Last week, I was sad to read in my local paper that an airport shuttle service was closing down after 35 years in the business. In the Asbury Park Press, you can read the story entitled “Olympic Airporter succumbs to sour economy”.
They will stop operating this Friday (June 19, 2009). It is a real shame to learn that this inexpensive alternative to taxis or parking at the airport will no longer be available. Look at some of the many benefits of their service:
- Convenience
- Save gasoline
- Reduce traffic
- Provide good employment
- Help local economy
They currently run 19 trips per day utilizing a fleet of 90 vehicles to service about 16,500 passengers a month. That is over 500 people a day or almost 200,000 a year.
Now what are their clients options? They can try other limo companies, but will probably pay more. They can drive themselves, adding to traffic and paying almost $20 a day to park at the airport. Or they could share rides. If all the people that utilized this service got together on a ride sharing web site, they could help each other. At least something good could come out of this bad situation.
Finally, my heart goes out to the 128 full and part-time employees at Olympic Airporter. I wish them the best in finding new employment with these difficult economic conditions.
