Two tavern owners in a Wisconsin town have began offering a fun and safe transportation option for Heart of the Valley residents heading out for nights on the town.
Tavern owners Brian and Rick Schuh introduced the Road Crew drunken-driving prevention program after securing a $35,000 grant from the Wisconsin State Patrol's Bureau of Transportation Safety.
Brian Schuh owns Little Chute's Pine Street Bar. His father, Rick Schuh, owns the Schuh Shanty Bar and Grill in Kaukauna. On Thursday through Saturday nights, a bar patron can be picked up at home by limousine, taken to taverns throughout their service area and returned home later that night. It costs $20 per person and $30 per couple. One-way rides are offered for half the cost. They'll also bring the baby sitter home once the night is through. Road Crew has given more than 2,700 rides since its debut.
Early successes led organizers to expand the program to Thursday nights. While organizers are pleased by their progress, the program still faces some significant challenges. Lykke Jome-Weigman, director of the program, said Road Crew used up its grant funding and organizers are in the process of finding additional sponsors to keep their limousines rolling.
Organizers are also hoping the always busy holiday season will help them build a bigger customer base. "We're hoping people will use it more frequently," she said.
Jome-Weigman said they still get a number of riders trying the program for the first time. Their customer base has primarily been those 28 and older, though they've also had many younger riders.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
Friday, December 21, 2007
New Zealand Ministers Will Soon Use New “Green” BMW Limousine
The future New Zealand Prime Minister could race to rugby tests in the same Hydrogen-powered BMW limousine that actor Brad Pitt uses to get to movie premieres.
Having just won the government limousine contract, BMW has offered ministers an exclusive test-drive of the BMW Hydrogen 7 in Melbourne next month.
The Hydrogen 7 is the German company's next step in "green" cars from the 34 diesel-powered limousines ministers and other dignitaries will soon be ferried about in.
The Hydrogen 7 is much-hyped - the 100 produced have been loaned or leased to high-profile "green ambassadors" such as Brad Pitt, who took one to the Oceans 13 premiere in Hollywood this year.
They are not for sale and have no shelf-price. The hydrogen engine is a step away from fossil fuels, and the cars discharge almost nothing but water vapor. They require hydrogen stations to fill up - and New Zealand has none.
BMW New Zealand spokesman Piers Scott said it had invited Government ministers and Opposition members to try the car, although he would not give names. Government officials, environmental opinion-leaders and media would also be invited.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
Having just won the government limousine contract, BMW has offered ministers an exclusive test-drive of the BMW Hydrogen 7 in Melbourne next month.
The Hydrogen 7 is the German company's next step in "green" cars from the 34 diesel-powered limousines ministers and other dignitaries will soon be ferried about in.
The Hydrogen 7 is much-hyped - the 100 produced have been loaned or leased to high-profile "green ambassadors" such as Brad Pitt, who took one to the Oceans 13 premiere in Hollywood this year.
They are not for sale and have no shelf-price. The hydrogen engine is a step away from fossil fuels, and the cars discharge almost nothing but water vapor. They require hydrogen stations to fill up - and New Zealand has none.
BMW New Zealand spokesman Piers Scott said it had invited Government ministers and Opposition members to try the car, although he would not give names. Government officials, environmental opinion-leaders and media would also be invited.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
Friday, December 14, 2007
Limousine Owners To Challenge Toronto Council Decision On Airport Pickups
Toronto airport limousine owners are now considering all their options, including a court challenge, after the City Council's decision to bar them from picking up passengers in Toronto after Feb. 1.
"We're not going to sleep," Louis Vittas said yesterday, speaking for the Airport Limousine Owners Association. "We'll be back." Toronto cabs complain it's unfair they're not allowed to pick up passengers at the airport, while limousines licensed by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority regularly pick up passengers in the city after delivering fares from the airport.
To even the playing field, Toronto plans to block airport limos from picking up passengers in the city. Council's decision on the issue was made late Wednesday night. Franz Hartmann of the Toronto Environmental Alliance said he's not an expert in the long-running regulatory dispute between city and airport vehicles, but that empty vehicles aren't good for the environment. "If a car's going to deliver a passenger at the airport, they should then have the capacity to deliver a passenger downtown," Hartmann said in an interview.
"From an environmental perspective, the city should be saying: What can we do to ensure cars driving back and forth between the airport always have passengers in them?" But Mayor David Miller said, "It's completely unfair that somebody who gets a licence in Mississauga can pick people up in Toronto, and not the other way around. That's not right. We have to protect the people who work for us."
