What limousine service is all about

Prom season troubles...

2008-04-17T12:43:00.003-05:00

Many who wish to book the stretch limousine of their choice might be disappointed if they call too late...there are just not enough limo's to go around. And especially the modern stretches like the Navigator, the Excursion and the Hummer stretch limousine are rare to find. So for all who booked in time: congratulations on booking your stretch! For all those who fish behind the net: there are still other option open for you! No, I am not talking about a horse and wagon, nor am I talking about your mom driving you around... I am talking about other luxury options, although no stretch... You can always book another, smaller limousine car such as a town car limousine or a SUV limousine. They are not stretches but they do come with driver and are state of the art. Their pricing is less and it might also be fun to come up to your prom not in a stretch, but with a row of cars! If you have say, a group of 14 people, you can hire 4 town cars instead of a stretch, so you arrive with your very own entourage! Or you can hire three big SUV's blocking the view from the limousines! So, no tears, you might just have to think a bit outside of the box, but your evening might just as well be very impressive!

Prom season!

2008-04-13T15:35:00.002-05:00

It is almost prom season and that means lots of excitement for young people! Who is going to ask who? What dresses will the girls wear? How will we go...? The last question is our business...literally! Limousines are widely used for prom season, not only to get a ride in style to the prom itself but usually also to go for dinner before and maybe somewhere else afterwards. One custsomer told us he wanted to hire a limousine for 1 or 2 hours as a means of asking his girlfriend to the prom.
For limo companies prom season means lots of work! Not just many reservations that come in, but also to make sure all limousines are ready for that evening and there are no double bookings. For all of you who wants to book a limo for that evening: call in advance because the stretch limousines go fast! Make sure you ask for pricing since the prices are different in prom season. Another tip: pay your deposit to ensure you really get the stretch limousine that evening, to avoid a big disappointment! And one last thing: ENJOY that very special evening!

Theatre in Woodlands Houston: Noises Off by Michael Frayn

2008-04-08T10:45:00.004-05:00

The Woodlands Theatre is organizing several performances of Noises off. If you are looking for a laugh, come and visit the Woodlands on these evenings!
Here is your information: (you can book online)

Noises Off is a British farce by Michael Frayn where audience members witness the laugh-out-loud, play-within-a-play called Nothing On. The performance includes the on- and off-stage antics of cast and crew working together to grasp the production before opening night.
Noises Off kicks off with a special free preview on Wednesday, April 9, at 5:30 p.m. Regular performances are April 10-12 at 7:30 p.m., and a matinee on Saturday, April 12, at 2 p.m.
The theatre department at Lone Star College-Montgomery is also introducing online tickets for this production.
All online ticket purchases at http://Montgomery.LoneStar.edu/theatre support the theatre scholarship fund.

If you wish to get a luxury ride to and from this event, to make it all a happy evening, please contact us at www.committrans.com or call 281.385.9762 and we will come and pick you up and drop you off right in front of the door. No parking hassles, no traffic jams. You will be on time and even enjoying a refreshment on the way!

From our drivers: good tipping

2008-04-06T18:54:00.002-05:00

As a driver I do my best to give you the best service possible. Regardless of unexpected obstacles I will try to make your trip as comfortable as possible. If you are pleased or see that your driver is doing his best and handels situation the right way, than please show your appreciation by giving a tip. Tips ensure something extra for the driver and are a good motivation to keep trying your best. Sometimes people tip extra-ordinary. The best way to ensure you will be remembered is by tipping generously!

License and Insurance

2008-04-04T23:15:00.002-05:00

Any reputable limousine company will have a license and therefore a commercial insurance. Not all limousines need to have a license though. In some areas within the city limits, no license is required. That in itself leaves the customer without any standard to know whether or not the busniess is run by trustworthy persons. for to get a license the owner needs to be registered and the car is up to date and inspected. Now most limousine cars are very well maintained since the essence of the business, so that is not too great a worry. Having no license though, might also mean that the owners/drivers have no commercial insurance, and that is a bigger worry. Especially for the customer. So be always aware whether or not the limousine you are hiring has a license. You can see this by looking at the stickers on the car window. And be certainly aware whether or not a limousine has an insurance that covers you as a passenger!

