Association Member News

KENSINGTON, MD — Brian Somerman, president of Metro Mobility/Aleph Management Systems, Jenkintown, Pa., was named the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association's 2003 Paratransit & Contracting Operator of the Year on Thursday, October 23, 2003. Mr. Somerman was presented with this honor by TLPA President Gene Hauck and Vice President James Campolongo at TLPA's 85th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Reno, Nevada.

"Thank you for acknowledging me, my family, my wonderful staff and our company, Aleph Management Systems/Metro Mobility as your 2003 Operator of the Year for the Paratransit & Contracting Division," Brian Somerman said upon winning the award. He stresses that the award is not his alone, but belongs to the many people in his organization that contribute to the success of his company.

Brian Somerman entered the transportation business in 1981 when he, his father Sheldon, and his brothers-in-law Richard and Barry took over Yellow Cab of Philadelphia. "I fell head over heels in love with this business when I was 24," Brian says. In subsequent years, his business interests expanded into contracted paratransit and limousine operations beginning with the provision of reduced-fare, shared-ride services funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery in late 1981.

Currently Aleph Management Systems/Metro Mobility has 27 contractual relationships in three states, operating more than 500 vehicles and employing 1,800 people. Brian's companies provide approximately 16,000 round trips per day utilizing wheelchair accessible vans, passenger vans, school buses, ambulettes and airport shuttles.

Brian Somerman is active in TLPA, serving on the Board of Directors and the Paratransit & Contracting Steering Committee. He is a frequent speaker at TLPA meetings and is quick to share his expertise and experience with other operators of accessible vehicles.

"Those of us on the (TLPA) Paratransit Steering Committee are well aware of Brian's devotion and efforts to that committee and to our association," wrote transportation consultant Charles Johnson in his nomination of Mr. Somerman. "He not only attends our meetings and offers helpful input to anyone in need; he also volunteers and brings his staff, who volunteer as well."

Brian Somerman graduated with a degree in accounting and management from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School. After that, he obtained his CPA and went to work for Peat Marwick and Mitchell, the predecessor to KPMG, one of the "Big 8" accounting firms. He was involved with assisting a number of the biggest and best run companies in automating their best practices. He used this experience to help improve the accounting and billing for his own company in Philadelphia with applications in dispatch, cashiering, billing, vehicle maintenance and claims accounting.

Brian and his wife Cindy have three children: Peter, David and Caitlin. Cindy manages the business office for Aleph Management Systems/Metro Mobility. Peter is active in the family business, as is Brian's nephew, Benjamin Oller. Brian is an active participant in community services, specifically the Family Services of Montgomery County, where he does handyman work for the Foster Grandparents Program. He also does home tripping assessments and provides transportation for some charities.

In honor of his dedication and years of service to his community, family, this association and our industry, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association is very proud to recognize Brian Somerman as the TLPA 2003 Paratransit & Contracting Operator of the Year.