What specific location is exempt from the requirement to have at least one accessible shuttle vehicle at all Airport Facilities operated by Avis, as per the agreement for Budget?
Budget Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Avis further agrees that, on or before December 31, 2000, the shuttle systems at all Airport Facilities operated by Avis on the Effective Date of this Agreement will each contain at least one accessible shuttle vehicle, regardless of whether an accessible shuttle vehicle is required by the ADA or its implementing regulations. The shuttle system at Miami International Airport shall be exempt from the requirements set forth in this paragraph because a height-restricted tunnel along the shuttle route precludes the use of lift-equipped vehicles.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 80–426)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Budget's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the shuttle system at Miami International Airport is exempt from the requirement to have at least one accessible shuttle vehicle. This exemption is due to a height-restricted tunnel along the shuttle route that prevents the use of lift-equipped vehicles. This exemption was in place as of the effective date of the agreement detailed in the FDD.
For a prospective Budget franchisee, this means that if they were to operate a Budget franchise at Miami International Airport, they would not be required to provide an accessible shuttle vehicle due to the existing infrastructure limitations. This could potentially reduce initial investment costs and ongoing maintenance expenses associated with operating and maintaining such a vehicle.
However, it is important to note that this exemption is specific to the Miami International Airport and is contingent upon the continued existence of the height-restricted tunnel. Any changes to the airport's infrastructure that eliminate this restriction could result in the requirement for Budget to provide an accessible shuttle vehicle in the future. Franchisees should confirm with Budget whether this exemption is still applicable.