The consumers of today are more aware and street-wise than they have ever been, and this has had huge benefits in tackling rogue traders across all industries. This knowledge is extremely useful in a bustling metropolis like New York, where there is a greater risk of running up against opportunist service providers and people who are either uninsured or unqualified to do the job that they propose. Given this and the fact that the limousine industry is especially susceptible to rogue operators, passengers must be careful when selecting their service provider of choice.
The threat of rogue limousine service providers is a global one, as just recently unlicensed and insured drivers in the UK capital of London were hit with more than 70 financial penalties. These penalties were administered for a variety of regions, although the majority were related to unroadworthy vehicles and drivers without the necessary insurance to do their job. The crackdown not only highlights the heavy presence of unlicensed limousine operators in large cities, but also the physical danger that they may pose to passengers.
New York has faced a similar threat in recent years, and the T&LC have taken several steps to safeguard the service offered by livery cabs. From creating a more stringent driver application progress to implementing tougher vehicle regulations, the efforts of the T&LC have made the customers task of identifying reputable service providers far easier than before. That said, it is still important that you remain vigilant when booking a limo, and take care to review a company before you use their services.
The Internet has been key in improving consumer awareness, and this remains a great tool to assess an individual service provider. By checking independent customer review sites, you can see the experience that other passengers have had and whether the service is professional and offers value for money. Most importantly, however, remember that a reputable limousine service should always be booked in advance either by phone or email. Be sure to avoid any vehicles that can be hailed from the sidewalk, and only use a limo service that demands an upfront booking.