Pleasanton Hotels and local transportation

COMPLETE SERVICE and ATTENTION TO YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS have been an integral part of AAA Transportation’s excellence standard since 2001.  We understand that one of the biggest concerns when you travel away from home is finding a quality, safe, and comfortable place to stay.  That’s why we make it our business to know the details of every major hotel in the Tri-Valley and Bay Area.

When you fly into either the Oakland, San Francisco, or San Jose International airports, we assure you luxury and safe passage from the time we pick up your party until we deliver you rested and relaxed to fly back home again. If you are a budget traveler, we have economy cars such as the legendary Toyota Prius at affordable rates.

Pleasanton is in Northern California – a place with small town hospitality but big city possibilities.  You’ll find several ultra-luxurious hotels here:

Hilton Pleasanton at the Club – Impeccable service and Three Diamond accommodations are the hallmarks of this establishment.  Whether your trip is fun or business, you’ll feel like royalty in any of the spacious guest, executive, and accessible rooms with complimentary access to ClubSport, a 24-hour Business Center, high-speed internet, MP3 connectivity, Sweet Dreams bedding, and the Players on-site gourmet restaurant.  AAA Transportation can elegantly transport you to the hilton from San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose airports as well as numerous nearby attractions such as the Livermore wine country and event centers.

Pleasanton Marriott – There’s a reason people find this trendy hotel their favorite “home away from home”.  Close enough to let you indulge yourself in the East Bay wine country while providing high-tech accommodations that keep you connected with friends and businesses.  Designed specifically to create a multi-use area in the lobby, it’s so easy to mix-and-mingle, plug-in, and land that huge business contract.  Upgraded Marriott bedding, completely new bathrooms featuring granite vanities, and spacious work desks with all of the computer/iPod/MP3 connections you could desire.  AAA Limousine and airport transportation will pamper you too as we escort you around downtown Pleasanton or any of the popular attractions in our stretch limos and luxury sedans.

Four Points by Sheraton Pleasanton – From the moment you enter the door, you’ll know you have come to the right place!  Every amenity you can desire is provided from a beautiful garden courtyard to the soothing sounds of waterfalls and fountains heard from your room patio or balcony.  Business and leisure guests alike will appreciate the plasma TV, 32” flat panel television, high speed internet access, and their exclusive “Four Comfort” Beds in every room.  AAA Limousine and airport transportation knows every inch of the beautiful Livermore Wine Country that’s just 20 minutes away.  We also service the nearby Hacienda Business Park and all of the area’s attractions.

You can travel with confidence when you reserve any of AAA Transportation’s sleek Town Cars, Prius’, vans, or limousines.  Excellence is our standard – Complete Satisfaction is our business.  Make your reservations NOW either by calling 866-558-0222, or go online at www.aaa-trans.com. We provide the personal attention you deserve!

AAA Transportation Chauffeurs You in Style and Safety

You are an extremely careful driver who doesn’t take chances on the road.  Why?  You know that your life as well as the lives of everyone you pass is at stake!  Driving requires:

• Constant attention to the activity around you
• Knowledge of road signs and driving laws
• Safe lane changes and passes
• Skillful entrances and exits of the interstates
• A cool head when someone cuts you off
• Quick reflexes

And something that is usually not included in the test for a driver’s license … EXPERIENCE!

AAA Transportation understands the VALUE OF THE LIVES we take in our hands daily!  That’s why we hire only chauffeurs who are the “CREAM OF THE CROP” in California.  Our chauffeurs must not only meet the requirements given above; they must excel in our list of REQUIRED HIGH STANDARDS including:

1. Holds either a Class C or B license, depending on the number of people transported.
   • Class C licenses permit transporting less than ten occupants.  The chauffeur must be at least 25 years of age for insurance eligibility, and possess a clean driving record.
   • A Class B license allows transporting ten or more passengers.  Since this is a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the chauffeur must be a minimum of 25 years old; have a clean driving record; obtain Passenger endorsement; and pass a written, road, and eye test.
2. Maintains a clean safety record while in our employ.  This includes:

• Enrollment in an ongoing random drug testing program
• Extensive training in navigating and understanding the flow of traffic at various times in the Tri-Valley and Bay Area
• Knowledge of the locations and best routes to every attraction, hotel, business, conference center, restaurant, and entertainment facility
• Inspection and maintenance of their vehicle before EACH appointment
• Training to avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, and other driving maneuvers that could jar you

3.   Attends specialized training directed at professionally catering to your needs and preferences.  Attentive customer service and unwavering attention to detail is an UNCOMPROMISED PROMISE we give each customer:

• We pamper you by opening doors and helping you in and out of the vehicle
• We endeavor to keep you dry when it rains by escorting you with an umbrella
• We do the heavy work of loading and unloading luggage and packages
• We track your flight(s) for changes and cancellations so you don’t have to
• We arrive at the pickup point before you do – every time!  Plus, you will never be late for any appointment or departure because we prepare ahead to handle traffic jams or unpleasant weather
• We cater to your special requests, such as obtaining a warm cup of coffee, with a genuine smile.  No request is too small or big!

