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8 Transportation Leader Winter 20078 Transportation Leader Winter 2007
Quality Standards & Service —A Year of Implementation
For 2006, TLPA President Brian McBride chose “Quality Standards and Services” as the theme for his year in office stating that his
family always believed in quality standards and ser-vices in all their businesses. To bring out the prin-ciples of this theme to TLPA members, President McBride oversaw the completion and implementa-tion of a number of products, services, standards and legislation, some of which had been started by his predecessors. Following are the major accom-plishments of President McBride’s year in office.
Taxicab Driver StandardsIn a historic first, on February 10, 2006, TLPA
adopted standards for taxicab drivers. The standards are specifically developed for taxicab drivers operating in major urban centers of one million population or more, and they are meant for the regulator (not the taxicab company) to implement.
During 2005, the Taxicab Driver Standards Task Force under the leadership of Jesse Gaddis was tasked with drafting a set of taxicab driver standards that, if adopted in total by the taxicab driver licensing agency, would lead to a community-wide improvement in the professionalism of licensed taxicab drivers and in taxicab service in major metropolitan areas.
Among other items, the standards require all taxicab drivers to be licensed, be able to communicate in spoken English, to have their
driving record reviewed, and to pass a drug test, a criminal background check, a physical exam, and driver training. The standard also calls for the licensing agency to adopt a provisional taxicab driver permit if the agency is unable to conduct the background check or the driver training within five business days.
Under “Driver Conduct” the standards outline the obligations of the driver to act in a courteous and responsible manner, and it requires the driver to serve all trips requested by orderly passengers, including passenger requests transmitted through a dispatch system as long as the driver’s safety is not threatened. There are also provisions for providing receipts, turning items into lost and found, a prohibition of tobacco products ever being used in a taxicab, and a driver dress code. A full copy of the taxicab driver standards is available on the home page of TLPA’s web site.
Fair Taxicab Regulation at Work DVD
In March, the DVD, Fair Taxicab Regulation at Work, which was produced by our Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Foundation was released. The
DVD points out that city officials and passengers share the same goals when it comes to taxicab service: adequate service to all areas and types of passengers, including seniors and those in residential neighborhoods; the latest technology to improve service; newer, cleaner vehicles that are well maintained; a reasonable wait before pick-up; fair and consistent rates; and safe, dependable operations. A free copy of the DVD was issued to hundreds of operators who joined or renewed their membership in the taxicab division on or before March 1. Subsequently, more than 100 operators took President McBride up on his follow-up offer to purchase the DVD for them if they joined/renewed the taxicab division before May 30, 2006.
Spring Conference and ExpositionOn April 6-9, transportation operators and
vendors gathered in Birmingham, Alabama at the new Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa to
2006 Year in ReviewBy Harold Morgan
Association News
QualityThe Silent 610
Taximeter
The Silent 150External Printer
The Silent 620 Printing Taximeter
The Silent 600Credit Card Swipe
Reliability
Established in 1968, Centrodyne is recognized world-wide for its superior taximeter products. Industryleaders, both large and small, rely on our Silent 600family of taximeters and accessories for worry freeoperations.
Why ?• Unsurpassed quality and reliability • Taximeters with the most advanced features• Customer service that you deserve• Competitive Pricing
Each of Centrodyne’s taximeters are ergonomicallydesigned and come equipped with automaticcalibration, built-in speed signal divider andamplifier, and over twenty user choices and optionssuch as :
• Interface for computer dispatch or other devices(via RS232)
• Security/Anti-Theft Password (prevents use incase of theft)
• GPS Location (receive position data from meter)• Credit Card Swipe (accepts all types of cards)• Electronic Serial Number (removable meter works
only with accompanying bracket)• Daily Driver Totals
800-655-5575www.centrodyne.com
In the U.S.A.Centrodyne Corp. of America
75 Ethan Allen DriveSouth Burlington, VT 05403
Tel.: 802.658.4715Fax: 802.658.4717
E-mail: [email protected]
In Canada & InternationalCentrodyne Inc.3485 Thimens Blvd.Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4R 1V5Tel.: 514.331.8760Fax: 514.339.1078E-mail: [email protected]
CENTRODYNE ad 9/26/02 4:30 PM Page 1
Work DVD
DVD, Fair Taxicab Regulation at Work, which was produced by our Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit
Feb. 06 Taxicab 2/21/06 4:38 PM Page 1
TLPA’s Taxicab Driver Standards Task Force.
Spring Conference participants greatly enjoyed Birmingham Yellow Cab hosting a private dinner and reception at the fascinating Barber Motorsports Museum.
Conference particpants enjoyed breakfast, lunch and cocktails in the exposition hall with leading industry vendors.
