Frankenhoff gets green light to run limo service

QUINCY — John Frankenhoff was one of Quincy’s first Lyft drivers and he thinks he can do just fine on his own.

On Monday night, the Quincy City Council gave approval for Frankenhoff and his company, Quincy Premium Transportation, to operate a limousine service in the city.

At the Council’s Jan. 23 meeting, Alderman Eric Entrup (R-1st Ward) asked the administration to review the city’s ordinances that deal with taxi and cab service, saying they laws on the books were outdated in light of how society now uses ride share companies. National companies such as Uber and Lyft do not have to follow any ordinances because of how they are set up.

Quincy Police Chief Adam Yates worked to review the ordinances and supported Frankenhoff’s efforts.

Frankenhoff also tried working for Uber when that service came to Quincy, but he said those companies take most of the profits.

“It’s similar to what you might find with Lyft and Uber, but it’s gonna be more upscale, pre-scheduled rides just trying to fill a need,” he said. “There’s definitely a need for early morning rides to the airport … Lyft and Uber drivers are not online and working then. So if people pre scheduled with me, I’ll run them to the airport to get to their 6 a.m. flight, catch that early train and things like that.”

Frankenhoff said his fees would be higher than Uber or Lyft and customers can utilize his company’s Facebook page for scheduling make payments through Venmo or Cash App.

“There’s no doubt my fees are roughly be twice what people are paying for Lyft but you’re gonna get a little bit of luxury and reliability and stuff like that, that goes with it,” Frankenhoff said.

During a brief meeting, Aldermen also approved as resolution for Quincy Transit Lines to apply for a $3.612 million Downstate Operating Assistance grant to offset a portion of the service’s operating expenses. This is an annual process the City takes part in.  

In other action, Aldermen:

• Heard the first reading of an ordinance to grant a special use permit for 1002 and 1006 N. 24th for a liquor license in order to operate video gaming terminals.
• Approved a resolution to make amendments to the Blue Cross-Gallagher city employee health insurance plan.
• Supported the appointment of Alderwoman Kelly Mays (R-3rd Ward) to the Animal Control Commission.