Asked whether the result will be more greenhouse gas emissions, he called that "very unfair analysis," since Toronto cabs are already forced to return empty and their drivers struggle to make a living.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
"We're not going to sleep," Louis Vittas said yesterday, speaking for the Airport Limousine Owners Association. "We'll be back." Toronto cabs complain it's unfair they're not allowed to pick up passengers at the airport, while limousines licensed by the Greater Toronto Airports Authority regularly pick up passengers in the city after delivering fares from the airport.
To even the playing field, Toronto plans to block airport limos from picking up passengers in the city. Council's decision on the issue was made late Wednesday night. Franz Hartmann of the Toronto Environmental Alliance said he's not an expert in the long-running regulatory dispute between city and airport vehicles, but that empty vehicles aren't good for the environment. "If a car's going to deliver a passenger at the airport, they should then have the capacity to deliver a passenger downtown," Hartmann said in an interview.
"From an environmental perspective, the city should be saying: What can we do to ensure cars driving back and forth between the airport always have passengers in them?" But Mayor David Miller said, "It's completely unfair that somebody who gets a licence in Mississauga can pick people up in Toronto, and not the other way around. That's not right. We have to protect the people who work for us."
Asked whether the result will be more greenhouse gas emissions, he called that "very unfair analysis," since Toronto cabs are already forced to return empty and their drivers struggle to make a living.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
Bright Prospects Seen For Chauffeured Transport
The plump Lincoln Town Cars that provide a ride as soft as a pillow are clogging city streets and airport access roads these days - a sign that the $2.4 billion chauffeured transportation business in the United States is doing well, particularly with corporate customers.
"Chauffeured cars are no longer considered such a luxury," said Scott A. Solombrino, chief executive and owner of Dav El, the second-biggest limousine company. "They're an efficiency tool mostly for highly paid executives who often don't have time to rent a car."
Perhaps the biggest indication of the bright long-term prospects for chauffeuring services is the Avis Budget Group's recent $60 million investment in Carey International, the industry leader with 2006 revenue of about $250 million.
Part of the lure was Carey's stake in the corporate market, which, according to Gary L. Kessler, Carey's chief executive, represents more than 80 percent of its business. The Avis purchase was definitely noticed on both sides of the street: the rental-car companies searching for new ways to grow and chauffeured entrepreneurs who envy the marketing prowess and deep pockets of the big rental car brands."We're entering a huge period of consolidation," Mr. Solombrino said.
The strong market in the United States comes at a time when the major growth is overseas, according to Camella Lobo, a senior editor at Limousine & Chauffeured Transportation magazine, which tracks the industry. As American companies go global, their managements look for the same services abroad as they get at home, she said.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
"Chauffeured cars are no longer considered such a luxury," said Scott A. Solombrino, chief executive and owner of Dav El, the second-biggest limousine company. "They're an efficiency tool mostly for highly paid executives who often don't have time to rent a car."
Perhaps the biggest indication of the bright long-term prospects for chauffeuring services is the Avis Budget Group's recent $60 million investment in Carey International, the industry leader with 2006 revenue of about $250 million.
Part of the lure was Carey's stake in the corporate market, which, according to Gary L. Kessler, Carey's chief executive, represents more than 80 percent of its business. The Avis purchase was definitely noticed on both sides of the street: the rental-car companies searching for new ways to grow and chauffeured entrepreneurs who envy the marketing prowess and deep pockets of the big rental car brands."We're entering a huge period of consolidation," Mr. Solombrino said.
The strong market in the United States comes at a time when the major growth is overseas, according to Camella Lobo, a senior editor at Limousine & Chauffeured Transportation magazine, which tracks the industry. As American companies go global, their managements look for the same services abroad as they get at home, she said.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Seattle Commuters Warned Over Illegal Town Car Cabs
Step off a ferry at Colman Dock and you'll see them. A fleet of shiny Lincoln Town Cars parked under the Alaskan Way Viaduct, with drivers offering a ride for "the same price as a taxi."
The stylish and luxurious sedan might sound like the better deal. But be warned that the chauffeur isn't always who you'd expect behind the wheel of a fancy private car.
In one case, a registered sex offender was caught illegally picking up customers in a licensed town car near Colman Dock. At Seattle-Tacoma Airport, a woman was held against her will by a chauffeur pretending to work for the company hired to drive her, apparently to steal business from a competitor, according to state records.
Many more are unlicensed or uninsured, putting customers at greater risk if there is a collision, according to city officials and records kept by the state and Port of Seattle. Illegal town cars have been a problem in Seattle and elsewhere for years, but the behavior seems more audacious than in the past, city officials and legitimate businesses say. The problem is prompting some to question whether changes are needed in the law governing limousines and executive sedans.
The sleek sedans are increasingly visible on city streets, especially around downtown hotels, the bus station and Sea-Tac Airport. Known as executive sedans, the cars are smaller than limousines and cater to corporate clients, hotel guests and teenagers attending proms.
