Rare Transportation
Rare Transportation is a jitney service which began operating a Lakeview Shuttle to bring people to the Lakeview District from other parts of the Birmingham area, specifically the U.S. Highway 280 corridor as far as Chelsea.
The 25-passenger buses are equipped with bottled water, flat-screen televisions, and security cameras. The business was founded by Keith McClendon, who owns the Rare Martini restaurant and lounge in Lakeview. In addition to weekend evening shuttles, the business offers limousine services for parties and corporate events.
The shuttle operates from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. Passengers reserving seats in advance could be picked at various apartment communities along 280 and returned to their homes afterward. In January 2009 Birmingham City Councilwoman Carol Duncan announced that because it was not operating on a fixed route, the company was violating its jitney license.
The Council's transportation and communication committee subsequently drafter a measure creating a new licensing category for "limousine luxury buses". If approved, McClendon would need to apply for a new license for his business.
References
- Jasen, Ana (November 28, 2008) "Avoid Driving Drunk: Lakeview Shuttle". ABC3340.com
- Ray, Tiffany (January 3, 2009) "Lakeview Shuttle's routes hit road bump with Birmingham." The Birmingham News
- Ray, Tiffany (January 28, 2009) "Limousine luxury bus service OK'd." The Birmingham News
External links
- Rare Transportation website
- Lakeview Shuttle page at theraremartini.com