Continued on page 10
QualityThe Silent 610
Taximeter
The Silent 150External Printer
The Silent 620 Printing Taximeter
The Silent 600Credit Card Swipe
Reliability
Established in 1968, Centrodyne is recognized world-wide for its superior taximeter products. Industryleaders, both large and small, rely on our Silent 600family of taximeters and accessories for worry freeoperations.
Why ?• Unsurpassed quality and reliability • Taximeters with the most advanced features• Customer service that you deserve• Competitive Pricing
Each of Centrodyne’s taximeters are ergonomicallydesigned and come equipped with automaticcalibration, built-in speed signal divider andamplifier, and over twenty user choices and optionssuch as :
• Interface for computer dispatch or other devices(via RS232)
• Security/Anti-Theft Password (prevents use incase of theft)
• GPS Location (receive position data from meter)• Credit Card Swipe (accepts all types of cards)• Electronic Serial Number (removable meter works
only with accompanying bracket)• Daily Driver Totals
800-655-5575www.centrodyne.com
In the U.S.A.Centrodyne Corp. of America
75 Ethan Allen DriveSouth Burlington, VT 05403
Tel.: 802.658.4715Fax: 802.658.4717
E-mail: [email protected]
In Canada & InternationalCentrodyne Inc.3485 Thimens Blvd.Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4R 1V5Tel.: 514.331.8760Fax: 514.339.1078E-mail: [email protected]
CENTRODYNE ad 9/26/02 4:30 PM Page 1
10 Transportation Leader Winter 2007 Winter 2007
Association News
attend TLPA’s Spring Conference & Exposition. Over 160 industry leaders participated in the conference that featured meetings of the 2006 TLPA Nominating Committee, the Cashiering Subcommittee, the TLPA Youth Leadership Committee, the TLPF Board, the TLPA Executive Committee and the Taxicab, Limousine & Sedan, and Paratransit & Contracting Steering Committees. In addition, the Spring Conference featured eight seminars: Advertising for New Customers, Nontraditional Income Sources, Scheduling/Dispatching Software Installation, Business Metrics for Paratransit, Risk Management Basics, Driver Recruitment & Retention, Federal Funds for Transportation, and Camera Systems: Capabilities and Pros & Cons. The exhibition was busy with 23 vendors entertaining the operators during the breakfast, lunch and cocktail reception held in the exhibit hall. Both the operators and vendors enjoyed the relaxed environment of the exposition.
The conference and exposition was an enormous success, with much of the success being attributed to the host operators Ellis Houston, Nick Cambas & Martin Zilber who sponsored two exciting events: a cocktail reception and dinner at the Barber Motorsports Museum and an extensive tour of Birmingham Yellow Cab. The Friday night dinner and exclusive tour of the Barber Motorsports Museum was great. TLPA members strolled through the museum’s five floors to view and swoon over 1000 vintage and modern motorcycles as well as a substantial collection of Lotus and other racecars. Saturday afternoon Birmingham Yellow Cab treated participants to a tour of their impressive facility. Visitors were amazed by the state-of-the-art 100-vehicle operation.
Two Taxicab Research PapersIn June, TLPA President Brian McBride and
TLPF President Larry Slagle jointly announced that TLPA’s research arm, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Foundation, was making two new research papers available free of charge to TLPA members. The two white papers were researched and written by Dr. Ray A. Mundy, Director of the Center for Transportation Studies, University of Missouri-St. Louis. Both papers are now available
for TLPA members to download from the Resource Center area of the “Members Only” section of the TLPA web site.
Benefits of a Full Service Taxicab Company to the Community and Consumers identifies and distinguishes the different business models for taxicab service delivery and evaluates the regulatory mechanisms that characterize such market structures. The paper begins with a brief introduction of the present economic environment in the United States followed by a detailed examination of the different business models that exist in the market. This is accompanied by an assessment of the industry’s major problems and the underlying causes for these problems. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for local regulatory authorities to reassess their present taxicab market structures and initiate changes in their taxicab regulations that support the adoption of the full service taxicab company model.
Using Independent Contractor Drivers begins with a brief introduction of the prevalence of independent contractor drivers in the United States. The paper explains the impact that different types of regulatory environments have on independent contractor driver performance and service delivery. The paper provides an assessment of the regulatory mechanisms that define their legal presence, and is supplemented by examples to identify the impact of regulatory ordinances and contractual obligations on their market performance and
2006 Year in Review
Continued from page 8
Ellis Houston (center — blue shirt and brown pants) leading a group of TLPA members on a tour of Birmingham Yellow Cab’s facilities. The company’s paint booth is in the background.
Transportation Leader Winter 2007 11Transportation Leader Winter 2007 11
behavior. It examines why drivers choose to become independent contractors, and why companies choose to use independent contractors. The paper concludes by emphasizing the significant contributions of independent contractor drivers and their strategic advantage to the transportation industry as a whole.
