Monday April 21, 2025

ILLBA Member News: Strategic Merger Enhances International Service Reach

The Illinois Limousine & Bus Association is pleased to share an exciting development from one of our esteemed members, Richard de Krijger of DMC Global VIP & Executive Transportation.

DMC Global VIP & Executive Transportation has officially merged with Holland Limousine Group, represented by Dennis Jansen and René van Petegem, in a strategic partnership designed to enhance service capabilities and global reach. This collaboration brings together two well-respected brands, uniting their strengths to deliver even greater value to clients across markets.

Under this new structure, Dennis Jansen will oversee daily operations as DMC Global retains its recognized brand identity under operation by Holland Limousine Group. Richard will transition from day-to-day operations into a strategic advisory role, with continued focus on marketing and international relations. Holland Limousine Group remains committed to maintaining current technology integrations with all connected partners, and will continue offering the PAX Certified Chauffeur Training programs, reinforcing an ongoing dedication to service excellence.

ILLBA congratulates Richard de Krijger and all involved on this milestone partnership, and looks forward to the continued success and innovation this merger brings to our industry.

Have You Completed The NLA

Insurance Survey ?

The NLA shared an important survey this week to gather valuable insights into industry insurance practices from chauffeured transportation operators. Your feedback is critical to understand the current commercial auto insurance landscape and can help shape future initiatives and support for our industry.

The NLA is collaborating with the University Transportation Research Center (UTRC) at the City University of New York to develop a report on the current state of insurance throughout the U.S. and propose measures to reduce costs. By sharing your experiences and insights, you will contribute to a better understanding of our industry's challenges and needs.

All ILLBA members are encouraged to take a few minutes to complete this very important survey. The NLA is taking the lead on gathering industry data that we hope will directly impact the insurance landscape and possibly ease the burden of the rising premiums we all feel every day.

ICYM: Recording of April's Coffee With The ILLBA Now Available

Topic: Rocking It! Build and Manage Your Global Affiliate Network

Click here for the recording on our YouTube channel (#ILLBA). Please subscribe to our channel, help us grow to 100 subscribers!

Thank you to our panelists!

Richard De Krijger, Holland Limousine Group

Yoalli Garcia, Godandi & Sons

Andreas Haase, Royal American Group

And our special guests, Yasmin Zafar and Reza Shahbazi from Team GNet!

Kennedy rehabilitation update: Week 5

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) from the Edens Expressway (I-94) junction to Ohio Street continued to progress the week of April 14. The following are highlights completed during the week:

Week of April 14

• Bridge deck hydro-scarification (high-pressure water jets to remove the top layer of concrete).
• Structural concrete repairs on bridge piers and concrete beams continues under various bridges.
• Saw-cutting and removal of pavement patches at various locations continues.
• Surface milling of bridge decks completed.
• Bridge deck joint removal continues, and concrete placement began.
• Concrete deck pour.

Next week’s work will be focused on pavement patching, bridge joint demolition forming and pouring, latex concrete bridge deck overlay placement and CTA tunnel retaining wall repairs. All scheduled work is subject to change due to multiple factors, including inclement weather. Also, work is happening under the road as well as on it. While you might not see people in the work zone, they could be beneath the road.

Click here for the detailed report of week 5 accomplishments and upcoming activities

City of Chicago Events and Traffic Restrictions

 Wrigley Field Transportation Restrictions Maps 2024 - click here

Soldier Field Transportation Restrictions Map 2025 - click here

Transportation Restrictions for Bally's Temporary Casino 2024 - click here

Uptown Entertainment District Transportation Restrictions Eff 12/22/23 - click here

Continued Closure Of Canal St. At Union Station Phase II Updates - click here

McCormick Place Events Calendar

News You Can Use

For Sale on Facebook: Fraudulent Uber Driver Accounts

Source: Tech Transparency Project, April 14, 2025

Facebook is hosting dozens of black market groups where people can buy or rent Uber driver accounts, giving them a way to drive for these services under a false identity and putting passengers and customers at risk, a new Tech Transparency Project (TTP) investigation has found.

TTP identified 80 Facebook groups with a combined membership of more than 800,000 users that trade in driver accounts for Uber, DoorDash, and other rideshare and delivery apps. Many of the groups made no secret of their activity, with obvious names like “Uber Delivery Drivers Account For Rent." 

This black market allows people to acquire driver accounts for Uber and other services without going through the required screening process or even having a valid driver’s license. The activity endangers passenger and customer safety and may violate U.S. law. A recent case involving a similar alleged scheme resulted in wire fraud and identity theft charges against more than a dozen people.

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Neuroscience Says Music Is an Emotion Regulation Machine. Here’s What to Play for Happiness, Productivity, or Deep Thinking

What kind of headspace do you want to be in today? Focused and productive as you tick through routine to-do list items? Dreamy and creative? Happy and social? Contemplative? Analytical? Whatever mood you’re aiming for, neuroscience says music can help. 

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Chicago ‘teen takeover' response includes geofencing rideshares, officials say

Source: NBC5 Chicago April 15, 2025

Chicago police are using technology to help combat “teen takeovers” in downtown, while officials weigh changing up curfews ahead of the summer months.

The debate continues after a 14-year-old was arrested and charged with allegedly shooting a 15-year-old during a “takeover” in the Streeterville neighborhood late last month, with officials weighing their options ahead of a City Council debate on the issue.

As part of the response to those takeovers, which have seen hundreds of teens gathered downtown and have resulted in numerous arrests, Chicago police have begun deploying a new tool in which they request that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft “geofence” rides into areas where the so-called “takeovers” are taking place.

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“Either you run the day or the day runs you.”

– Jim Rohn