Corporate Limousines

2008-04-03T22:29:00.003-05:00

Limousines are often used as executive transportation. This could be from and to the airport, or commuting between hotel and work. The sedan town car is often used for this, although the SUV's are becoming a more and more common sight at the limousine terminal at the airports... The advantage of the SUV limousine is that it can accomodate lot's of luggage and more people. So especially when companies are flying in project teams etc, the SUV is a wise choice. Often also, these limousines are hired when going on executive trips with a group, such a going to a conference, meetings, or simply going to golf together... In any case, always ask if there is an SUV available if you feel you might need it! It is a versatile yet luxurious, stylish and confortable limousine!

Limousine Hucksters

2008-04-02T17:44:00.003-05:00

If you would like to book a limousine in, say Houston Texas (this is where we are located) you can easily turn to the local yellow pages online or merely 'google' the term limousine in google local. internet has made it very easy to find and book a limousine online for your evetn or your trip. especially coming from outside the city it is easy to book a car in advance to even be there waiting for you at the airport. If you wish to do so, than be aware about some things:

1) Only book with companies that have a Houston address and phone number. Houston telephone area codes are 713, 281 and 832. There are many hucksters, especially online, with a company having only a (800) phone number. They will sell at a seemingly very cheap prices. Afterwards however they will try to re-sell your booking to a local company. Unfortunately, customers have been ripped off with no recourse by these people who may not even be located inside the USA. The internet address could be anywhere. Be especially aware when they do not provide you with ANY physical address! Even if a company lists only a P.O. Box and no physical address in teh city, I would be careful.

2) If you use a directory that lists from A-Z be aware that many companies just put an 'A' in front of their busniess name in order to get higher in the listing. Eperience teaches that the truly serious and dependable companies either really start with an 'A' or can be found under decent names further down the line.

If you rather not look and go from here to find a reliable company, you can look at the links in our blogs and click either on of these.

Advertising for limousine companies

2008-03-30T10:00:00.004-05:00

Today I will just give you some directions as to how to advertise for limousine companies. First off, advertise with your website and make sure your website is simple, clear and interesting. have a look at our website http://www.committrans.com/ and let us know what you think?
Secondly, you should consider investing some money (according to your budget) in advertising off and online. Thirdly, get some contacts with hotels etc, to bring you passengers, you might have to pay some commission to the person giving you the trips. and last but not least, have good contacts with other limousine companies and give each other trips if you are overbooked. that is it for today, very short, but think over it, for these are powerful tools.

Limousine Liability

2008-03-28T19:35:00.003-05:00

No one likes to think of it, but unfortunately it happens: limo's that do not show up. There is really little you can do about it once it happens, other than a refund of the deposit you gave upfront. Limousine companies are not liable for any damages caused by a limo not showing. Here are some tips you can consider upfront though, to make sure there is more flexibility and less chances for a no show limo.
First off, choose a reputable limo company. Good companies will not overbook their limo's and drivers, giving them enough time to make it on time for their appointed pick-up. Keep in mind that cheap companies are not always the best ones.
Secondly, leave time in your schedule for errors or issues that might arrise. Just like any other car and driver, limo's can get flat tires and drivers can get lost. Leave time in your schedule that if something like this happens, you can correct it without having the whole event ruined.
And thirdly, in case something really goes wrong and the limo cannot make it at all and the company does not have another option or solution for you, have a back up plan for transportation. Just in case, so you will still be able to continue your plan or schedule.
On the bright side: problems of this kind hardly ever happen since drivers are well trained and familiar with the city/routes, the cars are well maintained and bookings and schedules are made well in advance. Yet, to be prepared for the unexpected won't hurt!

