Demand from oil and gas executives prompts Fort St. John limo company to expand

After a successful first year, the owner of a Fort St. John limousine service wants to expand his service to meet the needs of business travellers working in the region's oil and gas industries.

"We are getting an increasing amount of calls for people from out of town — Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto — flying into town wanting to book an executive car," said Joe Catton, who opened Luxx Limousines in March 2015.

Catton's company is currently one limousine, marketed for use at traditional events like weddings and prom.

However, he's found there is a lot of demand from business travelers who want chauffeured service to remote work sites or neighbouring cities — including some asking for rides to Prince George, nearly five hours away.

"We had two of those last week... [they wanted] pickup at the airport, drive them to Prince George, take care of their needs in Prince George so they can fly out and continue on with their business," he said.

To be allowed to do this, Catton has to apply to the Passenger Transportation Board which manages commercial transportation licences in British Columbia.

Catton is asking for an expanded service area, as well as for licences to add two luxury cars to his fleet. He believes he's discovered an untapped market in B.C.'s northeast.

"The Fort St. John airport is very busy, you know? I flew in this summer and that's all I could picture ... there's a total need."

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