6 Reasons to Hire a Designated Driver
If you have holiday parties, celebrations with friends and family, and, of course, that New Year’s Eve bash planned this year, read on for six reasons to hire a designated driver when you go out on the town. Shuttle Express is Seattle’s best choice, with a vehicle and service to match your event. Shuttle Express drives so you don’t have to!
Reason #1: Celebrate safely, with no worries about driving impaired.
This is the number one reason to celebrate responsibly and leave the driving to someone else. According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, driving drunk or high is the most common factor in deadly and serious traffic accidents in Washington state. Don’t take a chance – stay safe and stay out of the driver’s seat.
Reason #2: Hiring a service is affordable.
Compared with the cost of a conviction for driving under the influence, professional transportation is a bargain. A DUI is expensive: legal fines, attorney fees, lost wages and dramatically higher insurance rates, for example. Consider sharing the cost of a professional service among your group to keep costs low.
Reason #3: Everyone can relax and have fun.
When you hire a professional Seattle town car or coach service, everyone can join the party and no one’s left out. You could convince one of your friends to drive, but that plan can easily fail if they back out or decide to imbibe mid-party. With a professional service like Shuttle Express, everyone can celebrate with an adult beverage or two without risking a DUI or an accident.
Reason #4: Your group is traveling together!
With a guest-friendly option like Shuttle Express that offers door-to-door service, you and your friends can all travel together instead of taking separate vehicles. Arrange for one pick up or several, whatever works for your group and keeps everyone safe. And, choose the vehicle size that fits the number of guests in your group and the event – we’ve got town cars, SUVs, luxury vans, mini coaches and coach buses. Bonus: start the party when you get on board!
Reason #5: Someone else is dealing with traffic.
Hiring a professional transportation service means you aren’t worrying about traffic – instead, you’re relaxing with your friends because Shuttle Express is driving.
Reason #6: Parking is not your problem.
Nothing ruins an evening faster than circling the block searching for a parking spot, finding one six blocks away, and hoofing it (in the rain) to the event or party. Hire a driver and skip that problem – Shuttle Express drops you off and picks you up at the door.
Why is Shuttle Express better than a taxi or other car-for-hire options?
Shuttle Express is safe, reliable, and affordable. Our chauffeurs are hand-picked and drug-tested, background checked, and professionally trained for your safety and peace of mind. Yes, we know each one of our chauffeurs! And, we are fully-insured and comply with all laws and regulations. No cutting corners or skirting the rules.
Make your night out or celebration completely stress-free — leave the driving to us.
- Choose the right vehicle for your group – town car, SUV, limo, luxury van, mini coach or coach bus. We have it all!
- Book and track your car service on our new APP, quickly and easily.
- Relax — we get you to your event or party and back home again, safely and worry-free.
Let Shuttle Express take care of the driving, traffic, and parking hassles so you can enjoy your celebration. Reach us at sales@shuttleexpress.net or call 425-981-7096.
Cheers!
15 Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Do what’s hard when it’s easy! That’s great advice as we head into the cold, wet months — take care of basic maintenance and preparations for your car now, before winter hits. Here at Shuttle Express, we’re always prepared and have a plan to get our guests where they need to be, to Sea-Tac Airport or anywhere, even in nasty weather.
If you need some advice to get started, here are 15 things to do to prep your vehicle for winter from the experts at AAA, Department of Homeland Security, How Stuff Works, and the National Safety Council. While some of these may sound obvious, if you’re not reminded, they may not get done. So, check these out, and you’ll be ready before the first snow flake flies!
1. Swap out your tires for winter tires with an adequate tread if your climate is particularly snowy or icy.
2. Make sure to properly inflate your tires, and never mix radials with other types.
3. Replace your regular wiper blades with a pair designed to handle snow and ice.
4. Buy windshield wiper fluid specifically made for freezing weather, and make sure your windshield fluid is always filled.
5. Check to see that your front and rear lights, and flashing hazard lights work.
6. Remember to keep your fuel tank full, don’t risk letting it get too empty. You may need a full tank if you’re stranded, need to evacuate the area, or fuel delivery near you is compromised.
7. Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in the car.
8. Pack an extra mobile phone charger so you always have it in your vehicle.
9. Program important phone numbers in your phone (vehicle services, insurance agent, someone to call in case you need help).
10. Pack hats, gloves, and blankets.
11. Pack non-perishable food that will make it through the season, such as packaged energy bars, canned nuts, dried fruits and hard candy.
12. Keep a couple of gallons of bottled water in your car.
13. Wash and wax your vehicle now before it’s subjected to salted roadways during ice and snow storms; this helps prevent corrosion.