From our Drivers: Customer Service

2008-03-26T08:40:00.002-05:00

Driving a limousine is all about providing service to the customers. We make sure there is something to drink for you, or a snack. We provide something to read or a friendly chat. Sometimes we are the ones smiling when it's pouring, offering you an umbrella. And sometimes we are the ones listening when you most need it. We are strangers, yet friends. We meet and we part, yet maybe meet again. We sure hope you are satisfied and come again!

Commuting, Commuting, Commuting

2008-03-25T08:00:00.003-05:00

Limousine service is a luxury service, to give that extra to your special event. It has also been widely used by companies, to have their employees travel comfortably. This can range from commuting between work and home, or between work and hotel. Often it is used as a service to pick up and drop off employees from and to the airport. This way, the company ensures their employees getting in places on time and without hassle, especially if they are not familiar with the city. A limo driver will be on time, the car will be comfortable and there will be a certainty that there is transportation waiting for them. Employees will be more rested and relaxed and therefore more productive, especially when they are only in town for a few days. Corporate commuting has become widespread and is worth while considering for any company.

Recent Trends

2008-03-12T12:06:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since we have been 'blogging' and we apoligize for that! We have been spotting some new trends in the limo business lately... first of all, we have been seeing mroe and more hummers and other suv's etc that have been elongated into a stretch limo. so now the customer has a choice between a classical limousine and a modern style limo. and of course there are always the real 'old-timers' for those who love the nostalgic look.... another trends we have been seeing is more and more business trips and airport pickups are being done in suv's and other four wheels drivers instead of teh normal corporate town cars. Even limo's for weddings events are becoming more and more suv's and preferably the latest models. so we see a very modern trend in the limo business and every self respecting limousine service should have at least one new suv on their fleet.....

good limo business

2008-02-28T12:39:00.002-06:00

In order to run a good limousine business, you not only need good and reliable drivers. you also need regular maintenance on all of your cars. To have your own reliable mechanical team at your company is ideal but far from reach for most companies. you can always find a reliable and trustworthy mechanic in the area and make a contract with him for service on all of your cars. If you have the luxury, have all cars lifted up each day for a daily inspection. you really do not want your driver to be pulled over by the police for a small thing like a broken tail light with your customer inside the vehicle! Bigger check ups need to be done regularly and your mechanic should be available to do immediate big mechanical repairs if needed! a car out of the fleet means you are loosing trips! besides mechanical maintenance, a good clean inside and out of the car after each trip should be done in order to keep your vehicles looking tip top. well, good mechanics, nice and clean cars on top of your reliable drivers: you can't loose!

Being a limousine driver...

2008-02-27T07:10:00.002-06:00

As a limousine driver you need to do more than just drive a car. First of all, you need to know traffic, ways and shortcuts like your back pocket. In case of road work, traffic jams or accidents on the way, you still need to be able to get the customer on time at the destination. Fortunately, there is a good gimmick that can help: a gprs device that will tell you the way. it is a good investments for any starting driver, but be advised that such devices are only as good as the software they have. it is still advisable to know the city you are driving in very well.
another aspect of being a limousine driver is that you have to have good people skills. customers come in all shapes and colors and not to mention all different kinds of moods. Maybe one customer just had a grueling day at the office, or he/she just came from the most horrible flight you can imagine after already traveling for 20 hours, with a jetlag! understanding such situations and keeping in mind that a driver is there to calm down the customer, make him/her feel relaxed and welcome! sometimes, in case of a wedding, prom or birthday event, the driver needs to make sure the atmosphere is set for happiness and being jolly! in some cases a driver needs to be able to strike a conversation, having sincere interest in the customers and at other times the driver needs to understand that the customer just wants to be left alone. there are even times that a driver functions as a therapist: listening and giving the customer a chance to vent whatever it is that is bothering him/her. at the end of course, the customer goes home and does the driver goes on to the next customer. the task is completed and ends with the customer exiting the car. yet, sometimes, small gestures and events can have a lasting effect.........

