Limousines continue to roll in

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By Jesse Robichaud
Times & Transcript Staff

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It can be tough to remain focused on the pessimistic prognostications of pundits on the state of the economy when a stretch white limousine pulls up beside you on Main Street.

Of all the symbols that can poke a thorn in the side of all the economic doom and gloom, the image of a limousine that just keeps on trucking through Metro's streets may be as elegant as any.

Usually associated with the best of times, or at least a Hollywood portrayal, it would seem people are still finding reasons to ride in limousines in what are supposed to be the worst of times.

The owners and operators of Riverview-based Corporate Car and Limousine Services, Irene Roy and Mark Knowles, say the economic downturn may have caused business to slip slightly, but business here in Metro Moncton has remained so hot that they haven't noticed.

And as usual, in a region where a diversified economy has helped guard against economic distress being felt in other parts of the country and the world, it is not just the high rollers who are riding in style.

"It's funny we pick up anybody, from the low-income housing area, to people who live by the golf courses," said Irene.

"The clientele varies very dramatically."

At a price of $150 per hour for the service of a limousine, Irene insists that a group doesn't have to splurge in order to afford the treat when you divide the price by the 14 seats available in the stretch limousine.

But, like representatives of the lobster fishery who are currently fighting to prevent the delicacy from losing its status as a luxury seafood as prices continue to erode, Irene says it is important that the lavishness of the experience is played up to the hilt.

Because regardless of who is riding on the other side of the smoked glass, Irene says most people are looking for that same touch of glitz and glamour that is provided by an open door policy.

"The image is there, they feel important, they feel the customer service, and the smiles, and they love to be treated like queens and rock stars, and they don't have to have the money of the queens and the rock stars," said Irene.

"They are getting into a luxury type of vehicle where they are dressed up, they are being picked up after their destination, and they have the safety and professionalism of my husband and I with the driving."

But the people driving around in Moncton these days aren't just pretending to be rock stars, some of them actually are.

Irene drove Diana Krall from the airport to her gig in Moncton last week, and did the same for Elton John when he visited the city.

The fact that the stars continue to roll in at times like this says a lot, she says.

"It was absolutely amazing. The people at the private jet area are getting to know my husband and I, so they opened the gate and when the private jet lands they let us drive right onto the tarmac," said Irene, saying she is proud to represent Moncton on the front lines of such occasions.

And then there are those stars and VIPs who Irene can't talk about.

"There are people we pick up where we have to sign an affidavit not to say who was in our car."

Indeed, it is not just the rock stars keeping business thriving.

"We deal with Spielo, CN, CEOs of companies who are arriving, we have dealt with poets or people giving lectures on their book, and driven them down to Mount Allison," said Irene.

So with the movers and shakers continuing to move and shake, is the limousine business a recession proof?

Irene says there are no guarantees, and all businesses have to adapt to changes.

It hasn't trickled down as of yet, of course if we are trying to keep our costs low, and our business involves gas, and the beautiful price of gas just keeps going up," said Irene.

"There is nothing that says six months down the road people will say 'we are going to save our money, and corporate travel is one way we are going to save.'"

However, Irene says people will always have reasons to reward themselves.

"The proms are always going to be the proms, and the brides will always want their limos," said Irene.

"Hopefully people will continue to want to be spoiled a little, and say I worked hard this week, or I worked hard for this graduation."

Environmentalists may be as baffled as most economists to see a stretch limousine rolling down the street with a gas tank that costs over $120 to fill, but Irene says that is exactly why she and Mark have invested in a hybrid vehicle.

She says government officials especially appreciate the green initiative.

While the cost of gas, and the future of the economy remains uncertain, Irene says she is ready to change with the market.

So while things seem fine for now, she said it would not be out of the question to cut prices if Moncton's economy eventually slows.

She says that is just part of being in an industry that was built at the beck and call of clients' needs and wants.

"We are trying to manage and be professional, and give people what they want."