The National Limousine Association (NLA) and the University Transportation Research Centre (UTRC) have unveiled preliminary findings from a national study highlighting hidden duty-of-care risks in business travel ground transportation. Presented at the Global Business Travel Association Convention in Chicago, the study reveals that illegal and unlicensed operators are increasingly using digital channels to mimic legitimate services, creating significant safety and insurance gaps for business travellers.
The study, led by Matthew Daus, UTRC Transportation Technology Chair, examined 17 major US travel markets, including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. It found that illegal operators are evolving from street solicitation to organised, technology-enabled networks. These operators often bypass necessary licensing, insurance, and tax requirements, posing risks at airports, hotels, and major events.
Brett Barenholtz, President of the NLA, emphasised the importance of ensuring that transportation providers are safe, licensed, and insured. "Duty of care does not end when an employee leaves the airport terminal," he stated. The study also identified at least seven states with laws criminalising rideshare impersonation, underscoring the need for updated laws and coordinated enforcement.
To mitigate these risks, the NLA and UTRC recommend that corporate travel managers prioritise approved providers, verify licensing and insurance, and educate travellers on safety protocols. The forthcoming report aims to provide a practical enforcement framework for travel buyers, regulators, and law enforcement to address these challenges effectively
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