A Case For Chauffeured Transportation

Since the arrival of TNCs in to the world of car service, there has been a change in the way people view chauffeured transportation. It seems as though there is less importance placed on the professionalism and quality of the product, and more emphasis on cost and technology. So let's make a case for chauffeured transportation.

To begin, let's discuss the term "chauffeur," which originated in the 1800s. Initially associated with steam-powered vehicles, it eventually came to refer to a paid professional who drives automobiles for the affluent. Over time, the term has evolved to describe professional drivers offering luxury transportation. In the industry, we often say, "drivers" deliver pizzas, while chauffeurs provide a luxury experience. However, the distinction has become blurred as TNC drivers and chauffeurs are often seen as interchangeable, which they are not. A chauffeur is usually employed by a company with professional standards and, more importantly, accountability. In contrast, TNC drivers are freelancers, with no real obligations beyond earning money. Uber frequently acknowledges this by reminding app users that drivers are third-party providers, and their actions are not the company's responsibility. While this disclaimer does not absolve Uber from responsibility for the actions of drivers using their app, it should alert users that even Uber is not entirely comfortable with this relationship.

Chauffeured transportation is about the experience, not merely a ride. A chauffeured service should consistently provide the same high-quality product every time. The chauffeur is certainly a key part of this experience, but so is the vehicle. Well-maintained luxury vehicles are the hallmark of a quality chauffeured transportation service. Whether it's a sedan or an SUV, you should be assured that the vehicle you receive is of top quality. This level of assurance isn't something you can expect from a TNC, as they have no standards to maintain and quality isn't integral to their service.

Pricing is another critical aspect to examine. TNCs entered the market by offering transportation at extremely low prices to capture as much market share as possible. This strategy was well-known. I attended several meetings with the Uber team as they prepared to launch in Chicago. Their goal was to capture the "low end" market from taxi companies. Since they initially had no inventory, they sought to recruit limousine services to support their mission. However, limousine services couldn't operate profitably at the rates Uber intended to charge. Nevertheless, Uber eventually found drivers, heavily marketed their product, leveraged their political influence, and aggressively expanded. Once they became a household name, Uber controlled the market, and the extremely low rates ceased. Most TNC users are likely familiar with surge pricing, which is a key difference from chauffeured transportation services. If you call OML Worldwide Transportation for a ride, the rate remains constant regardless of the time or day. In contrast, TNCs increase rates during peak times, holidays, and late nights, sometimes doubling or tripling their "normal" rates. Thus, claiming that using Uber is cheaper than a limo service depends greatly on when you use them.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you are risk averse, using a chauffeured transportation service is a simple choice. Most tend to have quality commercial vehicle insurance, trained chauffeurs who drive professionally for their primary source of income, and higher quality vehicles. TNCs tend to have minimal insurance and are frequently people looking for an easy second income. They are not accountable to a company or culture...just their "star rating". Vehicles range from limo quality down to junkyard ready. If you're a gambler, this may seem acceptable. But if you want to have even a little confidence in the equipment that is coming for you, chauffeured transportation is a much safer bet.

Finally, like any reputable business, a chauffeured transportation service has a reputation to uphold and will do everything possible to protect it. They will address customer concerns and strive to provide solutions to ensure client satisfaction. This is not a priority for TNCs, where clients are merely app users, and their vast number means customer satisfaction is not a major concern. Despite numerous lawsuits and complaints, their image remains largely untarnished because ease of use has become more important than user experience, and the outdated belief that using a TNC is cheaper still prevails among users.