Of the 490 executive sedans licensed in Washington, most are in King County.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
The stylish and luxurious sedan might sound like the better deal. But be warned that the chauffeur isn't always who you'd expect behind the wheel of a fancy private car.
In one case, a registered sex offender was caught illegally picking up customers in a licensed town car near Colman Dock. At Seattle-Tacoma Airport, a woman was held against her will by a chauffeur pretending to work for the company hired to drive her, apparently to steal business from a competitor, according to state records.
Many more are unlicensed or uninsured, putting customers at greater risk if there is a collision, according to city officials and records kept by the state and Port of Seattle. Illegal town cars have been a problem in Seattle and elsewhere for years, but the behavior seems more audacious than in the past, city officials and legitimate businesses say. The problem is prompting some to question whether changes are needed in the law governing limousines and executive sedans.
The sleek sedans are increasingly visible on city streets, especially around downtown hotels, the bus station and Sea-Tac Airport. Known as executive sedans, the cars are smaller than limousines and cater to corporate clients, hotel guests and teenagers attending proms.
Of the 490 executive sedans licensed in Washington, most are in King County.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
How To Negotiate Rates With Your Limo Rental Provider
Operating a limousine rental service is considered as a profitable move these days, and whether you may live in a large city or a small town, you'd probably see them running on your street. Choosing which limousine rental service to go with is definitely an exciting, and sometimes tough task.
While you may read many articls, which cover important topics like the hourly rates, vehicle types and the overall quality of the limousine services, it should be easy enough for you to figure that information out on your own. In fact, after you plan the date and time of your occasion or special event, you need to start working on the transportation details.
This would be applicable if you are planning an event during busy seasons like Christmas, New Year's Day, or at the advent of the summer season. Even though you'll easily locate many limousine rental services out there who ready to help with your transport needs, you'll first need to get details and read through the fine print of a rental policy.
Compare Hourly Rates And Quality Of Service
In making sure you get the best value for your money, make a comparison of the different the rates offered by many limo rental firms. Many limo rentals often outdo each other, as they offer competitive rates for various types of limousine services. It would be better understand how the limousine rental providers package their costs and rates.
Some rentals would also charge rental by the hour, or charge you by the kilometer. Some will charge you by the type as well as the make of the limousine vehicle. Reading the contract, and other stuff like the overall limousine rental package, would make you better informed, and allow you to choose the appropriate one.
It's also good to get a full overview of the different packages offered, and inquire if a particular rental service offers clients extra freebies such as free liquor or food, free extra hours, or any special rebates for frequent use. In finding out the details, it will help customers select the right rental service, particularly the ones which offer the most competitive rates and give the best possible service.Read Industry Reviews And Learn How To Haggle
Generally, the tips noted for choosing the best limousine rental services are focused on the idea of getting other people to do your work for you, and one of the best ways you can do that is to read industry reviews, or comments that other people have made. If the limo rental service is popular or well known, then chances are someone has written a positive review about it.
Read magazines and go online until you find a review from someone that has actually tried the service out. In addition, try visiting a prospective limo rental provider. You probably won't need to actually visit each of the companies that you have shortlisted, however at the same time a quick phone call to each company to confirm what you already know and learn what you still don't know would be a very practical thing to do.
Fill in all the gaps in your information about the varied rental firms and once you have a clear picture, go and select the service that suits you best interests, and the information you have will arm you with the tools needed for negotiating for the best, and most competitive limo rental rates.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
While you may read many articls, which cover important topics like the hourly rates, vehicle types and the overall quality of the limousine services, it should be easy enough for you to figure that information out on your own. In fact, after you plan the date and time of your occasion or special event, you need to start working on the transportation details.
This would be applicable if you are planning an event during busy seasons like Christmas, New Year's Day, or at the advent of the summer season. Even though you'll easily locate many limousine rental services out there who ready to help with your transport needs, you'll first need to get details and read through the fine print of a rental policy.
Compare Hourly Rates And Quality Of Service
In making sure you get the best value for your money, make a comparison of the different the rates offered by many limo rental firms. Many limo rentals often outdo each other, as they offer competitive rates for various types of limousine services. It would be better understand how the limousine rental providers package their costs and rates.
Some rentals would also charge rental by the hour, or charge you by the kilometer. Some will charge you by the type as well as the make of the limousine vehicle. Reading the contract, and other stuff like the overall limousine rental package, would make you better informed, and allow you to choose the appropriate one.
It's also good to get a full overview of the different packages offered, and inquire if a particular rental service offers clients extra freebies such as free liquor or food, free extra hours, or any special rebates for frequent use. In finding out the details, it will help customers select the right rental service, particularly the ones which offer the most competitive rates and give the best possible service.Read Industry Reviews And Learn How To Haggle
Generally, the tips noted for choosing the best limousine rental services are focused on the idea of getting other people to do your work for you, and one of the best ways you can do that is to read industry reviews, or comments that other people have made. If the limo rental service is popular or well known, then chances are someone has written a positive review about it.
