Nassau Creates Taxi and Limo Commission

Nassau County lawmakers created a new taxi and limousine commission that will be tasked with cracking down on the proliferation of illegal cabs and app-based ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft.

County legislators voted 17-2 Monday to approve County Executive Ed Mangano’s plan to create the new department, which the administration said was needed to more efficiently investigate allegations of taxi regulation violations amid the influx of new, largely unregulated cabbies.

“To have somebody that’s devoted to just look at this field…we just believe it’s a much better way to go,” Rob Walker, Mangano’s chief deputy, told the legislature last month.

That’s because under the current system, the one and ½ workers in the county Office of Consumer Affairs—the agency that also enforces a laundry list of local business laws—are ill-equipped to properly follow up on taxi and limo complaints.

The newly created department—which, similar to the consumer affairs department, the administration expects will be self-funded through fines and registration fees—will have a commissioner, deputy commissioner, two aides and 10 investigators.

Under county law, cabbies can be fined for driving taxis that are not registered, uninsured, unsafe or otherwise not in compliance with the 25-page rules and regulations covering the for-hire vehicle industry. Authorities can also conduct stings and seize scofflaws’ cabs.

Suffolk County similarly created a taxi and limo commission in June. App-based ride-share services that rely on freelance drivers using their own cars have been coming under fire nationwide from taxi drivers that argue such start-ups are unsafe and undercutting their business.

Legis. Carrié Solages (D-Elmont) and Legis. Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick) voted against the Nassau proposal, questioning the estimated start-up cost, projected revenue and need for another layer of bureaucracy.

Locally based taxi company operators expressed support for the bill at the legislature’s Nov. 17 meeting, when the proposal was tabled in order to add an amendment setting five-year term limits for the nine volunteer commissioners that will oversee and set policy for the agency.

“There are more illegal taxis in the Village of Hempstead than there are legal taxis,” Larry Blessinger, president of the Nassau Taxi Owners Association, told the legislature. He said that aside from lost revenue, the issue is a matter of public safety, since insurance companies can deny claims to accident victims involved in collisions with illegal cabs.

An Uber representative did not respond to a request for comment. Uber’s fare for a 15-mile, 25-minute ride from Mangano’s office at the Nassau County Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola to his hometown of Bethpage is estimated from $32 to $43, depending upon traffic and weather, when using UberX, the cheapest service available. All Island Taxi of Mineola charges $35 for the same trip.

Long Island Press

A Breakdown of the New York Limousine Industry

So you’re planning the perfect wedding and you have the venue, the flowers, the dress and the groom. The one thing that is missing is the perfect driver with the perfect limousine. Anyone who’s visited or lived in New York knows the hustle and bustle that is everyday life and finding the best New York limo can become more problematic than necessary if you don’t know where to look or what to look for in a limousine renting company. You want one that is reliable with a driver who will take care of your needs before you even think of them.

According to the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission there are over 50,000 service vehicles registered with them which provides work for tens of thousands of people (100,000 to be exact) who chauffeur people for a variety of purposes like airport transfers, weddings, business events and more. Their mission is to make sure that New Yorkers and any visitors to the city have access to private transportation services with vehicles that are both, safe and proficient and have drivers who are will provide a great service to everyone who uses them. They are also responsible for coming up with ways to reduce the emissions and pollution that can build from vehicles that are not fuel-efficient.

Limousines can come in a variety of styles like:

  • Sedans
  • SUVs
  • Stretch SUVs
  • Limo Buses
  • Stretch limos more than 130”
  • Stretch limos 85” to 130”
  • Stretch limos less than 85”
  • And more

A Quick History of Limousines

Cadillac was the king of the limousine in 1914 but by 1986 Lincoln dethroned them and have held firm to their position for decades. With new generations of Lincolns, Cadillacs and other vehicles being made a new leader in the market could arise. In 1987 the Ford Quality Vehicle Modifier (QVM) program was created due to an accident where a wedding party was killed when their limo split in half. Their job is to implement safety precautions that prevent accidents like this from happening again. In 1994 GPS tracking became available which helped eliminate unauthorized usage of vehicles. In 2004 TomTom, the front runner of GPS devices, became available and eliminated the need for maps which is what chauffeurs had been using. Today, smartphones have become a backup to GPS units and in some cases completely replaced them.

With all the advances that have been made in the NY wedding limousine industry many people can relax knowing that when they hire a chauffeur and rent a limousine they will be hiring one that is fully licensed and safe to use. So rest assured brides and grooms, knowing that there is one less thing that you have to worry about. Remember that the main purpose of renting a limousine whether it is for your big day or for a night out is that you want to have a good time without any stress or any problems. For those reasons alone you should always look for a dependable, quality service that will give you your money’s worth and more.

