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What started out as Classic Taxi five years ago has been transformed into one of the most recommended transportation companies in Southwest Florida.

Originally owned by Lester Fogel, there were seven employees, a few Town Cars, and six vans when Ron and Jennifer Doino purchased it from Fogel. They changed the name to Classic Transportation and now have 20 automobiles, including all Town cars, three navigators and one Chrysler 300, six vans that hold 10 to 14 people, and a black limousine that holds seven people. The purchase of a white limo is in the future.

The limousine is a first-class vehicle that includes a bar, television, stereo music, and VCR with seats on two sides facing each other. The Doino’s will also provide snacks and drinks upon request.

“When we purchased the business, there were 10 employees. We now have 36 drivers and three round-the-clock office employees. We are a 24/7 operation,” said Ron Doino.

The Island service has a 10-15 minute turn around time because they call a driver that is in the local area who can pick up a party within that time frame. For airport reservations, it is suggested that people give themselves two-and-one-half hours before the flight departs. The office person on duty checks the airport status on the computer so that their drivers are at the airport on time.

The drivers are dressed in black trousers, white shirts, and ties and hold a red placard in the baggage area that reads “Classic Transportation Welcomes (the party’s name).

Classic Transportation not only covers airports but seaports as well, such as Fort Myers, Miami, Fort Lauderdale daily, back and forth. “But we will go anywhere our customers want to go,” stated Jennifer Doino.

“We provide excellent service to all major airports for private and corporate customers. Our clean, smoke-free vehicles and professional drivers make us the most recommended transportation company in Southwest Florida. We cater to all groups, big and small,” she concluded.

Rates are per party of four. However, each reservation is considered a party. Therefore, if only one or two persons need transportation, they are considered as a one-party price and not per person.

Rates are as follows: Naples to Fort Myers Airport: $60; Naples to Miami Airport: $215; Naples to Port of Miami: $220; Naples to Port Everglades: $220; Marco Island to Naples Airport: $40; Marco Island to Fort Myers Airport: $68; Marco Island to Fort Lauderdale Airport: $220; Marco Island to Miami Airport: $220; Marco Island to Port Everglades: $230; Marco Island to Port of Miami: $230. Prices are all inclusive except for gratuities.

“We will take our customers to Tampa, Coral Springs, Sarasota, Orlando, and just about anywhere they want to go. All they have to do is call us for an estimate, and we will be happy to accommodate them,” said Ron.

To enjoy the comfort of clean, comfortable transportation wherever you wish to go, the Doino’s would like the opportunity to give you the best in transportation accommodations and service.

Classic Transportation is now located at 960 Chalmers Drive, Suite 104. For reservations and information requests, call 239-394-1888, send an email to classictaxi@hotmail.com or visit their Web site at www.classicluxurytransportation.com. For out of town guests, the toll-free number is 1-800-553-8294.