TLPA Files Regulatory Comments In response to proceedings being conducted
by the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), TLPA’s Executive Committee authorized the filing of official industry comments. Working with the division steering committees, staff drafted and submitted comments.
The U.S. DOT was seeking comment on their intent to require that in some cases complementary ADA paratransit service must provide door-to-door service rather than curb-to-curb service. TLPA filed comments opposing this expansion of service as fundamentally changing the nature of the service and the cost of providing the service. The comment period was subsequently extended to July 28 and TLPA filed additional comments supporting the opposition taken by many industry groups including the American Public Transportation Association.
FTA is developing its requirements for coordinating and planning for transportation services provided under the Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) program, the New Freedom program, and the Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities program. TLPA and many of its members filed comments supporting greater private operator participation in these three FTA programs. TLPA also provided comments supporting an enhanced role for private operators in Statewide and Metropolitan Planning and providing specifics on how this enhanced role should be provided for in the regulations.
Finally, in November, TLPA filed comments on proposed circulars implementing the Elderly Individuals and Individuals with Disabilities (Section 5310), Job Access and Reverse Commute (Section 5316) and New Freedom (Section 5317) programs and the FTA’s guidance for implementation for the coordinated human services transportation planning process required by SAFETEA-LU.
TLPA Participation on Charter RulemakingMany TLPA members have complained
over the years that the local transit authority had provided charter services in buses and/or vans that unfairly competed with private operators who also bid to provide the charter service. The services could be for a group outing, for a sporting event, for a wedding, etc. The bottom line is that some public transit authorities violate FTA regulations and illegally provide charter services.
SAFETEA-LU amended 49 U.S.C. 5323 (d) “Condition on Charter Bus Transportation Service” and directed the FTA to initiate a negotiated rulemaking on the regulations implementing section 5323(d). FTA established the Charter Bus Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee (CBNRAC) to negotiate a new regulation to govern charter services. Hal Morgan, manager of TLPA’s Paratransit & Contracting Division was appointed to represent TLPA on this panel.
The CBNRAC met for a series of 6 meetings beginning in May and ending in December. Approximately 80 percent of the issues were agreed to by the CBNRAC, however no consensus could be reached on some of the more significant issues including the most important definition of what constitutes a charter. In the coming weeks, FTA will draft a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the portions of the regulation
that the advisory committee did not resolve. The process of getting a final rule may take 18-24 months, but having a clear regulation and a process to deal with complaints and hand out punishments for violation will be beneficial to all private operators who are concerned about illegal public transit charter trips.
President McBride’s Congressional Meetings In June, President McBride came to Washington and spent a day meeting with a number of TLPA’s legislative supporters to thank them for their advo-cacy in the passage of SAFETEA-LU, the most pro private sector transportation legislation ever passed into law and to inform them on the status of the law’s implementation.
President McBride met with Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado, Congressman Tom Petri of
Association News
TLPA President McBride met with U.S. Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO).TLPA President McBride met with U.S. Senator
Continued on page 26
26 Transportation Leader Winter 2007Transportation Leader Winter 2007
Wisconsin, Congressman Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, and Congressman John Mica of Florida. Congressman Mica will be the ranking Republican on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the incoming 110th Congress so it was an opportune meeting for TLPA. President McBride also met with the staff of Congressman John Duncan, during which he invited the Congressman to be the keynote speaker at the TLPA convention in October. He also met with Sherry Little Lloyd, chief staff person for Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama on the Senate Banking Committee.
In his introduction of President McBride at the TLPA Convention in Las Vegas, Executive Vice President Al LaGasse summarized the congressional meetings as follows: “When he came to our nation’s capitol this past summer, he did exceptionally well representing TLPA in the meetings in the Senate and the House. It always amazes me when one of our members articulates our legislative concerns
better than the TLPA staff and even our lobbyist does. While I think that Hal, Ken and I know the intricacies of the legislation better than Brian and our other past presidents, it is the operator who knows the business and speaks from the heart on what works and what does not. That is always a powerful message, which is why we have learned to have our presidents go to Capitol Hill and tell our industry’s story. It is a good story that member of Congress and their staff’s need to hear. Brian was eloquent and, if you know Brian at all, you
know that he was direct and straightforward. He represented our industry exceptionally well.”
TLPA Mid-Year ConferenceThe Mid-Year Conference in Hawaii featured
three days of open board meetings, educational sessions and social functions. The most interesting session was an International Panel on Company
Operations featuring (from left to right) WIHUP attorney, Thomas Wiesinger; Ernst Schlecht, owner of Taxi WIHUP in Vienna, Austria; Phil Franet, retired general manager of Silver Top Taxis in Collingwood, Australia; Roger Richard, owner of Associated Cab, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Geoffrey Riesel, Radio Taxis, London, England; and Wim Faber, a taxi journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. The
panel discussed operations, regulations, vehicles, fuel, labor relations and other aspects of their operations. The outcome confirmed that industry operations, concerns and successes are very similar the world over.
