Another Prom season is upon us and it happens every year - no matter how much we warn, try to help parent's plan, send contracts to be signed in advance and (hopefully) parents threaten - one bad apple in a group of kids ruins it for everybody by trying to sneak alcohol on board the prom limo or prom party bus.
We don't allow alcohol on-board when everybody in the group is under 21. Period. If it is a mixed group - some people over 21 - some under 21 - we don't play the bouncer or liquor police - if we are pulled over by the police and some minors are caught consuming alcohol - it is the other people in the group that are over 21 that get busted with the "contributing the the delinquency of a minor" charge. Those people's problem - not ours. Since we don't serve the liquor - and some people on board legally purchase it - it is out of our hands.
But when EVERYBODY in the group is under 21 it become our chauffeur who is responsible enforcing the law and rules for the minors on board. Our chauffeurs have CDL licenses - their entire livelihood is dependent upon sniffing out any minors trying to bring vodka in a hairspray bottles, or water bottles, or flasks - we've seen it all.
It is not worth risking their entire livelihood to let some 17 year-old hot-shot get drunk - or even sneak a few drinks. And trust me - it is not that difficult to smell alcohol on people. There is a rumor - which is false - that vodka does not smell when you drink it. They are right - vodka doesn't smell - when it is a bottle with the lid screwed on.
Young people's bodies do not know how to process alcohol the same as more experienced drinkers. That is why you hear so often of kids in college dying from binge drinking at sorority or fraternity parties - their poor little bodies can't process the alcohol fast enough and they lapse into a coma and die. Most of us experience drinkers pass out before we get to that point.
So the minute our chauffeurs suspect alcohol has been consumed - the ride has to be over - parents or police are called and we leave everybody where we are at once we discover the alcohol. Dinner location, Prom location, etc. We cannot be responsible for some child going into an acohol induced coma or seizure while we transport everybody back home. Ride's done - you guys broke the rules. Don't cry to us - good-bye.
We don't want to ruin anybody's night. Our business is to help make people's special events memorable and fun! So please young riders in our Prom limo AZ this season - follow these rules!
Teen passengers, parents and In The Scene Limousine agree to the following:
You probably know somebody who has had multiple DUIs - I happen to know a few. The first one is one of my closest friends. And she actually learned from her 2nd mistake and is totally sober now - attending AA meetings to help her with her sobriety. Poor girl had to check into tent city on Christmas Eve for a 90 day sentence (with work release - thank God!).
The second person I know actually was busted with two DUIs within 2 weeks! Wouldn't you think if you got caught drinking and driving you might slow down your drinking or even stop for a while? Not this lady. I know she attended a few AA meetings and I tried to help her. But the last time I saw her was at a Barrett Jackson Gala party and she was sloppy drunk.
I was reminded about repeat DUI offenders when I read an article from the DUI Blog about a Wisconsin woman getting arrested for three DUIs in three days!
According to this attorney - a lady was arrested when she tried to drive out of a ditch near a state park. She was wearing only one shoe and had a registered a BAC of .21.
Not 24-hours later her car was stuck in a snow bank and she was arrested for DUI again.
"I am still finishing up the box of wine in my car from yesterday," authorities reported she told the officer.
She spent 12 hours in jail, but was picked up not long after her release. She was reported to be driving erratically and was found, once again, with a box of wine in her car. She will now spend 30 days in jail.
The lady is where she belongs - jail! Repeat DUI offenders have a drinking problem - I would even go on a limb and say they are alcoholics and need help. The type only AA or other mental help professionals can provide.
If they don't learn their lesson the first time, they should be locked up. There is no excuse to drink and drive - especially with the the availability of taxis, car service, limos, or designating a driver!
A few days ago I discussed proper commercial insurance for livery vehicles. There are actually two Arizona governmental entities that regulate our industry and try to catch "gypsies" - those companies that are operating vehicles for passenger transportation without the proper insurance, lincensing and operating authority.
The first Arizona entity is the Department of Weights and Measures. Companies pay no fees and there is very little adminstrative burden to receive authority from Weights and Measures. Simply provide vehicle registration and commercial insurance documentation and have an annual inspection of the vehicles.
