A Brief History of the Chauffeur
We like to think that we at the Franklin Chauffeur are the best at what we do, particularly in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and surrounding communities. We take pride in our work and acknowledge the deep history behind our business. For example, why do we still use the word “Chauffeur”?
The literal translation is a French term for “stoker”. Similar to the ships and railways of the day, the earliest cars were steam-powered. Before the advent of the ignition, the chauffeur, or stoker, would prime the hot tubes at the beginning of the journey and then the natural function of the engine would keep the tubes at the correct temperature.
The French applied the term “chauffeur” to any skilled automobilist in the late 19th century. Americans adopted the term as opposed to the English “driver” because most of the good quality cars were imported from France.
Our service may not heat our vehicles in the same 19th-century fashion, but we do maintain the same standards. The Franklin Chauffeur, LLC, will not only ensure your arrival to and from your destination, but will do so stylishly, comfortably, and luxuriously.
Benjamin Franklin Rigney, AKA “Mr. Franklin,” knew what it meant to think big. Mr. Franklin was born the eleventh child of seventeen children in Mt. Washington, Baltimore City, Maryland. He noticed the high demand for private sedan service in Hunt Valley, MD, and went on to found the Franklin Chauffeur in 2000. For over ten years, he worked alone, even helping others establish their own car services. In 2010, his oldest daughter and son-in-law joined the Franklin Chauffeur full time, and the team has continued to grow ever since.
Mr. Franklin passed in October of 2011, and now the Franklin Chauffeur is ran by his daughter, Linda Lee Rigney Jones.
Comfortable, Stylish, Dependable Service
Mr. Franklin’s humble chauffeur business has since extended its services from Hunt Valley to the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area and surrounding communities. The Franklin Chauffeur’s friendly, highly trained chauffeurs strive for exceptional customer service in all we do.
We specialize in corporate travel, servicing to all major airports, train stations, and the Port of Baltimore. Our services extend to special events such as weddings, proms, or even a special night out on the town.
We hire highly qualified, exceptional chauffeurs with an in-depth knowledge of the region. Customer service is the key to our business here at the Franklin Chauffeur, LLC, and our chauffeurs work hard to provide the finest experience possible.
OUR SERVICES
Corporate Travel
The Franklin Chauffeur, LLC can transport you, your boss, your employees, your vendors, or your clients in comfort and style. We understand you as a business traveler, and that your business requires the utmost quality and exceptional service. Our highly dependable chauffeurs ensure a prompt, dependable, and courteous service. Your business conversations will be kept confidential as you travel in one of our Lincoln MKT Towncars or our Chevrolet Suburbans.
Weddings
While choosing a venue and tasting cakes, book your reservation with the Franklin Chauffeur, LLC to guarantee that every aspect of your wedding is planned to perfection. For more than 15 years, we have provided exceptional wedding chauffeur service to the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan areas and surrounding communities. We can transport you to and from the church, reception, photography session, and any other scheduled destination with safety and style.
The Franklin Chauffeur knows just how to make your day exceptional. Each vehicle has leather seats, some with seat warmers, and we provide bottled water for all of our clients. Choose from one of our black Lincoln MKT Towncars or Chevrolet Suburbans to transport you and your wedding party stylishly and professionally.
Proms
Prom is a night to remember for your high schooler, and the Franklin Chauffeur, LLC knows just how important it is to make sure your child has a safe and fun evening. We have become a member of the Baltimore County Department of Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Prom Promise Program by signing the “Safe & Sober Transportation Company Pledge”. All participants are listed in the “Safe & Sober Prom Pledge 2016 Handbook” and can be viewed here.
We offer a range of prom chauffeur packages starting at just $300. Our packages include A Prom Promise Contract, Clean/”Well Kept” Sedans or SUV’s with a professionally dressed chauffeur, bottled water, and gratuity included.
Special Events
When heading out to that special event you’ve planned with family or friends, consider the luxury of a chauffeured car to get you there safely and stylishly. You won’t have to worry about driving separate vehicles, safety issues, or parking when one of our professional chauffeurs drops you off right where you need to be. Our chauffeurs can also wait for your party all day or evening, taking you to multiple locations.
A Night Out
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening for two or a celebration for many, The Franklin Chauffeur, LLC can get you there in style. The Lincoln MKT Towncar holds a maximum of three passengers, while the Chevrolet Suburban can hold a maximum of six or seven passengers.
When you head out for that special evening, the last thing you want to do is worry about navigating, parking, or even driving at all. Our professional chauffeurs are knowledgeable of the areas that they drive and can get you anywhere with ease.
Our Fleet
At the Franklin Chauffeur, our fleet reflects our exceptional quality and service that we strive to provide on each and every trip. We keep our cars immaculately clean, to ensure that you can travel in the utmost comfort and style.
Luxury Sedan Chauffeur Service
If you’re looking for luxurious sedan chauffeur service, choose our Lincoln MKT Towncar. This sleek and sophisticated sedan can transport up to 3 passengers. With leather seats and an array of luxurious refinements, the Lincoln MKT Towncar is sure to make your journey a relaxing, comfortable experience.
Luxury SUV Chauffeur Service
If you’re party is on the larger side, we offer luxury SUV chauffeur service with our Chevrolet Suburban. This SUV comes equipped with leather seats and ample legroom to make a ride in our Suburban an excellent choice for style and comfort.
AIRPORTS, TRAINS & CRUISE TERMINALS
We service the following areas:
(BWI) Baltimore-Washington International/Thurgood Marshall Airport
BWI Signature Airport
(IAD) Dulles International Airport
(MTN) Martin State Airport
(PHL) Philadelphia International Airport
(DCA) Ronald Reagan National Airport
(BAL) Baltimore Penn Station
(BWI) BWI Amtrak Station
Port of Baltimore
With the rising costs of airport parking, navigating a crowded parking lot, waiting for shuttles, and all of the other struggles of airport travel, driving oneself there is a struggle. Avoid all of this with our competent and professional service. Our chauffeur will drop you off at your requested airline with enough time to find your gate and prepare for your travel completely stress-free.
Our chauffeurs will keep in contact with you while you’re in the process of exiting the plane and gathering luggage. We also offer a meet and greet service at baggage claim areas for all passengers, if requested. We offer similar services at train stations as well, such as Baltimore Penn Station.
You may be taking your dream cruise starting at the Port of Baltimore. While many of the affiliated cruise lines can take you to the Bahamas, Bermuda, or other exotic location, the Franklin Chauffeur can get you to the Port of Baltimore in style. Start your trip off right with us.
The Franklin Chauffeur, LLC is a member of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland, with an A+ Rating. Our business goal is to provide transportation with the highest ethical standards. We are a current Angie’s List Member and have earned the “Super Service Award” for 2013, 2014, and 2015. We are also a member of the Maryland Limousine Association
LET THE FRANKLIN CHAUFFEUR, LLC TAKE YOU THERE
Here at the Franklin, Chauffeur, LLC customer service is at the heart of all that we do. When you book a trip with us, you will be provided with the finest travel experience offered in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan and surrounding areas. Whether you’re in need of corporate, wedding, prom, event travel or even just a night out on the town, The Franklin Chauffeur has the most luxurious, professional, and stylish service to offer.
Click here to request a service, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!
Make a reservation today by calling 410.841.8400, sending a text to 410.841.8400 (if you are a current client), or by emailing reservations@thefranklinchauffeur.com.