The Best Way To Go About Renting A Limousine Company In NYC

If you’re not an experienced party planner, then renting a limousine can be a highly frustrating experience. You have to find a company that accommodates to the entire party’s needs, that’s well within your budget range and a company that offers services that everyone can enjoy. So how do you go about renting out a limousine company and how do you look for a service that incorporates all of those necessary things?

Your Budget

One of the first things you need to figure out is just how many people are going to need picked up and budget out all of those details accordingly. Your budget will determine just about every level of the experience that can be given to the party or event guests. From how many amenities are in the limousine or how many stops the limousine can make (travel distance wise), all of this will incorporate into your budget as to what you can afford or not. Map out your budget and work with the party planner to make sure you can afford it.

Find out just how many people are going and find out exactly what you want to include inside of the limousine when planning out your budget.

Services Rendered

Does the company you’re looking into even offer half of the services and amenities that all of your party guests want? You have to make sure all of the services offered match up with not only your budget but your needs as well. Some limousine companies offer basic services such as a one-two way shuttle and some of them offer endless amounts of stops as long as they’re paid extra. Some of them will also offer stretch hummer limousines which can be quite costly compared to a normal limousine and are usually better off saved for special occasions.

The Hunt

When you’re looking for a limousine company or any kind of company for that matter to purchase services from, it’s usually a good idea NOT to go with the very first company you find. Some of these companies might be overcharging you or offering poor quality services so if you don’t do your research into the companies, you might be being taken advantage of. Doing proper adequate research on a company will save you time, money and frustration in the long run and your guests will be happier knowing you’ve picked the best limousine service.

You can search on the internet, you can ask a friend for a personal refer or you can go by word of mouth of others, but still don’t take their word for it. Do your research on the internet and look for reviews on these companies and if anyone has actually used these services and what these people think of them.

Calling Them

Remember, when you find a service you like, talk to them so you can get an idea of what kind of service they offer beforehand before you make any purchasing decisions.

Be precise and clear about what you want, your requirements and what you expect of them. Make sure they understand what your budget is and don’t be afraid to tell them that you’re currently interviewing other companies and services so that they’ll be in the sales mentality to offer you the best deal possible.

Important Last Year Events In NYC You Don’t Want To Miss

If you’re not prepared for some of the upcoming events in NYC, you don’t want to miss them because they’re going to end our New Year and kick off the New Year with a bang. The best way to experience these events is to hire a Limousine rental service to get you from point A to point B whether you’re a native New Yorker or someone brand new to the city looking to experience the nightlife.

Lasting Until Sunday December 30 – You’re not going to want to miss the ever popular New York City Ballet, performed by the George Balanchine’s popular Nutcracker. Whether you’ve heard about this or seen this as a kid, the show has been a magical experience from 1954 that the whole family can enjoy. It’ll take place at the David H. Koch Theatre (At the Lincoln Center) on 20 Lincoln Center Plaza at 63rd street.

November 25 – December 31 – Looking to do a little exploring while in New York City? Arrive at the scene of 424 Fifth Avenue between 38 and 39 streets and do some Holiday Windows exploring with the Lord and Taylor Holiday Windows. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the popular globetrotting Santa while you’re out there.

December 1 – December 24 – If you’re looking to do some shopping and explore the local market, then you’re going to want to check out the 14 street to 17 street in between Broadway and Park Avenue South because there will be the famous Union Square Holiday Market. There are nearly 100 vendors at this outdoor bazaar so bring a jacket, bundle up and keep warm because you’re going to find everything you could ever want to find here. Arrive by Limousine and shop until you’re tired.

Until January 3 2013 – If you’re tired of shopping and if you want to view a beautiful light display like no other, then you’re going to want to make your way down to the Holiday Under The Stars event. This is a unique event that only happens once a year at Columbus Circle right at Broadway and 59 streets. This is a highly state of the art light display show that’s free to attend and you’ll see more than 16.7 million colors being flashed before your very eyes.

If spectacular shows like the Holiday Under The Stars show is something you’re interested in, you’ll find tons of lighting and spectacular event like those listed in New York right before the Holidays and new year come in. You’re not going to want to miss the festivities hitting New York City this year because they’re going to be bigger than ever. Renting a Limousine ensures you’ll be in the hands of a professional driver who knows the roads and you’ll be sure to arrive in style, which not a lot of people get to experience, so it’s something you definitely want to at least try out.