Weights and Measures inspectors often perform sweeps with Scottsdale police catching people who thought they could just get a "For Hire" light for their family car and go into business for themselves. Great idea for "extra weekend money" but not very safe to transport people without the proper insurance. Look for autos with this logo in the window if they are doing "hail fare" work - picking you up off the road (limos and pre-scheduled autos aren't required to put this sticker in the window - but are required to keep this sticker in the glove box in case they are pulled over by authorities):
The second Arizona regulation authority is Phoenix Sky Harbor airport. Every ground transportation company conducting commercial business at the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport must have a file in the Sky Harbor Ground Transportation Office. All Courtsey, Intercity and VIP drivers must also have a current Driver's ID card.
What companies have to do to get a file:
1. Complete an application form
2. Provide current Arizona Vehicle registration for all vehicles
3. Provide commercial insurance certificates listing vehicles
4. Go through an inspection of tires, steering components, brakes, lights and windshield.
What driver's go through to get a Driver's ID card:
1. Complete an application form
2. Provide a current Arizona Drivers License
3. Provide a current medical card (pass a DOT physical)
4. Pass a defensive driving course
5. Get fingerprinted and pass a Criminal History Records check
Pretty easy stuff. And pretty safe practices - I don't know about you but I would prefer the people that drive me to be able to pass a physical and not be criminals - right?
But you could be dealing with a company that is trying to avoid these steps - either because they are operating illegally - without commercial insurance - or their driver wouldn't pass the criminal background check. Or because they are lazy and don't want to go through these "bureaucratic hoops" and pay fees.
The question to ask yourself is the price too good to be true? It costs a lot to operate as the Sky Harbor airport. Both in administrative burden and fees for ground transportation companies. If one company is only charging $45 for a sedan trip - and most other companies are $65-90, how is the cheap company undercutting the competition? Are they truly "making it up on volume" or are they avoiding these important safety steps for passengers and operating illegally?
There is no excuse for drinking and driving. When you get behind the wheel of your car after you been drinking it is like pulling out a gun, loading it, putting it in your hand and doing target practice on the busy streets. Cars are 3,000 pound bullets. Most normal people don't like to hurt others. Why do people insist upon driving after having "just a few" and loading that 3,000 pound bullet in their hands?
Here are the effects of alcohol on your body according to How Stuff Works:
Euphoria (BAC = 0.03 to 0.12 percent) - .08 is threshold for DUI in AZ
- They become more self-confident or daring.
- Their attention span shortens.
- They may look flushed.
- Their judgment is not as good -- they may say the first thought that comes to mind, rather than an appropriate comment for the given situation.
- They have trouble with fine movements, such as writing or signing their name.
Sounds like a good driver (trouble with fine movement and poor judgment) to me - how about you?
Excitement (BAC = 0.09 to 0.25 percent) - Extreme DUI in AZ
- They become sleepy.
- They have trouble understanding or remembering things (even recent events).
- They do not react to situations as quickly (if they spill a drink they may just stare at it).
- Their body movements are uncoordinated.
- They begin to lose their balance easily.
- Their vision becomes blurry.
- They may have trouble sensing things (hearing, tasting, feeling, etc.).
WOW - I don't want a driver on the road with blurry vision!
Confusion (BAC = 0.18 to 0.30 percent) - .20 threshold for super Extreme DUI in AZ
- They are confused -- might not know where they are or what they are doing.
- They are dizzy and may stagger.
- They may be highly emotional -- aggressive, withdrawn or overly affectionate.
- They cannot see clearly.
- They are sleepy.
- They have slurred speech.
- They have uncoordinated movements (trouble catching an object thrown to them).
- They may not feel pain as readily as a sober person.
A sleepy, dizzy person behind the wheel - check the roads at 2:30 am in Scottsdale - probably a lot of these people on the road!
Stupor (BAC = 0.25 to 0.4 percent)
- They can barely move at all.
- They cannot respond to stimuli.
- They cannot stand or walk.
- They may vomit.