A limousine for your prom night

2008-02-20T12:04:00.002-06:00

Your prom night will in your memories for a very long time, so in order to make sure your night is excellent ,you need to hire the best limousine service possible. here are some tips. Firstly, book in advance and call in before your prom to confirm your booking. Secondly, make sure you see the limo in advance and you have a driver for that night. Thirdly, rely on good mouth to mouth advertisement. Older class mates might have good experience with a limo company. Fourthly, the limo company should work with you on the details of your night. be specific about what you want. Make sure the limo will pick you up from your home and pick up anyone else in your party too. also make sure you explain your itinerary when you book the limo. the limo company should be informed of any changes in your plan/schedule before hand. and last but not least, make sure the limo is picking you up again to bring you home. have a great night!

Succesfully traveling in a limousine

2008-02-19T14:42:00.003-06:00

The title may seem a bit odd, but there are some points to be made here. Firstly, there are only so many people fitting into a limousine, even one if those 'stretchy' cars. The standard is 6 or sometimes 8 persons. So be advised to hire more limo's if you have a bigger party or a limo bus.
Secondly, the driver is only as good as the directions you give him. Thirdly, it is important to give the driver correct information such as your flight number and airline. Believe it or not, it has happened that people gave the wrong address! Fourthly, remember that a limo has only limited space in the trunk, about as much as a sedan. If you have lots of luggage, it might be wise to hire a SUV or a luggage trailer, in order to avoid paying for a limousine and ending up sitting uncomfortably on your luggage. If these points are kept in mind, traveling in a limousine becomes relaxing as it should be!

From our drivers: Being late!

2008-02-16T13:51:00.002-06:00

One of the worst things a driver can do is show up late for work. for others this might be bad and will result in a reprimand from your boss, but for us drivers it means someone will be late for work or even worse: for a flight! in case of special events, it means the bride might be late for her wedding! as drivers are merely human beings, being late may happen, especially when driving customers late at night and early in the morning the next day. Despite all precautions: double alarms, spouses waking you up, bosses calling to make sure you are on your way in time, it may occasionally happen that a driver is late! deservedly, tips might be withheld. yet, please try to understand: drivers are only humans too! they are not machines, so they might be late in rare cases, whether due to weather conditions, traffic or oversleeping.... although that does not give them an excuse for being late, please give them a break now and than and ask why they are late? it would be gracefully appreciated! we drivers do our best to be there at your service!

Hire a Limo for your sporting event

2008-02-13T21:34:00.002-06:00

Many people forget that you can also hire a limousine for business transportation and sporting events. A limousine on such occasions really give this extra style touch. Not only that, it can be real practical for your event: your group will be picked up and dropped off as close to the sporting event as possible. You don't need to worry about parking passes for everyone and trying to meet each other somewhere. Every will be there on time and relaxed, not stressed due to the traffic. On the way you can even watch the sporting event on TV or listen to your favorite music! You arrive in style, enjoy beverages on the way and will start your event relaxed!. The pricing for the limousine you need depends on the numbers of people in your group and on the type of car you would like to rent. Costs can be easily divided between members or your party and might end up being less or the same as everybody driving their own car. Yet, no hassles and already enjoying your event before you even get there! It is no wonder that hiring a limo for such events has become more and more common every day!

From our drivers: Transportation for you

2008-02-09T22:24:00.001-06:00

Hello,
I am a limo driver, I like my job so much and the best thing about it is that I see the smile on all my costumer's faces. It is a great thing to be a pro in your job and to feel that you are making things easy on others.

Why hire a limo for your wedding day?

2008-02-08T18:08:00.000-06:00

Well, mostly because it give you that glamorous extra on the most special day of your life! especially if you plan to get married on an outside location, it is really adding to the whole event if you arrive in a limousine. Allow yourself to choose the vehicle in time before your big day and make sure you look at the vehicle you want to rent. there are many different style of vehicles you may rent from an old fashioned style to absolutely modern. A limousine gives you teh advantage of having to ride stress free to your big day wihtout having to worry about routes or getting lost on the way! it also allows you the comfort of travelling while in your wedding attire. This way you can ensure you arrive relaxed and perfectly dressed on the once in a lifetime day!