14. Here are more items to keep in your emergency kit: shovel, bag of sand or cat litter for traction, basic tool kit, flashlight and batteries, matches in a waterproof container, and reflective triangles or flares.
15. Have a well-stocked first aid kit in your car at all times (not just during winter!).
Need a ride?
If the weather outside is frightful and you’d rather someone else drive, take Shuttle Express! Our professional, friendly drivers and chauffeurs have been at the wheel driving through good weather and bad for 30 years, getting our guests safely to their destinations. We’re best known for our iconic Sea-Tac Airport van service, but we do it all—luxury cars, large and small coaches, and private vans.
Remember, when ice and snow are in the forecast, we get busy! So book your ride early at shuttleexpress.com or on our new app. Want to talk to someone? Call us at 425-981-7000. Stay safe this winter!
4 Reasons to Choose Shuttle Express Town Car Service
Private town car service in Seattle is more than a luxury these days, with drivers facing massive traffic congestion and meager parking options most of the time. Wasting hours sitting behind the wheel is frustrating and expensive.
Hiring a private car service is one popular solution. Consumers have many options – a quick search online gives dozens of town car companies. Before tapping the app of the newest or biggest service in town, though, consider why booking car service with Shuttle Express may be your smartest move.
More Than Shuttles
What began as a handful of Seattle airport shuttles in 1987 has grown into a full-service transportation company with vans, coaches, and an expansive fleet of luxury cars, SUVs, and limos with service to anywhere in the region.
Here are four reasons to consider Shuttle Express town car service for your next trip:
1. Safe Ride
When you step into a Shuttle Express town car or SUV, you know you’re safe and secure. Their chauffeurs are hand-picked after undergoing a rigorous selection process – they only work with trained and experienced professionals. For your safety and protection, all chauffeurs are:
- Background checked
- Drug tested
- Fully insured
2. High Level of Guest Service
Your chauffeur arrives on time and gets you safely to your destination. Going to the airport? Your chauffeur will carry your luggage, and Shuttle Express will track your flight on your return trip.
Every car is clean and well-maintained for your comfort and safety.
Rates are established with no peak pricing, so no surprises or hidden costs.
3. Licensed and Legal
Shuttle Express town cars and SUVs are legally licensed and comply with all state and federal laws and regulations
4. Easy to Book, App or By Phone
The Shuttle Express app is easy to use and allows you to book your ride in seconds. It’s simple to download and gives you important info when you need it:
- Details about your booking
- Time your driver will arrive
- Fare
- Driver’s name and vehicle license number
Want to talk to a real person? Call and book with a helpful Shuttle Express agent, who will book your ride and answer any questions
Need a Ride?
If you need safe, reliable, comfortable car service to Sea-Tac Airport or anywhere in the region, book Shuttle Express town Car Service. They’ll take care of the driving, traffic, and parking hassles so you can relax. Download the app, book online, or book by phone at 425-981-7000.
Stay Safe, Seattle!
Keeping our guests safe is an all-important goal here at Shuttle Express. Safety is our number one core value, and we’re committed to safety measures and habits that ensure our passengers are taken care of, comfortable, and secure while in our care. But we want all drivers in our community to be accident-free, so check out these reminders about how to drive safely.
Put Your Phone Away
Distracted driving is a problem—putting on your mascara, eating lunch, and yes, talking or texting on your cell phone all counts as “distracted.” According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, a driver who is texting is just as impaired as a driver with a .16 blood-alcohol level. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission’s Target Zero group has more alarming stats:
- Fatalities from distracted driving in Washington increased 32% from 2014 to 2015
- 71% of distracted drivers engage in cell phone use while driving
- One in four crashes involves cell phone use just before the accident
The new distracted driving law, called “Driving Under the Influence of Electronics (E-DUI),” went into effect in July, 2017. If you’re not clear on what it means, here are the details:
- It’s illegal for Washington State drivers to use hand-held cell phones, or any electronic device, while driving.
- Tickets for distracted driving will go on your driving record and will be reported to your insurance company. The first E-DUI costs $136, the second within five years will run you $234.
- You cannot use a hand-held device even when stopped in traffic or at a traffic light.
- No typing messages or accessing information, using cameras, or watching videos.
Don’t Drive Impaired
Driving drunk or high is a common factor in deadly and serious traffic accidents in Washington State.
Never take a chance. If you want to celebrate, plan ahead, and plan your ride. If you’re going out with a group of friends, choose a designated driver. Or, hire a reliable, safe, professional service like Shuttle Express:
- Shuttle Express Black Car Service is available any time for comfortable, reliable town car, SUV, and limo service for any event.