- They may lapse in and out of consciousness.
Coma (BAC = 0.35 to 0.50 percent)
- They are unconscious.
- Their reflexes are depressed (i.e. their pupils do not respond appropriately to changes in light).
- They feel cool (lower-than-normal body temperature).
- Their breathing is slower and more shallow.
- Their heart rate may slow.
- They may die.
So many factors go into your blood alcohol levels - weight - what you've eaten prior to drinking. But really is it worth taking a risk getting behind the wheel? Designated a driver BEFORE you go out drinking. Hire a limo, sedan or party bus.
If you don't and do the INEXCUSABLE and drink and drive - check out Scott Maasen a DUI Attorney here in Scottsdale.
It it is not just the least expensive price - look for the properly insured and licensed company when you select your chauffeured transportation company.
It could cost you your life if you don't!
When you ride in a chauffeured vehicle you are putting your life in another person's hands. Literally. There are auto accidents even in chauffeured vehicles - limos, party buses, sedans, mini-buses, charter buses - none of the these vehicles are immune to getting into accidents.
The facts are that there were nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in the United States in 2005 (in all vehicles - not just chauffeured cars). About 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States -- one death every 13 minutes.
Not a pleasant thought. So I don't understand why - when you are putting your life in another person's hands - prospects insist upon looking at the least expensive limousine company. Price seems to be the only choice factor - especially in Arizona - especially in today's market.
If the company is offering rock bottom pricing on their limo service, who is the driver (or as we like to call them chauffeur)? Who has your life in their hands?
Is the driver an employee or independent contractor? A citizen of the US or at least legally here? Did they go through pre-employment drug and alcohol screening and are they subject to random testing? Is the chauffeur a licensed CDL chauffeur (with all that comes into play with being a CDL driver - the physical exams, driver's log, upgraded driving tests)? Did they go through a background check for the company?
Think about this - when your 17 year-old child is rolling out of the driveway in a Hummer limo for her first prom maybe you will care about if that driver has gone through a background check and has been drug/alcohol tested?
If the company is offering rock bottom prices, are they cutting corners on insurance? Maybe the don't even have commercial insurance? What is going to protect you in the event of an accident or injury? Perhaps only 4 out of their 6 cars are covered on their policy - driving personally insured vehicles in the business to save money. Or maybe because of the economic downturn their insurance lapsed?
Or - quite easy to do - even the limo builders help limo companies with this by putting a plate in the cab of the vehicle with a passenger count at 14 passengers to fool MVD and DOT inspections. Is the limo company selling a Hummer limo as fitting up to 20 people - but only insuring the vehicle to fit 15 or less people? Then they can get away with the less expensive $1.5 million coverage instead of the $5 million required on 15+ passenger vehicles.
If God forbid you get in an awful accident, and the company has no insurance or is under-insured, then what?
Please consider other factors when selecting your chauffeured transportation company. Ask them for a copy of their insurance certificate. Check to see if the proof has a list of vehicles - maybe take it as far as verifying the VIN# with the car your are in.
Use reputable companies who don't have rock-bottom prices. If the company's price is way below the other quotes you have been getting, something is wrong. The company is cutting corners in some fashion and you are literally putting your life in that company's hands when you step into the back of their vehicle.
Here is our sample copy of our insurance - more Arizona limousine safety advice and compliance topics will be published in the next few days. Be safe - good luck - and be a smart shopper - not just concerned with price!
I always compare our industry to the restuarant business - but think about it - when you eat at a restaurant that has bad food - the worst you get is a stomach ache. If you ride with a limo company that is under-insured or sub-par chauffeurs - it could make you injured for life - or worse.
Saint Patrick's day celebrations ended in trouble for 40 people arrested for drunk driving between 3/14 to 3/15/09. Police set up special DUI task force to help keep the roads safe. Of the 40 arrests - 9 were extreme DUIs.
I'll bet the 40 people that faced the consequences of at least 10 days in jail and over $3,200 in fines are thinking that a super-cheap chauffeured sedan for only $50 for a point-to-point transfer at 2:00 am doesn't sound too bad right about now. . . .
Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country but for some reason people think that spending $17-$40 per person for the night in a party bus is more expensive than these consequences?
Fines and Jail Costs:
- DUI - BAC of .08 will cost you more than $3,200 and 10 days in jail
- Extreme DUI - BAC of .15 will cost you more than $5,950 and 30 days in jail
- Super extreme DUI - BAC of .20 will cost you more than $8,330 and 45 days in jail
Indirect cost:
- Hiring an attorney - cost?? $2,500, $5,000, more?
- Increase cost for your insurance - $?
- Fees for interlock in your car - $? - depends on the number of you months you get!
- Could even cost you your job!
And of course the ultimate penalty would be the cost of your life or taking another's life if you got in a tragic crash!
We were hanging out at Myst nightclub recently speaking with a really sweet lady about how she got nailed with a DUI last year. She said even $100-200 per night is not too much to pay to make sure you have a safe ride home. That getting a DUI was a horrible experience - tent city was disgusting (see blog about tent city), the cost was enormous and the embarrassment and humiliation was terrible.
I don't know why some of our prospects want to take these kind of risks and drink and drive. Why not spend the $17 per person (Sun-Thur) to $40 per person (Saturday) on average we charge for super fun party buses?? Party safely - think before you drink!
No industry is immune to the belt-tightening going on during the current recession. Especially the luxury chauffeured transportation business -
wedding limos, party buses, mini-buses and sedans/SUVs have all been popular for weddings. But according to the latest industry report, there has been a 24% decrease in spending for transportation services.
Overall wedding spending has decreased by 24% between 2007 and 2008, dropping from an average cost of $28,704 to $21,814 per wedding, according to industry tracker The Wedding Report of Tucson, AZ.
But while some areas of spending fell - such as transportation and videography, both of which also saw the 24% decrease - some areas overall increased:
- Tuxedo/suit increased by 47%
- Ceremony location increased by 108%
- Bride bouquet increased by 1%
- Brides wedding band increased by 21%
- Grooms wedding band increased by 38%
- Reception bar service increased by 12%
- Reception location increased by 15%
- Reception rentals increased by 84%
According to The Wedding Report, the reasons for the increases include:
- A desire for unique ceremony and reception locations
- The same venue being used for both the ceremony and reception caused increase in location cost and rentals.
- Couples focusing less on engagement rings and more on wedding bands.
With Arizona having some of the toughest DUI laws in the entire country - I'm sure the police officer who pulls over the drunk bride and groom won't be allowed to have too much sympathy for the 'big day' if they get behind the wheel and 'just a few' will land you in the slammer. Not the honeymoon most newlyweds picture.
Source for stats: The Wedding Report
What do you think? Should our next AZ Limo be pink?
One of the things I've been thinking about is how easy it is to choose hotels or restaurants based upon a star system of ratings. There are many different rating organizations out there for hotels and restaurants - Mobile Travel Guide, AAA (uses Diamonds for their ratings), Zagats, etc.
So I know pretty well what to expect when I choose a 2 star hotel or or a 4 star restaurant in terms of pricing and service.
But what about chauffeured transportation providers? I wasn't able to find any outside entity that rates limo companies. Some of the recent on-line search sites like Limos.com or even Google local business listing have client reviews. But those reviews may be skewed one way or the other. People really unhappy about service wanting to rant. Or people really happy singing the praises. Can it be a real judge of the performance if there are only 2-3 reviews posted on that given site?
Here is my listing for what I feel would make up the various levels of a 5 Star Limo company:
5 Star - All vehicles in fleet are 3+ years or newer, excellently detailed and maintained so that are no exterior or interior blemishes, dings, tears, missing or non-working amenities - or amenities with damages (like a button missing on a TV input, etc.). The latest amenities on-board the vehicle like wireless internet (for the sedans and SUVs) and I-pod hook up for the limos and buses. Chauffeurs that provide excellent service and intuitively knowing how to read a passengers to provide a totally quiet atmosphere - or to be the on-board concierge. Ability to provide custom services like special newspapers on-board, coffee, snacks, beverages, flowers, etc. 100% accuracy in reservation and billing with the reservation staff being able quickly take a reservation (or on-line booking tools) or provide more customized concierge services.
