Comments on: Is Bigger Really Better?

By: David Mayerhofer

David Mayerhofer — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:13:13 +0000

@Felix – It sounds like you’ve already had a few

By: David Mayerhofer

David Mayerhofer — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:09:54 +0000

@Pat – No matter your political views on the subject, “environmental consciousness” is becoming increasingly important in the transportation industry. I see the “green” marketplace effecting operators in three ways:

1) Stretch SUVs – These may have saved the industry in the late 90′s, but they’re now a liability. SUV sales are plummeting and their environmental unpopularity is blowing back on the limo biz.

2) 18-25 year olds – This demographic is key to retail limo operators and the most environmentally aware of any previous generation.

3) Corporate RFPs – A green component is becoming an increasingly common part of RFPs. If you don’t have your green credentials in order, you can kiss the corporate work goodbye.

Price will always drive limo rentals, but “Green” economics are clearly on an upward trend. I guess it’s time to call LEAP

By: Felix

Felix — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:35:57 +0000

Again common sense prevails in this article concerning party buses. The graphs were well defined and easy to follow. With our party-going society a bus like this sounds like a heck of a lot more fun than a Prius The passengers in those cramped-up vehicles don’t look too happy and could probably use a stiff drink. Of course an owner who doesn’t understand the limousine business and purchases a party bus will probably end up having many stiff drinks…Skoal!

By: Pat Charla/LEAP

Pat Charla/LEAP — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:03:13 +0000

But, why is bigger really better? Is it just economics? I don’t think so – I think that people are looking for less costly options: costly, not only in economic terms, but in environmental terms as well. Go back to Google Trends and look at “green transportation”, “green weddings”, “green events” and “green meetings” and you will see what may actually be the real motivating trends for the change in vehicle preferences.

However, buses aren’t, necessarily,the answer – especially in this economic climate, where a big expenditure/commitment just isn’t in the cards.

LEAP has clients that are booking a ton of new business because they can prove that their operations – using their existing fleets – are more environmentally sustainable and, no matter what vehicle, or combination of vehicles they are using, they can demonstrate that their customers are partnering with a company that is reducing emissions by as much as 40%. And, they can prove it to the customer through detailed reporting.

And, of course, getting your operation on a sustainable plan costs much, much, much less than a new bus.