- Our professional chauffeurs are drug tested, fully insured, and discreet for your safety and peace of mind.
- For mid- to large-sized groups, book a 10-passenger van, mini or motor coach.
Drive Smart, Practice the Basics
Our drivers and chauffeurs are trained professionals who undergo intensive and ongoing refresher courses and training. It’s one of our foundational rules: always drive defensively. Here are the top three recommendations from our driver training supervisor – make these techniques your habits:
- Keep your distance. Leave a minimum of three seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Don’t speed. Be patient and obey speed limits, especially in urban areas.
- Look for approaching traffic at every intersection and never assume others will yield.
Safest Transportation Service in Seattle
Skip traffic and let Shuttle Express do the driving! We drive you anywhere with friendly, safe transportation you can trust. Shuttle Express has it all—town cars, SUVs, limos, vans, plus coaches for group transportation. Our professional, friendly drivers make sure you arrive safely and on time, to the airport or anywhere. Book online at shuttleexpress.com or download our new app for quick, easy booking.
Stay safe out there!
4 Dangerous Washington Hikes
It’s not too late for an invigorating trek through a few of Washington’s more challenging hiking spots! Check out MyNorthwest’s top four dangerous hikes and the best way to get there (hint: Shuttle Express drives anywhere, getting you and your group there safely and stress-free, no danger involved).
From rain forests to mountains to lakes, rivers and grassy meadows, it’s no wonder Washington is a hiker’s paradise. In fact, according to Washington Trail Association’s hiking guide, the state is home to nearly 3,400 trails, any of which might offer some fresh air, spectacular scenery and a good day’s exercise.
If you’re looking for a little more than a walk in the park, the state is home to several hikes waiting to challenge the adventure junkie. These four trails will have your heart pumping — both from exertion and adrenaline.
Muir Snowfield, Mt. Rainier National Park
If you’ve always wanted to tackle Mt. Rainier but haven’t any climbing experience, Muir Snowfield might just satiate your curiosity. Camp Muir — the endpoint of this spectacular hike — is as high as you can go on the mountain without a climbing permit. Beginning at Paradise, this trail is 8 miles round trip, but don’t plan on making quick progress. Until August, the trail is generally covered in snow, and with an elevation gain of nearly 5,000 feet, you’ll be huffing and puffing by the time you reach the camp. Save some energy for the last 250 vertical feet, which Washington Trail Association calls “interminable, even for strong climbers.”
Lake Constance, Olympic National Park
If you’re an avid hiker, you’re no doubt familiar with Olympic National Park, home to some of the region’s most beautiful trails. Widely known as the hardest and steepest hike in the park, the Lake Constance Route offers no mercy to novice hikers. A 5-mile hike with an elevation gain of nearly 3,500 feet, the trail can be very steep at times. Hikers will enjoy beautiful views of Constance Creek, Lake Constance, waterfalls and mountains and is best used from June to October.
Granite Mountain, Snoqualmie Pass
No one ever plans to wind up in a mountain avalanche, but if you’re traversing Granite Mountain, you’d best be prepared. In fact, Washington Trail Association recommends hikers have experience with travel in avalanche terrain before attempting the trail, which runs 8.6 miles round trip and gains 3,800 feet – nearly 1,000 feet per mile. Hikers will navigate large boulders and rocky hillside as they climb higher on the trail. Those who reach the summit will be richly rewarded with spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, Kaleetan Peak and Crystal Lake.
Mailbox Peak, Snoqualmie Region
Yes, there’s a mailbox at the summit. No, it’s not easy to get to. Historically, Mailbox Peak was a hike for ultradaring (and possibly masochistic), hikers, but after massive erosion and countless injuries, the trail was rebuilt — though not for the novice. Gaining 4,000 feet in less than 5 miles (the hike is 9.4 miles round trip), you’ll huff and puff your way through nearly 4 miles of steep switchbacks. To get to the summit, you’ll traverse 960 vertical feet in only a half mile, making that mailbox a welcome sight.
Getting there
With hiking the state’s unofficial favorite pastime, you can count on these heart-pumping trails to be busy during the summer and early fall months. Parking spots can be scarce, so beat the road traffic and get on the trail as soon as possible with Shuttle Express service. With casual van service for up to 10 hikers plus gear, coach service for groups of 14 to 55 and even overnight service for weekend hikes, you can relax and enjoy your outdoor experience without worrying about traffic, parking and leaving your car. For more information, visit www.shuttleexpress.com.
Celebrate Safely, Washington: Plan Ahead, Plan Your Ride!