4 Star - Most (80-90% of fleet) vehicles are 3+ years or newer - those that are older have low miles and are well-maintained. Vehicles are excellently detailed and maintained so that only 1-2 minor exterior or interior blemishes, dings, tears, missing or non-working amenities - or amenities with damages (like a button missing on a TV input, etc.) are found. Vehicles have working standard amenities on-board like DVD, AM/FM/CD, individual control for a/c - but may not have the latest technology like wireless internet or I-pod hook up. Chauffeurs provide excellent service and have a quiet atmosphere or acts as on-board concierge. High levels of accuracy in reservation and billing with the reservation staff being able quickly take a reservation (or on-line booking tools) or more customized concierge services.
3 Star - Most of fleet is 6+ years or newer. Vehicles are clean and well maintained but may have more noticable minor blemishes, dings, tears, missing or non-working amenities that are 'incidental' to the ride - like 4 out of 5 TVs work work - but one is broken. However, comfort items like A/C & heat work. Chauffeurs provide great service - and is friendly and personable. High levels of accuracy in reservation and billing with the reservation staff being able quickly take a reservation (or on-line booking tools).
2 Star - Most of fleet is 10+ years or newer. Vehicles are clean but have noticable minor blemishes, dings, tears, missing or non-working items (like TVs or radio). Chauffeur provides good service. Good accuaracy in reservation and billing with the reservation staff.
1 Star - Older fleet. Vehicles are clean but have noticable blemishes, dings, tears, missing or non-working items. Chauffeur provides good service. Reservations may be more informal without email confirmations or credit card processing.
Vehicle age - obviously, every limo company would want to shoot for the 5 Star catagory. But in reality, only the very new companies that just got into the business and bought every vehicle new - or the very big companies - can afford the economics of buying new vehicles every 3 years. So while on 80% of the jobs - maybe a company does provide 5 Star service with the latest and greatest vehicles - but many companies will have bookings that are performed in slightly older limo, SUV or buses on occasion.
The human factor - and of course it is tough to say that 100% of the time all your people - reservation staff and chauffuers - can give that totally top level of service that a 4 or 5 Star rating would entail. No matter how much training a chauffeur or reservation agent receives. People make mistakes. And sometimes it is the client that is unhappy about factors beyond your control. Like missing a flight or getting into a drunken fight with a boyfriend. So their perception of service may be off.
I think it would be great if the limo industry had a rating system - and an outside measuring authority so that we can truely say we offer "5 Star" service. What do you think? Any ideas on what defines the various service levels for you?
IN THE SCENE LIMOUSINE DEBUTS AS THE #4 ARIZONA LIMOUSINE SERVICE IN RANKING ARIZONA
Tempe, Arizona (March 13, 2009) ─ In The Scene Limousine debuted 4th in the 12th annual edition of Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Business for Arizona Limousine services. Ranking Arizona is the largest public opinion poll taken in Arizona - the results are based purely on public opinion. A company's annual revenue or number of employees is not factored into the criteria at all. Instead, participants voted based upon their opinions on the quality of product, services and people. 
"In The Scene Limousine is proud to have debuted at #4 for Arizona Limousine services" says Rachel Ricks, Managing Partner for In The Scene Limousine. "Next year we hope to achieve a number one position and we are continually monitoring our service levels to ensure 100% satisfaction from our clients" continued Rachel Ricks. "We monitor the reservation from start to finish - ensuring that helpful reservation staff accurately input the booking, chauffeurs are dispatched to the location and arrive timely, that high levels of customer service are provided throughout the trip, and finally that billing is accurate."
Since 2004, In The Scene Limousine has offered Arizona limousine services starting with one vehicle and growing to a current fleet size of 12- including a mix of sedans, SUVs, limos, SUV limos, limo-buses, mini and charter buses. In The Scene Limousine is based in Tempe at 645 W 24th Street, Suite 102, Tempe, AZ 85282 but is launching nation-wide services utilizing a network of high quality affiliate companies.
