The National Limousine Association & The "Big Game" 50: Putting Uber in its Place

NEW YORK, Jan. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Limousine Association (NLA) is proud to provide the safest and most trusted private car transportation to the "Big Game" 50.  In addition to fully trained and vetted drivers, NLA operators will offer the smarter solution for transportation to and from the "Big Game," including prime proximity to the stadium entrance, unlike ride-hailing services (e.g. Uber). Furthermore, the "surge pricing" that ride-hailing services typically impose on passengers during popular events is forbidden within the National Limousine Association.  As partners of the "Big Game" since the first kickoff in 1967, NLA members are committed to preserving the integrity of the ground transportation industry and the safety of passengers and drivers.

An article recently published by news website, Quartz, misrepresented facts by erroneously stating that Uber would be the only transportation service allowed into the stadium area, proclaiming that "Lyft, taxis, and other car services won't be let into the stadium area." Sighting Quartz as a source, other national outlets¹ published similar information.

To rectify this error, the Quartz article was updated on Jan. 20 at 7:40 a.m. with the below statement clarifying that Uber is not the only transportation service, but rather the only ride-sharing service allowed into the stadium on game day:

"Due to Uber's exclusive deal, Lyft and other ride-sharing services won't be allowed into the game.  That leaves fans with a handful of routes to the stadium on game day: Uber, taxi, public transportation, private vehicle, or a $55 express bus called the Fan Express that will shuttle ticketholders to and from the stadium from the Bay Area."

In response to the Quartz article, NLA President Gary Buffo states:

"NLA members will offer pre-arranged ground transportation to and from the 'Big Game,' just as we have for the past 49 years. We are proud of our relationships with the Super Bowl Host Committees, providing fans with the most reliable source of transportation to and from the game. As always, unlike Uber or Lyft, we will never blindside our customers with price gouging or any of the other uncertainties – some downright frightening – that come along with digital hitchhiking."

Attributable to the NLA's enduring relationship with the "Big Game," the NLA operators' pick-up and drop-off locations remain as convenient as always (1,958 feet from the stadium entrance), whereas Uber's remote pick-up and drop-off lot is the better part of a mile from Levi Stadium (3,103 feet from the entrance). The NLA will be operating in full force, with the professionalism and level of service and safety that is synonymous with the organization. 

Additionally, starting on Feb. 1, Uber will begin reevaluating applicants previously barred from driving for the service due to felony convictions in the State of California. The NLA asserts that drivers with criminal backgrounds, due to drug possession or theft, present a clear risk to passenger safety. The NLA believes the transportation industry should be held to a higher safety standard.

For the "Big Game" 50 Transportation Reservations, please visit: NLARide.com

ABOUT THE NLA:

The National Limousine Association is a non-profit organization responsible for and dedicated to representing the interests of the private driver transportation industry at the global, national, state, and local level. It is the unified voice of this industry – linking transportation industry professionals from owners and operators to suppliers, manufacturers, regional and state limousine associations. With more than 2,000 NLA members, the Association is committed to exceeding expectations with regards to professionalism, transportation efficiency and safe riding.

For additional information on the NLA, please visit www.limo.org.

ABOUT RIDE RESPONSIBLY™:

The Ride Responsibly™ campaign is an unprecedented effort to bridge an industry-wide gap between the rights of passengers and the responsibilities of service providers. The campaign establishes best safety practices for prearranged car services and transportation network companies (TNCs), which include ride-hailing app car services, such as Lyft, Sidecar, Uber and Whisk. This initiative by the National Limousine Association is designed to help address growing public concern and provide a forum for all to voice their views on the ground transportation industry. The program focuses on educating both service providers and the public about regulations, legislation and best practices within the industry. The goal is to empower and inform the public at large, and drivers and operators alike with the necessary tools to Ride Responsibly™.

For additional information on Ride Responsibly™, please visit www.rideresponsibly.org.

¹Carson/ Business Insider, B. (2016, January 19). You can take an Uber to the Super Bowl -- but not a Lyft or a taxi - AOL. Retrieved from http://www.aol.com/article/2016/01/19/you-can-take-an-uber-to-the-super-bowl-but-not-a-lyft-or-a-tax/21299798/ 

¹Carson/ Business Insider, B. (2016, January 19). Uber Super Bowl deal - Business Insider. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/you-can-take-an-uber-to-the-super-bowl-but-not-a-lyft-or-a-taxi-2016-1

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Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150728/246686LOGO

SOURCE National Limousine Association

Related Links

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