by transreviews on July 29, 2010
The Los Angeles city council recently agreed to extend a one year airport contract with California SuperShuttle which also has offices within the state of Arizona. SuperShuttle, is a national ground transportation company, providing airport shuttle service to and from 33 airports within the U.S. including the Los Angeles Airport. The current LAX Airport shuttle contract is set to expire on July 31, 2010.
In May, the city council approved an economic boycott for the state of Arizona including companies which are based within the state to protest the state’s tough anti-illegal immigration law. Arizona Law SB 1070, requires the police to check a person’s citizenship status if they suspect the person may be in the country illegally.
According to Peter Brown, a publicist for Super Shuttle, the airport shuttle company is owned by Veolia Transportation which is based in Lombard, Illinois. In addition, the airport shuttle concession agreement with the Los Angeles Airport is held by Blue Van Joint Venture which is based in Torrence, California.
The Los Angeles airport shuttle contract requires SuperShuttle to pay LAX Airport $1.3 million for the right to pickup passenger from the airport. California Super Shuttle employs approximately 700 workers in Los Angeles and transports 1.5 million passengers per year to and from the Los Angeles Airport.
Recent Super Shuttle News
SuperShuttle Discount Coupons
by transreviews on July 28, 2010
The Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) which manages the Tucson International Airport, recently awarded 4 new airport taxi contracts. The Tucson Airport taxi contracts will commence on November 1, 2010 for a duration of 4 years and include a one-year renewal option.
Tucson Airport Taxi Contracts Effective 11.1.10
All taxi service companies at TUS Airport provide walk-up service and charge the same rates. Advanced reservations are not required. Vehicle condition and quality of service may vary among the competing taxi companies. Refer to our editors ratings and consumer reviews to find the best taxi company from the Tucson Airport.
TUS Taxi Rates From Tucson Airport
Flag Drop: $4.50
Distance Charge: $2.25 per mile
Wait Time and Traffic Delay: $22 per hour
Tucson Airport Taxi Contract Terms
- 4 year contract with optional one year renewal.
- Drive taxis that are 2010 or newer.
- Operate atleast 8 taxis at the Tucson Airport at all times.
- Operate a minimum of one vehicle that meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Pay the Tucson Airport $921 per vehicle per year. Rate adjusted annually according to passenger deplanements.
by transreviews on July 27, 2010
When reserving limousine service, companies typically calculate rates based on the amount of time of the limousine rental or the trip distance. For example, most limousine companies advertise a flat rate for airport transportation to and from major commercial airports. The rate is based on the travel distance to and from the airport from your home, office or hotel.
If you are reserving limousine service for a special occasion including a wedding, prom, night out on the town, the company will determine the rate based on the amount of time of the limousine rental. Most companies require an hourly minimum to rent a limousine. The amount of the required hourly minimum will depend on the reserved vehicle and or the date and time of the rental. Limousine rentals during the week may be offered at a discount compared to a limousine reservation scheduled for a weekend.
The amount of time of the limousine rental is determined by the start and end times of the rental. Most companies calculate the start time of the limousine rental based on the reservation pick-up time and ends when the chauffeur drops the client off.
Other limousine companies may determine the start and end time from the company’s base station (garage). If your pick-up and or drop-off is located a great distance from the company’s base station, the limousine company will more likely calculate the time of the limousine rental based on garage to garage billing. This will effectively increase the amount of time of your limousine rental.
Before you complete the limousine reservation, ask the company how they will calculate the start and end times for the limousine rental?
by transreviews on July 25, 2010
The San Francisco Airport recently decided to delay the launch of the Clean Vehicle Policy program for California limousine companies until 2016. The Clean Vehicle Policy was adopted in February 2000 to encourage ground transportation vehicles accessing the airport to be alternatively fueled by January 1, 2012. Alternative fueled vehicles include vehicles which are operated by compressed natural gas (CNG), propane or electricity.
All California limousine companies who provide transportation services from the SFO Airport must register for an airport permit and is required to pay an airport access fee when picking up passengers at the San Francisco Airport.
According to the Clean Vehicle Policy, limousine companies entering the San Francisco Airport with a non alternative fueled vehicle (powered by gasoline or diesel) would be required to pay higher airport access fees. Airport Fees would increase 300% from $3.50 to $14.00 for California limousine companies who failed to comply with the Green Vehicle Policy.
Industry Issues
- The cost to convert a Lincoln Town Car Executive L Sedan from gasoline ($40,000) to CNG would cost an additional $15,000.
- State of California lacks adequate CNG fueling infrastructure. CNG powered vehicles travel less distance on a full tank as compared to gasoline powered vehicles.
- Limited availability of alternative vehicles for the Livery industry. Most vehicles are small in size and don’t offer the benefits and or amenities of a typical larger luxury vehicle.
Recent News on San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco Limousine Companies Denied, Revoked, Suspended
San Francisco Airport Taxi Rule Encourages Unsafe Driving
by transreviews on July 21, 2010
Many California limousine service companies continue to operate within the state without a valid permit. Many of these illegal limousine carriers provide transportation services to and from major commercial airports in California. In an effort to increase enforcement of California state laws, assembly member Steven C. Bradford of the 51st District has recently introduced Assembly Bill 2572 (AB 2572).
If passed, AB 2572, will allow the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) which regulates limousine companies within the state of California, to enforce regulations which are established by the governing bodies of commercial airports operating in California. Currently, enforcement of airport rules and regulations at many California Airports are inadequate and inconsistent.
In addition AB 2572 seeks to remove limitations on restrictions for impounding limousines which are operating without a valid permit. Currently, law enforcement is authorized to impound limousines which are located only on Airport property or within 2 miles of the international border of Mexico. If passed, AB 2572 would grant powers to impound limousines of illegal carriers throughout the entire state.
Limousines which are impounded by local city law enforcement are impounded at the cost to the city if the violation is not prosecuted or dismissed. As a result, many cities are reluctant to impound limousines which violate airport and state rules. AB 2572 seeks to shift the cost to the owner regardless if the violation is prosecuted or dismissed.
Based on the merits of Assembly Bill 2572, the proposed regulation will provide law enforcement with greater powers to enforce airport and California state laws. Enforcement will be more consistent at major commercial airports and will be enforced on a more regular basis. Refer to our California state licensing page for additional regulatory information regarding passenger ground transportation services in California.