Contact In The Scene Limousine at 602-996-5466 or visit their website at http://www.InTheSceneLimousine.com to reserve your Arizona Limousine transportation - anything from a simple airport transfer, special occasions to group moves!
I was just wondering how a restaurant would react if a customer came in - sat down - looked at the menu. And then when placing the order with the server said "is that the best price you can do for this entrée?"
I know that with this current economic climate budgets are tight and there is a lot of fear. I personally look for items on sale, use coupons, and go on-line to look for deals.
I know to negotiate at car dealerships - I would be crazy to pay the sticker price. It is always an inflated number. Car dealers have us trained to negotiate hard because we cannot trust what their actual invoice price and dealer incentives are. We want to make sure we got the same or better deal as the next guy.
I know that there are "rack rates" at hotels which are the highest rates - then they run specials for different sources - travel agents, on-line booking site, AAA members, etc. Used to be that if you called the hotel directly you got the high "rack" rate. Finally that's changing and you can actually get good deals from the hotel directly - especially when you book on their website.
At restaurants you never go in an try to negotiate the price for your meal. It the price that is on the menu. The establishment is covering rent, payroll, food costs, etc.
With limo companies - we have those same overhead costs - the car payments and insurance haven't gone down because of the economic down-turn. Of course we are all trying to cut unnecessary expenses - running on leaner staff and cutting the advertising budget or pulling advertising altogether. But there is only so far down we can go.
I don't understand why we get the question "is that the best price you can do on the party bus?". Our prices are about 20% less than they were this time last year due to the fact that people are spending money on travel and entertainment.
It is tough out here in limo land. We are giving you the best price we can right away so we don't lose you, the caller to the next limo company. And remember to read my blog about all the factors that go into the pricing for service.
We've all done it - gotten behind the wheel after "just a few". You might want to reconsider after watching the insider's view of Sheriff Joe's tent city on Fox news. The dusty, dirty tents, rat poop on the bunks, dirty mattresses and blankets, the food that looked like mashed gruel served in leaky styrofoam containers. Yuck. And to think that a DUI will land you in tent city for a minimum of 24 hours.
A good friend of mine got 90 days after her 2nd DUI. She checked in on Christmas Eve 2007. Of course she was out for 12 hours a day - 5 days a week for work release. But she was there for 12 hours a day - 5 days a week and 48 hours straight for the "weekend". And a girl on the news clip had 60 days for her second DUI.
How terrible - the bathrooms looked atrocious. Toilet tissue, waste, etc. all over the floor. The news can't broadcast what I can only imagine was the stinky smell.
You are outdoors in a tent - no heating or cooling - not fun in our 115 degree summers. The guards wake you up 2x during the night to do a head count. There is constant announcements over the loudspeakers. And you have to tuck your blankets up on your bed so the rats don't use the blankets as a way to crawl up onto you when you are sleeping. Sleep under these conditions - I'm positive - doesn't come easy.
Sheriff Joe reported he is aware of the rat situation and the exterminate often - for health and sanitary reasons - but everything else is exactly the way he wants tent city to be. Awful, smelly, uncomfortable, dirty - not a place anybody would want to go back to - and that is the point. He doesn't want people to repeatedly drink and drive.
How about a safe chauffeured sedan or SUV next time you go out to dinner or the clubs? Sounds like the smarter alternative to me. . . but I may be prejudiced.
It's a little frustrating. I've got to admit. That same question - over and over again. So you've got to pay for the chauffeur and the limo (or bus) to just sit there while we are in the church, in the dance, in the restaurant?? Yep. What else are we going to do?
You go to work - finish a project - don't have anything else to do and your boss is at a meeting so can't show the next task - but you are required to be there - ready to get going the minute your boss is ready - you expect to get paid for that time right?
Limo and party bus/mini-bus/charter-bus service is not like cab companies. We don't just drive around after we drop you off looking for the group of 18 people going to the clubs in Tempe - or 35 strangers that just happen to be going to north Scottsdale. They just are standing on the side of the road - flagging us down.
