Education regarding Orlando ground transportation

[Hosp001]

I've worked in Florida's hospitality industry for 25 years. I'm writing this to help some of our visiting tourists, it seems some are having bad experiences with their ground transportation. I am talking about the different "Orlando towncar services". I'm not going to endorse or complain about any particular company, just educate. Many tourist simply look for the cheapest rates, they base their decision on that, those people are obviously just naive. Realize the expenses a towncar has to pay, for a transfer from the Orlando International Airport to Disney. CVPA (commercial vehicle parking area) $5.00, Gas $4.00, Tolls $2.00, Chauffeur $25.00, the above dollar amounts are only approximate, do the math! Also, obviously there is other business over head, car payment, maintenance, rising insurance costs, etc. Where are they cutting their costs? Not Insured? Not permitted at the airport (walking you to the parking garage)? Hiring any warm body (driver) they can find? Really think about it... Do you want the cheapest company? Is that the risk you want to take with your family on vacation? It's the old saying; "You get what you pay for". Do you look for the cheapest motel, in a bad part of town? I'm only trying to help, have a wonderful vacation, Orlando is a beautiful place to visit. It's great we have forums like this to help our visitors make the right decisions. I hope this has helped you.

 

[seashoreCM]

I don't think you have really given out any advice. All you did was point out some costs and point out some facts (which all we can do is take your word for) and then you suggest that a cheap limo or towncar service might be (not definitely) skimping on something like insurance.

Someone might start looking for a cheap motel and then not like the looks of the town, or not like the looks of the inside of the room and change his mind.

Similarly one might start looking for a cheap limo or twon car service. What step comes next, what questions should one ask, what else does one look for to decide whether to go with that service or change his mind?

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Hosp001]

Sorry, I tried to keep it brief, not to bore readers with a long message. I thought it was enough just to get the point across. You seemed to question my word on costs, remember I said: "approximate". Commercial vehicle parking area (CVPA) 0-30 minutes $4.35, 30-60 minutes $6.70, etc. These rates are going up, I was at the meeting protesting the increase. It normally takes 25-45 minutes to walk in the airport, wait for the customers to get into baggage claim, collect their luggage, walk them to the car, load their luggage, then exit CVPA. You can confirm these rates by phoning The Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA), accounting office 407-825-2660. Gas, that depends where the office is located, and if the chauffeur is going back to the airport or the office, it's $4.00-$5.00, I mentioned $4.00 the low example. Drive it yourself in a towncar, or take my word for it. Tolls, you can take Hwy 528 to I-4 to Disney (tolls $1.25), run the risk of I-4 traffic jams. Or take Hwy 417 to Disney (tolls $2.00). You can confirm these rates by phoning The Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority 407-823-7277. Chauffeurs pay: On average it takes 2.5 hours (depends on office location, or if on back to back jobs), to get to the airport, do the meet&greet, drop off, then get back to the office. I mentioned chauffeurs pay $25.00, what do you think a professional chauffeur should get paid? $8.00 an hour? $10.00 an hour? $12.00 an hour? Never mind you don't have to answer that.

For quality companies you can check the member list of the Greater Orlando Livery Association (GOLA), they are the largest transportation association in Florida. Their members have high standards that must be met. Their website is www.golainc.org

People can ask questions to "The City Of Orlando Vehicles For Hire Department (VFH)," phone: 407-246-2843. That is also the phone number to give a complaint regarding any Orlando transportation company.

There were over 100 vehicles on the suspension list at the Orlando International Airport (GOAA) in the last couple months, many were for insurance reasons. You can confirm this and get more details by contacting the "Greater Orlando Aviation Association" (GOAA), Passenger Services Department, phone: 407-825-2611.

Basically just look for a company that's been around for several years, that time has established a dependable, professional reputation.

I hope this has answered your concerns, if not please explain any details you would like to know.

 

[sarahsmom73]

Thanks! I will use this info for our April Trip!