The British Government has paid private limousine firms £2.7 million over the past two years so that Ministers can be ferried around in luxury.

Twenty-one companies with fleets of expensive cars have contracts with the Government Car Service, the Whitehall agency that is supposed to have sole responsibility for transporting Ministers and officials on Government business.

The firms, which are based all over Britain, are required to provide an "executive-level chauffeur service using executive-class saloons" - with the Mercedes E-class or similar model specified as suitable vehicles in the contract bidding form.

The Mail on Sunday obtained the list from the Department for Transport after our report a week ago which revealed that senior Labor figures, including Commons Speaker Michael Martin, are secretly whisked around in cars considerably more comfortable than the environmentally friendly models in the Government car pool.

Some of the firms work exclusively for the Government and their drivers undergo rigorous security checks. David Littleboy, who runs Citydrive (UK) Ltd from his home in Bexley, Kent, said: "I've had a Government contract for about ten years which is renewed every two years.

The Mercedes E-class, meanwhile, has a more spacious interior, sells for between £27,802 and £67,597 and comes in four categories depending on the level of comfort required - Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde and Sports.

The Department for Transport, which is responsible for the agency, said private firms were used to cover at peak periods and outside normal working hours - although the GCDA claims on its website to offer a 24-hour, 365-days-a-year nationwide service.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://browardlimo.com

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission today began the distribution of a Request for Information to seek information on ways to bring the next iconic taxi to the City's streets.

The RFI was authored by the TLC and the Mayor's Office in consultation with Ricardo, Inc., a leading independent provider of technology, product innovation, engineering solutions and strategic consulting to the world's automotive, transport and new energy industries. Ricardo was recently engaged by the TLC to work on the project.

The "Taxi of Tomorrow" project brings together a number of Bloomberg Administration agencies working toward the initiative's common goals, including the Mayor's Office of Operations (Jeffrey Kay, Director), the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (Matthew Sapolin, Commissioner), and the Economic Development Corporation (Seth W. Pinsky, President).

The RFI's goal is to gauge from the auto manufacturing industry the possibility of creating vehicles that incorporate and balance the different needs of a taxi operating within New York City. NYC intends to use the information gained from this RFI to inform a process that will create a blueprint and timeline for bringing new taxicab vehicles to the streets. This vehicle would meet key elements that would allow it to serve New Yorkers and visitors alike in every way they seek to be served by a taxicab.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://browardlimo.com

When in the vibrant and sunny city of Miami, going around town in style is possible, through chartering the services of a local limousine rental service. There are currently plenty of private limo rentals in the city, with each one offering a different set of hourly rates, services and perks.

You could take one when you're doing a city tour, or you could also hire one when going around town and parting or clubbing. You could also go on an adventure trek, and see the sights and enjoy the beauty of the Everglades National Park, or go on a cruise of the Bay, and head off to the wonderful beaches and outdoor recreation activities in Miami beach.

Drive Around In Luxury and Comfort.

You and your loved one, family, or business and work to see the Art Deco buildings and shopping districts of South beach, and sample the fine cuisine there. You could do all these without going through the hassles of riding in crowded public transport or hailing a taxicab, which can sometimes be a stressful experience, and will surely be a more unique and fashionable way of getting around town, while making heads turn.

If you plan to go to South Beach, Ocean drive, Aventura or Coral Gables, renting a private limo service would be a truly comfortable and hassle-free experience, and your local vehicle service could help you plan your trip perfectly, and provide you with the best vehicles and service possible

There are A Lot of Rental Firms And Vehicle Types To Choose From

In getting the best and competitively-priced limo service, consider the size and vehicle type you prefer. At present, there many limo designs and types to choose from, whether you go for the traditional Town Car types, or would rather choose to go with the newer ones like the Hummer H2 or H3 Series, or wish to go for the ones that can accommodate larger numbers of people, like the Limo Bus.

You can also choose from SUV limos, which are good for off-road and out-of-town excursions, and even get pickup truck limos, and each vary with their hourly rates.

Renting A Limo Makes For A Pleasurable Miami Experience

In the city of Miami, where there 's just about a lot of things to do and places to visit, getting a private luxury vehicle rental can help you and your party enjoy the sights without going through the usual fuss, because you need not worry about parking, where to turn or gas up, and arrive in style as well.

All you have to probably do is simply relax and enjoy your trip. The other upside of renting a limo, is that the costs much like the ones you'll be spending when you ride a cab, as there are many limo rental firms out there who offer reasonable prices, and also give special offers to their customers.

For those looking out for the best rentals in the city, you may begin the search by looking for the appropriate rental choice at the city's local yellow pages, as well as on the Internet. The Internet is complete with many limo rental Web sites that offer these services, and each advertise their own rates, perks, and he terms of service.

It would be good for clients to first do a thorough research on the different firms advertising their services, and try to make comparisons on the rates and service offered by each. Many people prefer to search for local vehicle rentals online, since they find it more convenient to find one and can easily make comparisons of the various service providers.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor
http://miamilimo.biz

Your wedding day is once in a lifetime moment in time. Now that you're planning for this big event in your life, rental limousine for your wedding will make the event even more special and unforgettable.

Wedding is the magical time and its all about luxury, lavishness, fantasy and style, and the last thing is to deal with another issue like transportation. A classy stretch limousine ensures your marriage will get off to a comfortable and luxurious start is being chauffeured in style.

It is very important to remember to book a limousine service early, when preparing the wedding. Most especially if your marriage preparation will take place in the popular summer months. You should book your limousine few months or 9-12 months before the big day. Or else, you will not probably find your choices of limos, since chauffeurs and other services strictly limited during peak seasons. When booking for the driver and limo services, you will usually be asked for a deposit. Your deposits are completely refundable after your wedding, and only serve to protect the limousine service from last minute cancellations.

Asking the right questions when dealing about rentals for the limousine service is very important. The driver of the limousine service is required to wear a tuxedo for your big wedding event. Be sure to let the company know in advance, for your preferences. Also ask if you are required to give a tip for the limousine service driver, confirm if the tip is not included in the rental fee. A usual chauffer tip is around 20% of the total rental price. Regularly this gratuity is already added to your final bill, but make sure to ask. Also ask if the vehicle is a new model or if how old is the vehicle, unless if you have exclusively requested a classic or typical limousine service.

And remember to consider the size of the passenger area, if how many person can limo seat comfortable. You will be wearing formal attire, so it is good to have a little added breathing room to keep away from wrinkling dresses and suits. Always choose a limo that is a little larger than you think you need, as a common rule of thumb.

Many limousine services can offer special wedding packages that include additional services and extras like "Just Married" signs, fresh flowers, wedding balloons, and champagne service. Sometimes they all save you from worrying about some of the other or extra details on your unforgettable and elegant wedding day, and with a great deal, they all exclusive wedding limousine packages. It is better to be familiar with the limousine service prices, so you can easily pick the right one to rent. Always consider your budget in renting limo services. And make your wedding day the unforgettable one.

Eliza Maledevic Ayson
http://www.browardlimousine.com