During these times, limousine companies become awfully busy so you want to make sure you can get there early and stay late, and one of the best ways to ensure that this can happen is to find out how early you can book a limousine rental company to ensure that you can get one because they become quite swamped with customers and orders around this time of the year.

Are You Prepared For Early 2013 NYC Events And Do You Have A Limousine Service Prepared

Early 2013 is going to bring about some of the greatest events as we kick off into the new year. Are you prepared for the New Year and all the festivities that are going to be going on in downtown NYC with a limousine service? If you’re not ready, I would be calling ahead, checking in with your event and renting one early, because when these events do hit, you’re going to be struggling to find one if you waited too long.

February 2 – Just a mere one month after the new year hits, the nationally known music group Fun is going to be making an appearance at the Radio City Music Hall. If you’ve never heard of this mega group, they’re behind the super hit “We Are Young” that has taken billboards and the nation by storm. Showing up in a limousine service will just add to the hype and the “fun” that can be experienced by attending a live event by this pop group. This is a one day event only so you better get tickets and a limousine service fast.

January 13 – If you’re looking for a more laid back show that’s not as main stream but still on the subject of Rock, then you’re going to want to check out the Highline Ballroom on January 13 only because David Joansen will be performing. He mostly performs Rock songs and Country Blue songs and has performed at several local venues with great success and everyone has a great time.

There are also a wide variety of farmer markets, historical shows and a lot of museums that are going to be hosting things at various times of the month and the year in downtown NYC as well. If you’re looking to attend a farmer’s market or historical event, while it isn’t commonly known to rent out a limousine service for this kind of event, it can still be fun and provide as a luxurious and comfortable way to get there and mark your territory.

Such famous events as the Greenmarket event which hosts a wide variety of Farmer’s Market events downtown will be hosted there and museum events such as the Brooklyn Museum will be hosting a wide variety of events throughout the year as well. You are going to want to be sure not to miss any of these events and why not rent a limousine service provider to come to these events? It’s a great way to show up in style and to make the most of the events. Also, the Alvin Ailey American Dancer Theater that was a huge hit in 2012 will be making their mark in 2013 as they host multiple events in downtown NYC as well.

NYC is one of those cities that never sleeps and there are always things going on and something to do. You’ll be sure to have plenty of events to attend and things to do because no matter what your interest is or even if the event isn’t the greatest time, you’ll be sure to have fun experiencing the New York life in a limousine rental service. You might want to call today or relatively soon though once you figure out what you’re doing because these rental companies are always on call and some of them have limited limousines for rental on these event dates.

The Top 5 Essential Tips For Renting Out a Limousine Company In NYC

When hiring a limousine company, there are a lot of things you need to consider because it’s not as simple as calling them up and hiring one from the get go. NYC is a very busy and very large place that has multiple events on a daily basis. You have concerts, media events, sporting events, wrestling events, boxing events and much more.

1)      What kind of event are you planning or attending?

This actually makes a big difference when it comes to renting out a limousine company because the kind of event you’re attending will require different services rendered. While it’s true you can get just about any of service or even theme installed in your limousine custom, you want the theme to somewhat match the event you’re attending. For example, a Halloween theme party while fun wouldn’t make much sense if you’re attending a Christmas party.

2)      How much money are you working with and are you willing to spend?

Not only is your budget going to be a contributing factor but you’re also going to have to ask yourself how much you’re willing to spend. Certain limousine companies will offer you different services at different prices and the level of experienced drivers will differ from companies as well. The more money you’re willing or have available to spend, the more professional services you’ll be able to obtain and afford.

3)      What is the size of your party?

Do you have a few people (a private and small party) attending an event or do you have more than 20? Whether you’re a small party or a large party, you’ll need to make sure you’re going to have adequate transportation for everyone. A limousine without a lot of decorations or anything crazy inside of it will have room for roughly 20 guests accordingly. If you start adding things, the amount of people that a limousine can carry will ultimately go down and you’ll need to rent out more limousines.

4)      What all do you want inside of your limousine?

This is one of the most important details of event planning and limousine service provider shopping because what you want inside of a limousine will determine just what you’re going to end up paying and how many people each limousine will be able to hold. If you have a hot tub or anything on that scale put inside of your shuttles, you’re going to want more taxis and limousines to provide adequate transportation.

5)      Plan everything out accordingly

Event and party planners tend to miss small details every once in a while so everyone knows it happens. No one is perfect so when you’re planning out your event or your limousine service, you need to make sure you have every single detail mapped out. Obviously, the budget and all of the other contributing factors we’ve discussed already will come into play but you need to have a map or strategy planned out to avoid mistakes.