Shuttle Express is proud to join forces with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) as part of its Target Zero plan to end highway deaths and serious injuries. The goal? Zero deaths and injuries caused by impaired drivers by the year 2030, because even one is too many.
Drunk, Drugs or High, It’s a DUI
Driving drunk or high is the most common factor in deadly and serious traffic accidents in Washington State, according to the WTSC:
- 25% of drivers in fatal crashes from 2012 to 2014 were drug positive.
- 19% were impaired by alcohol.
- 8% of drivers were both impaired by alcohol and drugs.
Because of our commitment to safety and serving our community, Shuttle Express is helping get the word out to “plan ahead, plan your ride” in a special Labor Day promotional campaign aimed at keeping drunk or high drivers off the roads.
How to Celebrate Safely
A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) can be incredibly costly—add up legal fines, attorney fees, lost work wages because you’re sitting in jail, skyrocketing insurance costs and license issues, not to mention the emotional distress, and you owe a lot of money for that one poor decision.
The best way to celebrate safely? Plan ahead, and plan your ride. If you’re going out with a group of friends, determine who will stay 100% sober and hand over the keys. This could backfire if your designated driver backs out of the deal and indulges, so the safest route is to rely on a professional service:
- Shuttle Express Black Car Service is available any time for comfortable, reliable sedan, SUV, and limo service for any event.
- Our professional chauffeurs are drug tested, fully insured, and discreet for your safety and peace of mind.
- For mid- to large-sized groups, book a 10-passenger van, mini or motor coach.
Shuttle Express is Driving
Make your night out or celebration completely stress-free—leave the driving to us.
- Book and track your car service on our new APP, quickly and easily.
- We get you to your event or party and back home again, safely and worry-free.
- Shuttle Express offers black car/limousine service and private charters whenever you and your friends want to kick back and enjoy yourself without worrying about driving after indulging.
Let Shuttle Express take care of the driving, traffic, and parking hassles! Reach us at our Shuttle Express sales office or call 425-981-7000.
Cheers!
Who’s Driving? 6 Tips for Safe, Fun Prom Transportation
Prom night means rolling out the red carpet, celebrating with friends and creating life-long memories–you don’t want to worry about who’s driving. The transportation coordinators at Shuttle Express put together a short list of important things to look for when booking your prom limo, luxury car, or group coach. Yes, Shuttle Express has luxury vehicles! We offer a full fleet of luxury limos, black cars, and coaches to choose from, and it’s not too late to book the perfect ride for your special night.
- Choose a reputable company.
Make sure the company is registered, licensed with the state, and has the proper insurance. Shuttle Express is fully registered and licensed, insured with five times the amount required by law, and compliant in all areas of safety. - Know your chauffeur is checked out. Choose a company that hires chauffeurs with proper training and licensing. For example, Shuttle Express does a complete background check on every chauffeur, including drug testing, so you can trust our chauffeurs are trained and fit to drive.
- Get the vehicle you want.
Ensure the vehicle you choose has the space and features you want, preferably with one or two extra seats. Do not exceed the max capacity, because that quickly gets uncomfortable. If you have a large group, check out our larger coaches that seat up to 55 of your closest friends! Economical, comfortable, and fun. - Get the total price, including extras.
Ask if a fuel surcharge, service fees, and gratuity are included, or are you getting the base price before all the add-ons. Ask what happens if you go over your reserved time so you aren’t shocked when you see the final bill on your credit card statement. - Set some ground rules.
Parents, you have the right to tell the chauffeured transportation company what will and will not be tolerated in the vehicle. For example:- Ask that the chauffeur keep the privacy screen down.
- Make sure the kids know that alcohol and drugs are strictly forbidden on board the vehicle.
- Give the transportation company a curfew.
- Extend the night.
Don’t forget that there almost always is a post-prom party or event. Remember to book the transportation for a few extra hours to ensure time to enjoy all the events before getting safely home.
Shopping for prom transportation in the Greater Seattle area? Shuttle Express has everything from luxury limos to large coaches, chauffeured by professional, background-checked, and drug-tested drivers. Reach us at sales@shuttleexpress.net.
10 Tips for Safe, Fun Prom Transportation
Prom night memories last a lifetime, so take some extra time to choose a safe, reputable transportation provider like Shuttle Express. Parents, we make safety number one so you can rest assured your kids are in a professional, safe, insured vehicle when they leave your sight!
Here are 10 tips to keep in mind when you and your teen are shopping for prom transportation, some from the National Limo Association, with a few more from the experienced event sales team here at Shuttle Express.
- Be safe.
