Federal Authorities Join State Police In Extensive Limo Crash Probe
10/19 update: The deepening investigation is going on two weeks as accident examiners work toward a preliminary cause report.
HOUSTON — Motorcoach operators are still waiting to be paid for emergency services they provided following the devastating hurricane in Houston and Galveston nearly six months ago.
Payments started being received in late February by businesses, non-profits, and government agencies that provided service, however, many small operators in states such as Illinois and Pennsylvania have been financially hurt while waiting for payments and struggling with the recession.
The American Bus Association is asking Congress and the Texas state government to disperse funds delivered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for reimbursement, and is encouraging members to write letters to Congress urging action.
“The American Bus Association has officially written to Gov. Perry to urge him to move more quickly for those small businesses that helped save thousands of Texans by transporting them on buses to safety as hurricanes Gustav and Ike pelted the Gulf Coast,” said ABA President and CEO Peter Pantuso. “FEMA has even sent funds to cover the costs of reimbursing bus operators for their work, so we urge the governor and legislature to realize that time is critical.”
Texas Homeland Security director Steve McGraw said $7 million has been dispersed already and the state will be following up with an additional $25 million from FEMA. The state has been asked to allocate additional funds to pay motorcoach operators, after which Texas can be reimbursed for these funds through FEMA. The Associated Press reported that hundreds of businesses, non-profits, and local governments had been waiting for Texas to pay them $134 million for services such as bus transportation, portable restrooms, and evacuation shelters.
The United Motorcoach Association is also working on helping motorcoach operators in getting full and final payments for the Texas evacuations. Some payments have been received by UMA members, but the association is surveying members and working on securing payments and making sure this situation doesn’t occur again.
Source: Jon LeSage, LCT Magazine
10/19 update: The deepening investigation is going on two weeks as accident examiners work toward a preliminary cause report.
Safety concerns with limousines are being tackled by politicians in Albany and Washington, D.C.
The TNC is lobbying the Seattle city government to levy tolls on area roadways during heavy traffic periods.
Its safety record and practices strongly contrast to the quality and performance levels of professional luxury transportation services.
The TNC published a white paper that concludes most of its drivers are happy and earn more than minimum wage.
Many drivers with bad experiences question how independent their roles as contractors really are.
After the companies paid $100,000 in legal bills, four employees have chosen to go to trial instead of settling.
The Colorado Limousine Association drew a heavy turnout and a guest appearance from NLA President Gary Buffo.
Some big company names have formed a group to ensure luxury transportation operators can pick-up and drop-off at a future redesigned LAX.
A three-judge panel ruled in favor of the TNC in a lawsuit that could steer the future of the gig economy.
Revealed last year, hackers were granted access to personal information of 57 million riders and drivers in 2016.
The class action filed by Diva Limousine blames Uber's predatory pricing strategies for hurting legitimate chauffeured services.
SEPT. LCT: Amid accidents, deaths, injuries, and skyrocketing insurance premiums, operators are chafing under a web of strict new rules.
Smaller associations can do great things when they get support from big names.
Industry leader Scott Solombrino calls the measure ‘crazy’ and a ‘crisis’ for luxury transportation operators.
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.
Don R. Dailey, Former Carey International Executive, 1937-2018
In A New York Minute, A Line Run Reaches Its End