It would be mighty embarrassing if on the day of the event you couldn’t provide transportation for a few guests or you accidentally scheduled for the wrong time. NYC is a busy city and re-scheduling things on short notice will be near next to impossible so make sure you do everything right the first time and plan it out.

Enjoy the Good Life with a Personalized Limousine

Every time you see a limousine your mind probably automatically goes into an envious state, wondering what it must be like to be one of those people, the elite among us. What does it mean to be an elitist? Owning a limo is the old standard, making your limousine reflect who you are is the new standard of in crowd. Limousines can be custom built to encompass anything the buyer truly wants, but this, of course, comes at an additional price. If you’re considering outright buying a limousine, you’ll want the amenities that make it uniquely you inside and out.

No Boundaries

When it comes to customization there is little cannot be done. Typically most alterations are done to the inside as the outside is still the symbol class and elegance, so let’s focus on what can be changed to suit your personality on the inside of the limo.

One of the main additions that people make is the hot tub, yes, the hot tub. It’s easy maintenance and ability to be covered and virtually hidden away are only added bonuses to the obvious perks. In addition to having the hot tub at their disposal, clients will routine upgrade the leather seating and request that the seats be custom made to fit their body type. Now, one might wonder how they can custom make a seat but there is technology that will allow the seat to mold to the person using it and settings allow those molds to be saved for future use. With comfortable seating comes the need for them, by installing flat screen TV’s and satellite capabilities you can watch all your favorite shows while relaxing in your custom seats or while partaking in the hot tub.

Think Big and Bold

We’ve discussed the common changes that are requested for the limousines; now let’s look at the more upscale, bolder options. These options can include the addition of marble flooring, mirrored ceilings but more often than not it’s a combination of the two. And why not add a fully functional wet bar with all types of personalized alcohol at your disposal? If you’re going to continue thinking big, think casino style, sit back with your personalized drink in your hand and play on your mini casino. You can even request a dealer to travel with you when you’re entertaining. Take your friends on the ride of their lives playing poker, drinking wine from all over the world, sitting in the hot tub and keeping up with current events all while avoiding thinking about downtown traffic in any city you may be traveling through.

Yes, take the opportunity to make your limousine reflect your personality. If you’re a long distance traveler, install any options that will help you pass the time and ignore anything from the outside world. Create a safe haven where you can relax or entertain your companions traveling with you. Include the customizations that will suit your needs and your personality interests.

Various Types of Limousines – Know your Selection

We’ve all seen the long black limousines and wondered who’s in there? Where are they going? But did you know that in addition to creating curiosity and envy amongst onlookers, there is also a whole process that goes into choosing a limo? Let’s start at the beginning, what are the different styles of limousines and what amenities are available?

The Hummer Limousine

If you’re going for the obvious, overstated lap of luxury, then the hummer limo is the one for you. The hummer limo takes the already prestigious hummer and stretches it out to seat up to twenty-four passengers and includes amenities that are not limited to flat screen televisions and karaoke machines. This limousine is not for the faint of heart.

The Lincoln Limousine

For those who prefer elegant style over boisterous flamboyance, the Lincoln limo is the way to go. This limousine offers a sleek appearance and all the add-ons one would require for travelling in style. More often than not, this is the choice for high-end corporate executives as it offers a fully equipped command center allowing the passenger to work on the go.

The Party Bus

Take the party with you! The party bus limo offers extravagant options such as smoke machines, full on-board restrooms, and strobe lights. This limousine is great when you want a night out on the town without the hassle of clubs, cover charges, crowded casinos and long-lines at the restroom. With the ability to seat up to forty-four people this is the only choice for the ultimate bachelor party with the added safety of a designated driver and a hostess who ensure you have everything your heart desires.

The Stretch Limo

Take the stretch limousine for a romantic night out. Include a hot tub, a full-service wet bar and an open moon roof to experience the true meaning of living the good life. These limos can seat anywhere from six to eight people comfortably and affords them a taste of luxury as they roll through the streets of New York.

The SUV Limo

Families often dream of traveling in an SUV big enough to comfortably fit themselves, their electronics and their luggage; they look no further than the SUV limousine. It offers unsurpassed safety features, baby seats, Wi-Fi and satellite TV connections and storage compartments for the extra need such as baby strollers. When it comes to meeting all the expectations of mom with an appearance acceptable to dad, this is the limousine for families.

Whether you’re going for the over-the-top hummer, the sleek elegance of a Lincoln, a wild partying road-trip, the classic romantic stretch, or a limousine to fit the demands of a family, there’s an option

Limousine Financing – Understanding the Topic

When it comes to limousines you can expect to find them across the spectrum in terms of pricing. Less expensive models include the stretch limousine, a classic in the field of limos. More modern styles include features ranging from full service wet bars, various modes of modern communications, and the ability to enjoy a multitude of entertainment options. With these options comes a higher price tag and limousine financing is available to help the dream of owning a limousine a reality.

