News That Moves

By March Avis Rent a Car will offer Wi-Fi high speed internet service in its cars for a reasonable $10.95. The connection would be via a MOBILE hotspot. Where GPS systems only provide the name and location of points of interest, on-the-road Internet capabilities can be invaluable to those in need of more than directions — email, research, the best restaurants, meeting locations, etc. When traveling with a coworker, one can work as needed while the other drives.

Hertz Rental Car is expanding of their new PlatePass system. After successful launches in Houston and New York, the program will soon include Boston, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. The program allows renters to save time and reduce stress on the road with toll tags that allow for the use of EZ Pass lanes. Customers are charged a daily service fee only for days that an EZ Pass toll road is actually used. After you return your rental, your credit card will be charged the accrued usage fees plus the actual amount of the tolls incurred during the rental period, making expense reports for these fees much easier.

Marriott Properties has announced that they have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 70,000 tons in one year, a reduction of 2% per room. Marriott has distinguished itself as the first hotel company to proactively join the EPA’s Climate Leaders Program. They plan to reduce greenhouse gases by 6% per room by 2010. Finally, Marriott introduced their Retro-Commissioning (MRC) initiative last year to maximize energy in all U.S. hotels.