Read magazines and go online until you find a review from someone that has actually tried the service out. In addition, try visiting a prospective limo rental provider. You probably won't need to actually visit each of the companies that you have shortlisted, however at the same time a quick phone call to each company to confirm what you already know and learn what you still don't know would be a very practical thing to do.
Fill in all the gaps in your information about the varied rental firms and once you have a clear picture, go and select the service that suits you best interests, and the information you have will arm you with the tools needed for negotiating for the best, and most competitive limo rental rates.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
Appear More Business-Like with a Rental Limousine
There's always an aura of power and professionalism that a limousine provides unlike any other vehicle. If you're planning to up your business style and savvy, you might want to explore the advantages with a rental limousine.
Here is a quick and easy guide on how to go about with one.
Choosing the Rental Limousine
What's Your Business?
First consider what kind of affair or event you're going to. There are varying rates depending on the event and duration of use. There are so many kinds of limousines to choose from like sedans, SUVs, buses, hummers and classics like Rolls Royce.
Find the limo that best matches the occasion. Sedans are good enough for day meetings and business meet ups. If you're going to a big convention with a lot of potential investors and clients, you might want to spend more by renting a classic or SUV. You will also successfully have a very businesslike appearance by conducting meetings inside a shuttle or bus type limousine.
About the Rental Company
Inquire at least three rental agencies to compare prices and options. Check the capacity and condition of the vehicle you're eyeing on. Ask how many vehicles are in their fleet as well as the average age of the type you wish to rent. Ask about the company's history, as well as experience of their drivers.
Make sure you make all the necessary arrangements and preparations to appear as professional as possible. Specify the routes, time of pickup and return, details and condiments available and provide some allowance in terms of spontaneous trips.
Additional Tips
Read the full coverage and policy of your limousine rental. Make sure that the company specifically provides you with all the listed details and inclusions with the package you availed of. Any errors or unsatisfactory service or detail that you notice can be reported back to the company and necessary compensatory deductions can be made. However, it is always better to have your vehicle in perfect shape especially if it’s a very important business event.
Be wary about packages that seem too negotiable or cheap. Ask for pictures of the exact limousine you're going to use or personally see for yourself by making reservations one or two weeks in advance.
Talk to the driver assigned to you and indicate everything you need done at the date of your rental. Emphasize the importance of the occasion and how you value punctuality and proper conduct. Great chauffeur service always leaves a good impression on your associates.
Finally, arrange the mode of payment and any other implications that you do not have full control of like accidents. Ask for copies of all important documents. Check for available discounts on repeat services since some companies offer promos and special packages for regular guests.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
Here is a quick and easy guide on how to go about with one.
Choosing the Rental Limousine
What's Your Business?
First consider what kind of affair or event you're going to. There are varying rates depending on the event and duration of use. There are so many kinds of limousines to choose from like sedans, SUVs, buses, hummers and classics like Rolls Royce.
Find the limo that best matches the occasion. Sedans are good enough for day meetings and business meet ups. If you're going to a big convention with a lot of potential investors and clients, you might want to spend more by renting a classic or SUV. You will also successfully have a very businesslike appearance by conducting meetings inside a shuttle or bus type limousine.
About the Rental Company
Inquire at least three rental agencies to compare prices and options. Check the capacity and condition of the vehicle you're eyeing on. Ask how many vehicles are in their fleet as well as the average age of the type you wish to rent. Ask about the company's history, as well as experience of their drivers.
Make sure you make all the necessary arrangements and preparations to appear as professional as possible. Specify the routes, time of pickup and return, details and condiments available and provide some allowance in terms of spontaneous trips.
Additional Tips
Read the full coverage and policy of your limousine rental. Make sure that the company specifically provides you with all the listed details and inclusions with the package you availed of. Any errors or unsatisfactory service or detail that you notice can be reported back to the company and necessary compensatory deductions can be made. However, it is always better to have your vehicle in perfect shape especially if it’s a very important business event.
Be wary about packages that seem too negotiable or cheap. Ask for pictures of the exact limousine you're going to use or personally see for yourself by making reservations one or two weeks in advance.
Talk to the driver assigned to you and indicate everything you need done at the date of your rental. Emphasize the importance of the occasion and how you value punctuality and proper conduct. Great chauffeur service always leaves a good impression on your associates.
Finally, arrange the mode of payment and any other implications that you do not have full control of like accidents. Ask for copies of all important documents. Check for available discounts on repeat services since some companies offer promos and special packages for regular guests.
Vanessa Arellano Doctor
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