business Travel: As talk of redrawing maps and shifting currencies escalates, uncertainty in the travel industry is a given. What happens to border control rules for business and leisure travelers? Visas for expatriate workers? Will United Kingdom-based airlines remain subject to EU regulations? Will U.K. citizens maintain EU passenger rights protections? Will Open Skies agreements with the U.S. be extended to the U.K.? How will new trade agreements affect business travel demand overall? All of these questions have to be answered as Britain negotiates its exit terms. Business Travel News article here

No Short-Term Business Travel Panic: GLOBAL stock markets may have been shaken by the Brexit vote JUne 23, but the state of business travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Events) appears to have escaped unscathed despite worries of an impending financial crisis with the UK’s economic instability. Leading global travel management companies told TTGmice e-Weekly that UK clients did not approach business travel and event plans with caution in the lead up to the historical Brexit vote on June 23, nor did they cancel or postpone any trips already made. TTG Asia report here

U.K. Travel Could Be Cheaper. . .: Demand for travel was already strong in the U.S., and the vote by the U.K. to leave the European Union will make it cheaper for Americans to visit their British cousins across the pond. Los Angeles Times article here

. . . Or Maybe Not: For the past 20 years, the basic rule has been that any airline based in a European Union country can fly anywhere within the single market whenever it wants. That access has driven the success of Europe’s low-cost carriers. London’s EasyJet, Dublin’s Ryanair and Spain’s Vueling have opened new bases and routes that crisscross the continent. Consumers have benefited from lower fares and more flights. Now the decision by U.K. voters to quit the European Union puts that all in doubt. CNNMoney article and video here

Brexit Could Hit Luxury Market Hard: Things are about to get even tougher for struggling luxury retailers, whO have already taken a beating due to a stronger dollar, slowing economic growth, and a shift toward spending on experiences versus goods. CNBC news article here

U.K. Hotels’ Brexit Threats: Weakness in the economy translates into weakness in the hotel industry. That could spell trouble for hoteliers in the United Kingdom following last week’s decision to leave the European Union. Business Travel News

International Visits To U.S. Will Likely Hold Steady: By now, many of us have seen the headlines, and are wondering what happens next now that Britain has narrowly voted to leave the European Union. My colleagues and I at the U.S. Travel Association have fielded many questions about the potential impact of this decision on the travel industry, particularly from areas that receive many British visitors. Despite some short-term market anxiety, international visitation numbers should not be affected in the long run. U.S. Travel Association commentary here

Keywords

business travel   business trends   corporate travel   industry trends   international   leisure travel   United Kingdom   

 

Follow @lctmag on Twitter

via Limo News http://ift.tt/298rhtK

Philly Area Operators Prep For DNC Ground Moves

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. — As the battle for votes rages on, one thing remains constant: The need for transportation to and from events where the Presidential nominees will claim to run for the glory of their respective parties. LCT reported on the preparations companies are making for the Republican National Convention, and the situation looks quite similar for the Democratic National Convention, which will be held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Penn., July 25-28.

Overprepared > Underprepared

For LCT’s coverage of preparation for the RNC, click here.

“We have 50 chauffeurs available in Princeton, which is less than an hour from our Philadelphia branch,” Gallagher says. “In Mahwah, we have a few hundred chauffeurs. Depending on demand, we have resources we can reach to that are internal.”Much preparation goes into ensuring everything will be ready for the week. For larger companies, it’s all about coordination between branches. Raymond Gallagher, VP of sales and marketing for Flyte Tyme Worldwide Transportation in Mahwah, N.J., explains Philadelphia operations will not need a lot of affiliate help.

Mike Beretto, Philadelphia branch manager for Flyte Tyme, adds, “We are very fortunate we have a panic button if we need to use it. We have hundreds of chauffeurs available to us.” Chauffeurs are provided with a packet of information containing maps, info on best access to the area, and pick up and drop off locations for the convention.

The company also is working with the city to get permits for the vehicles that need access to the closed off perimeter of the Wells Fargo Center. They are collaborating with hotels to put together shuttles or have vehicles on location that could take guests and lobbyists back and forth to the DNC.

For companies using affiliates, they must do it the right way. Ron Robinson, operations manager of Sterling Limousine, says, “We have cleared it with the Philadelphia parking authority that we are allowed to use affiliates from outside our market to act upon our behalf. The demand is great already. We are probably seeing about 35% booking for our 10 to 12 hour minimums.”

However, much like those who are trying to ready their services for the RNC, lack of detailed perimeter information is a problem for this convention as well, Beretto says. “They can’t plan so far out in advance that it’s public knowledge, because then there’s potential for a security threat, especially when delegates are involved. We have to react to the information that is given to us at the time that it’s given to us.”

This being the case, planning for big conventions has to start many months in advance. “Our meeting and events division goes in six to 10 months ahead of time and maps out all of the potential routes and looks at all of the points of interest (the facility where the event will be taking place, different hotels, etc.),” says Jake Shepich, marketing director for Carey International. This includes mapping passenger loading and unloading areas, working with the city and various event venues, and researching potential construction projects scheduled at that time. “Everything really starts with route planning and understanding what is going to be happening in the city and the best ways in and out,” Shepich says.

Planning intensifies as the event approaches. “About two weeks before the event, we’ll assign specific chauffeurs to vehicles, start safety inspections, and make sure everything is up to par,” Shepich says. “Our quality assurance team will be on the ground making sure every van, bus, and mini-bus going out is pristine and meets all mechanical standards for safety.” The company doesn’t run any large vehicles more than five years old or sedans older than three.