If you’re looking for top of the line in limousines, look no further than the exotic limo. This limousine can be outfitted with features that cannot be found on the more traditional side, including hot tub, bed, a fireplace and advanced lighting options. As the name implies, exotic limousines are at the higher end of the pricing spectrum with financing available to help cover the cost of the additional luxurious amenities.

Another option for a luxurious limousine is the stretch limo.  When looking for a limousine that has the ability to provide additional space and comfort, this is your ideal limo. It is longer than traditional limos and can have additional features added at the request of the purchaser. Much like the exotic limousine, the stretch version provides additional comfort and space at a higher price tag. Limousine financing is a viable option to help the buyer acquire the stretch limo.

A traditional limousine is the one that most people think of when the word limo is used. They are seen in the presence of celebrities, royalty and world leaders. Traditional limousines invoke the image of power, wealth, prestige and pride with their commanding presence and elegant style. When arriving at a party, movie premier, or gala, this is the style you want. One of the main features for this particular style is privacy for the passengers with a sound proof window between the chauffeur and the body of the limousine. Given its stature among limousines, it often carries a hefty price tag with which limousine financing can be beneficial.

When traveling in style for longer distances and multiple passengers, the stage limousine is the obvious choice. It has multiple doors for easy access to additional seating, storage racks for luggage to ensure your belonging are safely tucked away, and a luxurious interior for a smoother and more comfortable journey. Financing is available to provide a financially feasible way to obtain this stylish limousine.

From the classic limousine to the more boisterous hummer limos, there is a style that fits every occasion. Whether looking for additional space with the ability to carry more passengers, a romantic evening with a wet bar and a fireplace, or a comfortable workspace with advanced communication options, there is a limousine that can be customized for every buyer in the market. To ensure that you are able to acquire the amenities you want to customize your limousine experience, many business finance companies are willing to offer limousine financing.

Financing a limousine is easier than one might think. There are no hoops to jump through or red tape to cross as these companies have decades of experience in assisting buyers who wish to acquire new vehicles for their business. They do this by providing approval more quickly and offering lower, more competitive rates than others. Companies who are in the market to add limousines to their assets would benefit from these specialized financing gurus.

What was once a difficult acquisition for businesses has become feasible with the help of finance companies that offer limousine financing. They make the buying process more efficient by offering online applications, competitive rates and higher approval ratings than ever before. Owning a limousine for your business is within your grasp with affordable monthly payments and an easy application process. You too can become the proud owner of a limousine that not only fits your requirements for style and comfort, but that also fits your budget.

Tips for Renting a Stretch Limousine

When it comes to renting a stretch limousine for your event, you should understand and have the correct knowledge before ever going to a limousine company.

Ensure that you have done your homework and you know the area in which you are renting the limousine in. There are normally several different companies who rent limousines; each one has their very own unique rates, services, and amenities’. Ensure that you check each one out, this way you have a better understanding and can compare apples to apples.

After you complete your homework and research, write down a list of questions that you want the answers to, and then make sure that whichever company you go with can answer each and every one of your questions.

In this current business driven world, professionalism is everything. I would call each of the companies you are interested in working with and speak with them on the phone. The way the company handles themselves on the phone says a lot about the value of service they are able to provide. If they are courteous and professional on the phone chances are they will be polite and professional when driving you to your destination.

If you are going to utilize the internet to find your next stretch limousine company, there are several factors that you should make sure of when looking online for your next rental? Make sure that the company has clear guideline and pricing information on their website. Make sure that the company puts up photos of their fleet and their limousines, this way you know exactly what you are getting prior to ever booking the ride. The last thing when working and doing your shopping online is take a look at their overall website appearance, companies who care about their image and their service will ensure that their website is user friendly and looks professional.

Check out reviews of the company. There are all types of reviews sites on the internet that consumers post on. Check these out before committing, ensure that the company you are looking to hire for your next event is a reliable one, because the last thing you need is to plan a wedding and rent three or four limousines (one who may carry the bride) and it be hours late to the wedding.

There are a lot of limousine companies out there, each one offers its very own unique elements to the market. Make sure to do that homework and make sure you compare them all. We suggest finding out exactly how many companies are in your area that rent limousines and make a chart. In that chart put all the companies at the top of the chart and then make a horizontal section that references each and every one of your “Major Points”. Talk to the companies and compare them side by side, this will give you a great idea of which company is the best fit for you.