TLPA Annual Convention & Trade ShowWith nearly 1,000 participants and over 100
displays, the 88th Annual Convention & Trade
Operations featuring (from left to right) WIHUP attorney, Thomas Wiesinger; Ernst Schlecht, owner of Taxi WIHUP in Vienna, Austria; Phil Franet, retired general manager of Silver Top Taxis in Collingwood, Australia; Roger Richard, owner of Associated Cab, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Geoffrey Riesel, Radio Taxis, London, England; and Wim Faber, a taxi journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. The
International panel members confirm that industry operations, concerns and successes are very similar the world over.
Association News
2006 Year in Review
Continued from page 11
Continued on page 31
TLPA President McBride met with U.S. Congressman John Mica of Florida.
Transportation Leader Winter 2007 31
Show held in Las Vegas was TLPA’s third largest convention in history.
Tremendous educational sessions, a huge trade show, great social functions and premier industry awards made this event an impressive success. See the convention article which begins on page 28 for more information and photos.
ConclusionWhile the above summarizes the list of
accomplishments of President Brian McBride’s very successful year, it should be noted that the products and services members have counted on TLPA to deliver for many years were available to members in 2006 and will continue to be there for members in 2007 including:
Communications Program — provides the best source of timely and reliable information for our industry. Publications include: Transportation Leader magazine; Dispatch, Taxicab, Limousine and Paratransit newsletters; NewsBriefs and TBO e-newsletters; TLPA Membership Directory, Legislative Alert bulletin; and our web site.
Public Relations Program — serves to highlight and distinguish legitimate full service transportation organizations that provide vital community transportation services. PR includes the Operator and Driver of the Year Awards, membership certificate and logo, member vehicle decals, and press releases.
Government Relations Program — defeats negative proposals and powerfully advocates legislation designed to improve
2006 Year in Review
Continued from page 26
your business. The TLPA ACTION FUND fights our industry battles with the guidance of our senior legislative and legal counsels. The TLPA/PAC makes contributions to candidates who are supportive of TLPA’s positions.
Research Program — works with the TLPA Foundation to produce research projects to provide members with information designed to make it easier for you to successfully operate your business. The annual Fact Books, driver training video, regulatory DVD, independent contractor paper, and regulatory paper are examples of research products.
In addition to the above, products and services being developed for TLPA members in 2007 include:
Development of a Web-based Driver Training Program: We are issuing an RFP to hire consultants to develop a state-of-the-art driver-
training program that can be administered through the Internet.
Release of a New Source of Federal Funds for Private Operators Report: In the next few months, we will release a new report that will guide TLPA members to the federal programs
Association News
Continued on page 32
John Munro was posthumously awarded the TLPA Outstanding Service Award. Accepting the plaque is his widow, Heather Munro.
32 Transportation Leader Winter 2007
Association News
with the most money for transportation and explain how to apply for funding.
Implementation of a Member Discount Program with General Motors: We are in contract negotiations with GM to obtain a discount for all TLPA members who purchase a new GM vehicle in 2007.
Adding Personalized Passwords and a Classified Ads Section to TLPA’s Web Site: Each member is being assigned a unique member ID that will enable the member to have access to the members only section of the website and to place discounted classified ads on the TLPA website at http://www.tlpa.org.
Update of our Industry’s Strategic Plan: We are now in our third year of what has been an exceptionally successful strategic plan. Now, we are retaining assistance to update that plan.
Finally, it is not too early to plan to attend our TLPA meetings in 2007. TLPA meetings are the best places to learn from expert speakers, visit with our industry’s top vendors, and gain wisdom from
2006 Year in Review
Continued from page 31
your fellow TLPA members who are the best in this business. The major meetings in 2007 will be:
Spring Conference & Exposition, Baltimore, MD, May 3-6, 2007. Baltimore is beautiful in May and we are designing an excellent meeting and exposition for you.
Mid-Year Conference, Bermuda,July 25-29, 2007. All members are invited to see the Board of Directors determine legislative, regulatory and association policy issues.
Annual Convention & Trade Show, Denver, CO, October 9-12, 2007. TLPA’s new convention format was a huge success in Las Vegas and will be fine tuned to be even better in Denver.
If you are not a current member of TLPA, join today so you can take full advantage of this exciting and dynamic organization. A membership application for transportation companies is on page 38. All other membership applications can be found on TLPA’s web site at www.tlpa.org. Every industry member should be part of the TLPA experience. ■