When it comes to vetting chauffeurs, operators who claim to take duty of care seriously should take notes. Carey International checks its chauffers’  Motor Vehicle Reports every three months, runs criminal background checks every year, and also requires five-panel drug tests randomly once every year (at minimum) per chauffeur, Shepich says.[PAGEBREAK]

Supplying The Demand

Flyte Tyme, which also handled transportation during the 2015 papal visit, is used to dealing with an onslaught of last minute bookings. “Traditionally with these events, considering there are so many moving parts, I think a lot of the demand will come last minute. That’s what the trend has been. With the papal visit, we had a lot of last minute bookings and a lot of it came from other transportation companies as well as from other sponsors or corporations,” Beretto says.

Small fleet operator Tim O’Brien, owner of Preferred Car & Limousine in Pennsauken, N.J., says this might have something to do with the location of this year’s DNC. “There are not many hotels around the Wells Fargo Center. It’s also within a rock’s throw of the airport. Most of the hotels will be in Center City, which is only a 15-20 min. minute ride. There’s also a train that goes right into Center City,” he says. “The ride from the Philadelphia Airport to Center City is maybe a $60 ride with gratuity. We’re not really interested in that. Most of our runs are around $95.” According to some of his competitors he has spoken with, not much is happening, at least among smaller operations.

For those working the DNC, making sure they take care of their regular clients at the same time is a major priority. “I continue to tell my staff the DNC is only here for one week, but the customers that have been using us for the past several years are going to be here for the next several years,” says John Donohoe, president of Sterling Limousine. “We’ll certainly have a handful of vehicles we’ll restrict from DNC work to make sure we have enough to accommodate our regular customers.”

Beretto adds, “We service them the same way as when there isn’t a convention going on. Every client who walks through the door is treated as priority number one. A very big caveat at Flyte Tyme is we never say “no” to a customer. We can’t sit there and decline a need for service. We’ll figure out some way, somehow to be able to perform that service.”

Shepich explains Carey International uses predictive analytics by taking data collected during the last five years to figure out travel patterns of its clientele, and then staff appropriately. “We contact a lot of our clients and try to get their reservations in for that week so we can get as close as possible to knowing what the demand will be as early as we can so we can plan accordingly.”

Handling Disruptors

Another aspect of planning goes into figuring out how to navigate around protestors. It’s obvious people feel strongly about this year’s candidates (Democrats and Republicans alike), and that means they will show up in droves with posters and megaphones in tow. Both the RNC and DNC will have designated areas for them to stand, but that doesn’t mean they’ll stay there.

Gallagher isn’t too worried, though. “It’s easy enough to monitor while it’s happening. They can bring up a protest pretty quickly in an area, but there are only specific areas the authorities will allow protests to happen in. Historically, I think they do a fairly good job containing people to those. We make sure any pick up or drop off location will be on the opposite side or away from that, and monitor the situation as best we can.”

With social media, all it takes is one group to start a Twitter feed giving the location of a protest and within 20 minutes, hundreds of people could show up. “What they’ve planned for and what could actually happen are two different things,” Beretto says. “The police department, federal government and agencies that will be assisting with it are definitely going to have their hands full.”

Shepich adds, “We have folks on the ground around the convention center who will advise us of the best routes. All of our chauffeurs are in contact with our centralized dispatch so if any problems arise, they’ll be able to inform them to use an alternate route.”

TNC Presence

The role of TNCs in conventions with this much security is yet to be known. “I think there’s a lot of speculation as to how they are going to be used,” Beretto says. “According to the Philadelphia parking authority, the only TNC actually legally allowed to be in the city is Uber Black. UberX and Lyft are illegal, yet they are doing thousands of pickups a day.”

The DNC has strongly stated from the beginning it wants to work with regulated companies. They will avoid endorsing companies “in the grey.” It doesn’t look like TNCs will have much of a chance of getting near the actual arena.

“The Wells Fargo Center will be in a restricted security area and you have to submit for permits and screening to be able to get your vehicles in and out of the area,” Beretto says.

A lack of organization and regulation will more than likely prevent TNCs from running efficiently at such a large event. “Without a centralized plan, it would be [hard] for an individual driver or a company that [lacks] an organized route plan to be able to function around that event. You’re only as good as the person driving the car, and if there isn’t an intelligence network around to feed them that information, there will be difficulties.”

Keywords

Carey International   Flyte Tyme   ground transportation   Pennsylvania operators   philadelphia   special events   WebXclusive   

 

Follow @lctmag on Twitter

via Limo News http://ift.tt/29abBrf

Fingerprint Checks Lose Out In Crucial Mass. Senate Vote

Uber and Lyft walked out of the State House late June 29 as victors after hours of heated debate in the Senate, holding a bill that puts the ride-hailing companies in a much stronger position heading into a crucial conference committee.

“We are clearly disappointed with the outcome of today’s Senate session and the passage of their Ride for Hire legislation. This bill is lacking in public safety provisions from start to finish,” said Scott Solombrino, CEO of Dav El / BostonCoach Chauffeured Transportation Network and spokesman for Ride Safe MA, a taxi and livery coalition. “The public is left vulnerable and unprotected still. This is categorically unacceptable.”

The bill will now go to a conference committee made up of three senators and three representatives to iron out the differences in the two bills. Boston Herald article here

Bill Passes Over Taxi, Limo Objections: “Everybody who’s driving commercially should have a fingerprint and an FBI background check before they get into a car so the public can know there’s a level of safety that should be guaranteed by government,” said Scott Solombrino, a spokesman for the Ride Safe MA advocacy group. Mass Live article here

Keywords

background checks   Boston operators   BostonCoach   legislation   Lyft   MASSACHUSETTS   Massachusetts operators   passenger safety   regulatory enforcement   Scott Solombrino   state regulations   TNCs   Uber   

 

Follow @lctmag on Twitter

via Limo News http://ift.tt/2962KVF