It is not worth our time to stop the clock - have nothing else to do - and then start the clock again the minute you are ready.
We try to build a night with limo transfers - like picking up one group of 20 in a Hummer at 8pm - to the clubs - another group of 18 in a Hummer at 9:30 pm, and so on. In theory it works - especially at the beginning of the night. But the end of the night everybody wants a pick up at 2:00 am when the clubs close. And people get drunk. Drunk people are hard to manage - especially if you are on a time pressure to get this first drunk group home so you can get the next drunk group.
Hours are hours. You probably expect to get paid for all the hours you are "on the clock" at your job. We have to be fair to our chauffeurs too.
So yes - you have to pay for the limo while you are at dinner. . .
Went to an interesting ISES (International Special Events Society) meeting Wednesday night - the topic was "greening your meeting". It is all the buzz. And of course it is socially responsible - to care about what we are doing to Mother Earth.
The speaker gave some examples of "greenwashing" where companies try to do the right thing but fall short on their environmental practices and procedures. So for example - having a recycling trash can at a meeting or inside hotel rooms. But then failing to dispose of the recycle trash in a recyle bin - just mixing with the regular trash. Or instead of individual bottled water a water jug. But then styrofoam cups provided (you know the material that is NOT biodegradable) that sit in landfills forever.
For the transportation business car makers still are falling short of making luxury hybrid vehicles. The safety, longevity, and unitarian feel of a Toyota Prius make it not a good option for a chauffeured transportation business. There are a few - Cadillac has come out with a hybrid Escalade - that will probably be our next purchase. But it is not the ESV so doesn't really work for 4+ people and luggage.
But I still feel at the core of the business is carpooling. Many butts in seats taking a group of people to a destination is better than 1-2 people in a passenger car going to a destination - right? And of course if any of those drivers are going to be drinking at the event they are headed to . . . . well that just makes doing the socially responsible thing doubly important.
I'm just always amazed at the number of arrests for DUIs. Especially as the publicity increases around DUIs and the consequences. It is not only legal and financial but what if you kill someone? Or injure them for life? Facts from the DUI Attorney Blog:
"125 drivers in Washington were arrested for DUI late Sunday and early Monday after the Steelers defeated the Cardinals in Superbowl XLIII. This is a 67% increase from the 75 arrests that occurred over the same weekend in 2008. In 2005, when the Seahawks were in Superbowl XL, there were 128 arrests for DUI by the Washington State Patrol."
Just watch the commercials that play during the games - advertisers certainly know that sporting events and drinking go hand-in-hand. Drinkers are watching and either celebrating when their team wins or drowning their sorrows in their suds when their teams loses. A DUI arrest will definitely create a serious dilemma in one's life - suddenly the victory or defeat won't matter!
When you are planning to go out and celebrate any event where drinking will be going on - plan in advance how you are getting home. Because once you are drinking it seems like it's a good idea and you've sobered up enough. After all, it was only 4 drinks and that was before half-time. But in reality a DUI arrest can happen to anyone who consumes alcohol and operates a motor vehicle!
Would it be interesting to publish a weekly or monthly TV show where we show you a behind the scenes of what it takes to get chauffeured transportation to your door - on time, with a clean vehicle, an organized & safe chauffeur, everything? There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes.
This business is run by people - and people make mistakes (wrong address input on a pick up location along with a wrong phone number) and have personal problems (sick child causing chauffeur to be unable to show - at the LAST minute!). Drama, flight delays, unrealistic expectations, sales people (reservation agents) over promising and chauffeurs under-delivering.
Would it be interesting? A short show format - much like my favorite internet marketing company and their show Hubspot TV - only about 45 minutes - in the beginning once a month - hopefully to grow to once a week.
I always thought it would be interesting to show the behind the scenes of the enormous amount of work that goes into prepping the limos and party buses (especially those - sedans/SUVs/mini-buses/coaches are easier) to help be a part of people's special events - like weddings, Proms, etc.
I am hoping to learn a lot more about producing TV show, videos and social media at the inbound marketing summit!
