UBER VS. Established Limousine & Car Services

BRICK, N.J. - Jan. 22, 2015 - PRLog -- Most of us have seen the commercials and advertisements for Uber. A service that offers quick and inexpensive pick up by just hitting a button on your cell phone. This concept is in itself, is a great idea. But does the simplicity weigh out the negative factors?

What does an established limousine or car service offer a passenger that Uber does not?

First on the list is the experience. Many limousine companies with 3 or more vehicles have been established for some time. The strict insurance regulations force limousine companies to adopt an intensive training program for their drivers prior to being put on the road. In NJ, the minimum amount of insurance coverage for any limousine is $1.5 million. The license record & status of every driver is thoroughly & continuously monitored by both the insurance carrier and the limousine company itself. Any traffic violations or accidents can be reason for driver denial by the insurance carrier. This guarantees that the person behind the wheel of a limousine is a sound driver.

Secondly, is the quality of the vehicle and services rendered. A driver of a limousine is usually referred as a “chauffeur”. The legal requirements to be a chauffeur vary depending on the local jurisdiction and class of vehicle. In most cases, an additional professional license with certain minimum standards in areas such as: age, health, driving experience, criminal record, local geographic knowledge and training attended. Chauffeur are usually trained to service all of your needs as a passenger. This may include, assisting with luggage, maintaining a clean & fresh interior/exterior of vehicle, professionally dressed with black suit & tie and white shirt, vast knowledge of the area and attractions, assisting passengers in entering and exiting the vehicle, proper driving stature, smooth, safe and defensive driving skills, and just the overall feeling a passenger when catered to by a professional limousine driver.

One should ask themselves, what training does this Uber driver have? How safe am I in this vehicle? How dependable is this vehicle? What state & local regulations does this driver need to abide by, besides local driving laws? Will I get to my destination on time and safe? How much experience does this driver have to avoid potential accidents? After all, the requirements to be a Uber driver are much less stringent than a legitimate car service or limousine company.

Even the Taxi Companies in larger cities and all Municipalities must abide by State & local regulations for both vehicles and drivers. Take NYC for instance, we all know the reputation NYC Taxi drivers have. But do you know the training they must go through before being licensed? The Taxi & limousine Commission of NYC has very strict rules and training programs. There are certain criteria each and every licensee must pass before being granted a HACK license to operate a Taxi. What criteria does Uber have?

Is the little bit extra for limousine worth it? You bet it is! If you were sick and needed surgery… would you go to a specialist or to the man down the street with a makeshift operating table in his basement?

There is a misconception that a limousine service is much more expensive than a car or taxi service and this is simply untrue. For instance, I have surveyed two professional limousine companies in NJ and compared their base fares to that of taxi and black car services located in the same area. A ride from Bayville NJ to JFK Airport in NY was similar in price. The difference was safety, professionalism, dependability, cleanliness and comfort that the limousine companies offered. Anchor Limousine and Coastal Limo offer some of the best services and fares in the Tri-State area. They are located in NJ and also service NY and PA. When calling to make a reservation, tell them “John D” referred you and receive a 10% discount on your booking.

In closing, before you push that button on your phone’s Uber app, keep in mind that you may be gambling with your safety. I recommend utilizing a Professional, Certified and licensed limousine service. Like the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for”.

John DiAraneo – www.NJEventLink.com