Don't ride with strangers
Travelers warned to avoid 'cheap' limo services
June 8, 1998
Web posted at: 12:01 p.m. EST (1701 GMT)

(CNN) -- It's a common sight for travelers trekking out of airports -- limousine drivers waiting to pick up their rides. But at many airports, soliciting rides from potential passengers is illegal -- and for good reason.

"The person that's hustling you has made the decision that they're going to break the law and you really don't know what is implied behind that," says Diane McGrath-McKechnie of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission. "They may not be licensed, they may not have insurance, there's all sorts of ramifications."

The drivers of many of the illegal limousines often lure passengers with promises of lower fares than taxis or legitimate limo services. But authorities say the lower price could be false advertising.

Also, if the car is involved in an accident, many of the drivers don't carry insurance and won't be able to cover expenses if the passenger is injured.

Other problems could arise as well.

"There's risk where for women traveler," says Vincent Wolfington of Carey International, Inc. "For instance, they find that getting into (these) cars, they are taken to their homes (and) people find out they live alone. They are setting themselves up to be marked for robbery and things of that nature."
Catch the right ride

There are ways to avoid catching a ride with the wrong service.

Authorities say frequent travelers should reserve a ride before getting to the airport to avoid falling prey to a questionable car service.

Some companies have corporate accounts with limo services. Also, travel agents can find licensed operators for you.

Based on a report from CNN's Business and Travel and Beyond. The segment appears weekdays on Early Edition at 7 AM (ET) and on Morning News at 10 AM (ET).

source: http://www.cnn.com/TRAVEL/NEWS/9806/08/unofficial.taxis/index.html?iref=newssearch