
Used 2018 Minibus Shuttle Is Ready For Long Haul
Photo Gallery Vehicle Pick of the Week: From tours to executive trips, this Freightliner can handle anything.
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — Forget limousines. With plasma televisions, strobe lights, smoke machines and wraparound leather sofas, party buses are the new limousines, becoming a mainstay on the Long Island scene.
"They've been around for the last eight to 10 years, but the last four to five they've become more popular," said John Astolfi, assistant manager of Somerset Limousine in Massapequa. "They're more of a social-type atmosphere," he said, comparing them to limos. "They're bigger, and they're a lot more comfortable, plus there's more amenities."
Despite an accident Saturday night in which a 17-year-old Hampton Bays student fell out of the emergency window of a party bus, company and school officials tout their safety; the buses are subject to more stringent standards than most limousines.
All in-state for-hire buses and limousines that carry more than 14 people must be inspected and maintained every six months, said Eileen Peters, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation.
Companies are notified when inspections are due and inspectors eye 360 to 380 items, Peters said.
Dozens of Long Island companies provide a driver with the party buses, which can seat up to 50 people and include bathrooms and a bar. But alcohol can be brought on board only if the occupants are 21.
Teenagers rent the buses mainly for the prom, though some also rent them for Sweet 16 parties, bar mitzvahs or even just a night on the town.
Charles Kozora, superintendent of the Greenport school district, said about half its students rent limos or buses for the prom, and he's noticed more of the luxury buses in recent years.
On most party buses, the driver is supposed to act as the de facto chaperone, though some companies will provide an additional host or server for larger parties.
Limousine and bus companies that rent to teenagers say they strictly enforce a no-alcohol policy for the underage crowd.
And some take extra precautions for the prom. Metro Limousine Service in Freeport, for example, requires parents to sign a form that outlines its rules. Among them is a clause that allows the company to terminate a job if alcohol is found in the vehicle or occupants are drunk. "We have a zero-tolerance policy," said Mike Weiss, Metro's owner.
But regulating occupants' behavior when they're making stops can be difficult, acknowledged Mark Vigliante, owner of Commack-based M&V Limousines Ltd., which owns the bus involved in Saturday's accident. "We can't control what they do outside the bus," he said.
Source: Newsday
Photo Gallery Vehicle Pick of the Week: From tours to executive trips, this Freightliner can handle anything.
Safer Travels: The Executive Protection SUV has gun ports, electrified door handles, and a pepper spray system.
Vehicle Review: The luxury sedan has quite a few classy and luxurious reasons that ensure it keeps its crown firmly on.
The newly named CUV shares basic dimensions, but boasts new styling, base engine, and eight-speed automatic.
Overall, the automaker sold 100,000 units, reaching 103,587 vehicles for 2018.
Vehicle Review: The long wheelbase luxury sedan offers the utmost in comfort without drawing too much attention.
Vehicle Pick of the Week: Will you say "I do" to this coach for your retail clients?
The automaker said it will spend $1 billion to overhaul two of its Chicago plants to build more of its most popular vehicles.
A New York Department of Transportation official says a ban on stretches and the power to seize plates will help DOT enforcement.
Coaches can rightly position themselves as an efficient alternative to flying or driving yourself.
FEB. LCT Cover: The bus manufacturer surpasses one-third of market share and has installed new upgrades since entering the industry in 2015.
FEB. LCT: Attendees are guaranteed to find all the latest vehicles, products, industry services, and related good deals all on one vibrant, pulsing show floor.
Vehicle Pick of the Week: The Arizona operation is selling a very practical, sturdy, and affordable 2015 MY SUV.
Vehicle Review: While the long-wheelbase sedan can't drive itself, it offers any other feature you can imagine in a modern car.
The hot seller was on display in January at the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit.
The world's No. 1 online marketplace and trader for professional chauffeured and chartered vehicles, including all types of motorcoaches, buses, vans, stretch limousines, sedans, SUVs, exotics, and classics. New and used vehicles are available from sellers across the nation.
The best online networker to find quality affiliates worldwide and market your company.
Click on any state to see the latest industry news and events in that region.
Get the latest news and most popular articles from LCT delivered straight to your inbox.
Current newsletters: