Chicago (CBS) — Some industries that were squeezing the initial height of COVID-19 are now struggling to float with a minimum of employees.

I talked about the shortage bus When Ride share driver soon. On Wednesday, CBS2’s Lauren Victory showed us tolls for limousine service.

Thirty years after being a driver, Sami Ayad’s career braked in March 2020. He was fired after the vehicle had dried.

“I needed to make money,” said Ayyad, who joined the ride-sharing service to fill the job gap. “Bad experience, ha!”

Riding the Windy City Rimo roller coaster was also a challenge.

“April is usually in the $ 3 million range for us. We did $ 58,000 in April. [2020]”” Said George Jacobs, owner of Windy City Limousine and Bus. Over 100 vehicles have been idle for several months.

The flow changed when college and professional sports began to revive. Jacobs got a little easier when corporate clients also resumed bookings.

For example, McDonald’s uses buses daily to shuttle employees to and from Westloop.

NS National Limousine Association This spring, a national campaign promoted the safety and privacy of driver services. It was then that the weddings and events were back.

By this summer, limousine companies around the world were seeing a surge in business.

“The phone is also ringing hooks with people who are creative. They didn’t want people to use public transport,” Jacobs said.

It’s a broken business that finally seemed to be fixed. But there is another wrench.

“There are so many potatoes I can put in this bag,” Jacobs said.

It’s his metaphor for a serious shortage of staff that forces him and other limousine companies to turn down the business.

“I’m not surprised. I’m sure many drivers have found other jobs,” said Ayad, who was willing to accept the position of an old driver who returned from Windy City Rimo about two weeks ago. .. “The hint I got earlier is all day long [rideshare].. “

Windy City Limo needs to convert about 100 more car drivers to meet current demand.

The company offers health benefits and 401 (k).More information about open positions You can find it here..