William Rouse, the GM of Los Angeles Yellow Cab and a fourth-generation leader in transportation, has taken over as president of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA).
Rouse, whose fleet of 1,200 vehicles is the largest cooperatively-owned taxi company in the western U.S., was sworn into office at the TLPA’s 94th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas in October.
The TLPA presidency is a one-year term. Rouse takes over following the presidency of Mary Smarelli of Transit Express in Milwaukee.
Rouse delivered a humorous and at times emotional acceptance speech in front of hundreds of industry peers within the nearly 100-year-old trade association that was founded by taxicab and rental car industry icon John Hertz. Looking ahead, Rouse laid out several priorities for his term in office including continuing the fight against rogue apps used to hail taxicabs and limousines that ignore regulations aimed at protecting the public.
“We must insist on full compliance with the law and a level playing field,” Rouse said in his acceptance speech.
Rouse also said that his agenda for the next year includes: working on distracted driving legislation; promoting TLPA’s new Driver Education Program; launching Community Connections, the charitable giving program for TLPA members; continuing to educate members on new technologies to maintain a competitive edge; helping members understand the new federal transportation re-authorization law; expanding TLPA membership; and ensuring the association has the appropriate resources to meet the growing needs of its members.