Make sure the company is registered, licensed with the state, and has the proper insurance. Shuttle Express is fully registered and licensed, insured with five times the amount required by law, and compliant in all areas of safety. We also have Drive-Cam units in every vehicle that ensure the safety of the guests and driver. Our efforts are worth it–our guests enjoy safe rides, and we have earned the top safety award in our national insurance group for six years running! - Get the vehicle you want!
Ensure the vehicle you choose has the space and features you want, preferably with one or two extra seats. Do not exceed the max capacity, because that will mean an uncomfortable night. If you have a large group, check out our larger “party” coach that seats 12-15 friends! Economical, comfortable, and fun. - Get the total price.
Compare apples to apples so you aren’t surprised when you get the final bill. Ask if a fuel surcharge, service fees, and gratuity are included, or are they telling you just the base price. Our Shuttle Express sales team will make sure you have all the facts. - Ask about extras.
Do you want ice and soft drinks, a preferred route, or additional stops? We’ll give you all the options, then we will help you decide on the details. - Set some ground rules.
Parents, you have the right to tell the chauffeured transportation company what will and will not be tolerated in the vehicle. For example, you can ask that the chauffeur keep the privacy screen down for the entire ride. If any of your rules are broken, the chauffeur can turn the car around and bring your kids home. - Give the transportation company a curfew.
That’s right, the chauffeur will abide by any rules you set, and will make sure to pick up and drop off your kids at a designated hour. This is a great way to ensure your kids make it home on time–no excuses. - Tell your kids to forget about bringing alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs on board the vehicle.
They will end up missing their own prom! Shuttle Express does not allow any alcohol in vehicles with minor guests who are not accompanied by adults. - Allow time to take lots of photographs.
You’re definitely going want some photos, so plan for everyone to meet at one location. Make sure the transportation company and the chauffeur have the address and directions. This will eliminate wasting time that can be used for taking pictures and having fun. Ask the chauffeur to position the vehicle to be a part of your teen’s pictures. - Extend the night.
Don’t forget that there almost always is a post-prom party. Remember to book the transportation for a few extra hours to ensure your teen has time to enjoy all the events. - Remember to sit back and relax.
A reputable company like Shuttle Express hires chauffeurs with proper training and licensing. These chauffeurs are used to transporting excited passengers all day long, so they know how to keep things under control. So, relax!
Kudos to SeaTac Airport for Green Efforts
We at Shuttle Express strive to be a “green” transportation option for our guests, working to reduce our carbon footprint in Seattle. So, when we heard that SeaTac Airport had earned a major accreditation for its environmentally-friendly measures, we wanted to give them a big shout out!
In September, SeaTac Airport was recognized by the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation Program for its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by 8% over three years, officially becoming the first airport in North America to do so. The amount of carbon emissions saved is equivalent to about 50,000 tons of CO2 annually, the same amount produced by 700 single family homes each year. That’s a lot of saved CO2, folks.
To earn this accreditation, SeaTac Airport implemented several major initiatives, including installing 576 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the airport and installing a centralized heating and air conditioning system. SeaTac has ongoing plans to continue to decrease their carbon footprint in the future. To read the full story, check out this Puget Sound Business Journal article.
Speaking of reducing emissions, over the past three years we’ve converted the majority of our van fleet to clean-burning propane, saving an estimated 1,525 metric tons of CO2 each year. Our Share Ride service itself is an environmentally-friendly choice, eliminating an estimated 1 million car trips in and out of SeaTac Airport every year.
Shuttle Express also does its best to stay green in other ways–we recycle more than 600 gallons of oil and 300 gallons of antifreeze each year. In addition, our three-bay wash rack uses recycled water.
So, rest assured your airport and airport transportation are working to keep our environment and our air clean!
-Jana Heinrichs, Sales and Marketing
Safety First with Shuttle Express
Around here, safety really is first. It’s the number one core value at Shuttle Express, and everything we do starts there. We set our standards high, requiring safe drivers, a well-maintained and well-running fleet, and safety-minded employees so that we provide you, our guest, with the best service possible.
Because of our diligence, we’re ranked as one of the safest transportation companies in the nation! Our safety record has earned us the highest national award from our insurance group each of the past six years. Here’s how we’ve earned those awards:
- We maintain an excellent safety record.
- We’ve earned the highest scores possible from both State and Federal Department of Transportation inspections.
- We’ve earned superior grades during comprehensive reviews from our insurance group’s independent consultant.
- We have stringent hiring standards and initial/ongoing training and testing in place, above and beyond mandatory government standards.
Shuttle Express is proud of our outstanding safety and maintenance managers, driver trainers, and all of our attentive, friendly drivers and staff who keep our guests safe.
Thanks for choosing Shuttle Express, and we’ll see you on your next trip!