From our drivers: My Limo Experience

2008-02-06T07:02:00.000-06:00

I think it is a great feeling when you see somebody is smiling at you because of a good service you delivered.I have been working in the limousine services for a while and I love it, so many costumers are so satisfied and comfortable when you have done a professional service.

Planning your wedding limousine: tips!

2008-02-05T02:52:00.000-06:00

If you are planning a wedding, wether it be your own or someone else's, you are busy enough with all the things to be thought of! So you want to minimize the stress and get things done as easily as possible. Here are some tips to make sure your wedding limo business is organized easily...

#1 Plan in advance: very important! Book your wedding limo about 9-12 months in advance so you are assured of a limousine and a good driver.

#2 Go and view the car you will be renting. Do not be satisfied with a bad looking car: you have to be excited to see the car you will be getting!

#3 Take a receit for your booking and even see if you can talk to the staff, this will give you a good idea about how business is done in that company.

#4 Ask about special packages for weddings, such as a just married sign, red carpet, flowers etc.

#5 Consider how many people fit in the limousine. Normally, about 8 people will fit in a stretch, but if people are wearing formal wear and the bride a daunting wedding dress, you might want to consider maximum 6 people in a stretch. In that case it is safer and better to book 2 limousines for that day, so everyone fits in easily.

#6 And last but not least, pay a deposit for your booking. Your limousine is not really booked untill you do and of course, get a receit for that deposit!

Once you are done with the booking, you have one thing less on your to do list to worry about! Have a great wedding!

From our driver: Today's Limousine Story

2008-01-28T12:17:00.000-06:00

What a cold day to be outside, this morning I picked up this costumer, he was feeling so cold so I decided to drive my limo into his driveway, it was a great idea and the costumer was so much happy.
The limousine service is not just a drive from A to Z, it is also an emotional, when you feel it while you do it, it will turn to be something much better than what it meant to be.

What if you get cheated by a limousine company?

2008-01-27T08:43:00.000-06:00

As sour as it may be, unfortunately it happens: limo companies that rip off their customers. Not only is your special day ruined, but they might charge you a whole lot of money for it too! what can you do? We will list some steps to take here:

first of all, be smart before you hire a limo. Ask the limo company for a copy of their terms and services. either they can mail one to you, you can come and pick up a copy or you can read them on their website. If they are unwilling to provide you with one,. take your business elsewhere! Do not let them tell you they will give it to you with your invoice after making your reservation: you should be able to read it BEFORE you make your reservation.
Another point to consider before hand is to pay with a credit card. that way, if they charge you for services not provided, you can ask your credit card company to reverse the charges. Be sure though you do this as soon as possible, to make sure you can get your charges refunded.
Also, it is wise to inform with the Better Business Bureau about the company you choose. And of course, recommendation for a company from friends and colleagues is always a better way to pick a company.

Secondly, after being ripped off, you can have your case heard as the small claims court. this usually does not cost you too much money but it might take a while before your case can be heard.

And last but not least, send all the details of your experience to your Better Business Bureau, so others are warned not to make use of the services of that company.

After having said this, we must state that whenever something goes wrong, a reputable limousine company is usually friendly and willing to assist to find a solution for the problem, and maybe not charge you or even refund you your fees. If you do find a company thats able to deal with a complaint adequately, please make sure you tell others about it, for any company that is able to provide service under bad circumstances is truly able to provide service!

From one of our drivers: New Transportation experience

2008-01-25T05:30:00.001-06:00

I have this short story to tell you, one day I was driving the costumer to the airport, the costumer was not friendly at all but who cares, I am doing the best I can, on the road there was a big object laying in the middle and blocking the way, I started to think fast and I had a phone service installed on my vehicle so I called the emergency and reported that incident.
The costumer was too much appreciated and he turned into a very nice and friendly person, in the end he lift a good tip and he said that he will use our service again.