When your safety and life is at stake … AAA Transportation MAKES NO MISTAKES!  PUT YOUR MIND AT EASE by making your reservations with us.  For your convenience, please call us at 866-558-0222 or visit us online.

Ground transportation service to/from Oakland Airport

Oakland International Airport - Ground Transportation

You and some of your friends or business clients have just arrived at the Oakland International Airport.  Excitement sweeps between you as you anticipate new adventures in an area where you’ve never been before.  You’ve done some research and discovered that the airport sits close to the glistening San Francisco Bay, and serves nine surrounding counties.  For this trip, everyone has voted to visit the Tri-Valley area because of the area’s unspoiled, authentic beauty and the MULTITUDE of activities appealing to everyone, such as:

• Quaint wineries, wine tours, and food/wine tastings
• First-class golf courses scattered around
• Historic downtowns – each with a unique story
• Grand hotels and spas
• Delicious cuisine California style
• Year-round events, concerts, and theatre productions
• Business meetings, conference centers.

All you have to do is get there!  So, what’s the best way to reach the Tri-Valley area?  The airport has several options:

1. Public transportation in the form of Amtrak, bus, or transit is economical, but doesn’t take you to the Tri-Valley hotel with which you have reservations.  Besides the crowds and numerous stops, you’ll still have to find additional transportation to your hotel.
2. Rental cars seem like a good option … until you begin to investigate.  After picking up your luggage, you’ll hop aboard a shuttle to the Rental Car Center about 10 minutes away.  Then, you’ll board another shuttle that carries you to the rental counters.   Oh No! The counters are closed!  Even though the Center is open 24 hours, the rental agencies are not.  If you had only realized the need to make your flight arrangements to arrive at the airport in time to get to the rental counters before closing!
3. Aha! Here’s the PERFECT answer … limousine company service!  AAA Transportation understands your dilemma … you have a lot of fun to pack into your short vacation and you want to get to your hotel, unpack, and UNWIND!

AAA Transportation is YOUR SOLUTION:

1. We have served the Tri-Valley and Bay Area since 2001 – satisfying over 1.4 million individual and business customers.
2. We offer very competitive rates and packages.
3. We conveniently meet you at the airport and drop you off at your hotel’s doorstep, then whisk you straight from the hotel back to Oakland Airport.
4. Our rates make it easy for us to help YOU make the most of your vacation by carrying you to some of the most memorable spots in town.  No need on your part for cumbersome maps, wrong turns, getting lost, or being late!
5. Our limousines, sedans, and taxis are all sleek, late-model vehicles … with some of them hybrid.  Luxury interiors are guaranteed to pamper and delight you.

Even if you have another area in mind, AAA Transportation serves them all:

• Oakland
• San Francisco
• Livermore
• Pleasanton
• Dublin
• San Ramon
• San Jose
• Cupertino
• Berkley
• Napa Valley
• Berkeley

Be sure your trip to California doesn’t include unpleasant surprises.  Make your reservations with us TODAY by calling 1-866- 558-0222 or online at www.aaa-trans.com.

Airport Transportation: When Only the Best Will Do …

San Francisco Airport (SFO)

You and several family members, friends, or employees have finally arrived at San Francisco International Airport after a long, tiring journey.  In fact, you flew during the early morning hours so all of you could find appropriate transportation to the Tri-Valley and Bay Area.  Top priority is to promptly arrive at your destination and begin an important day.  Your destination may be a hotel, a client’s business, a convention center, your own office, or any number of tourist attractions.  BUT … the final destination isn’t the most important thing on your mind … it’s HOW to get there!  You may ask:

• What are my transportation options?
• Is there a direct, non-stop route?
• What is the cost for my group?
• How comfortable will the ride be?

We, at AAA Transportation, have done a little “leg-work” for you.  There are quite a few options available … that is:

• If you don’t mind taking public transportation (buses) with numerous pre-scheduled stops that can drop you off after between 50 minutes to 1 ½ hours.
• Door-to-door and pre-arranged vans that must make frequent stops to meet the needs of the other customers with which you happen to be paired.
• Taxis (are there any economical ones?)
• Limousine companies

You may think that the last option – Limousine companies – would be the most expensive way to travel.  Well, let’s compare “apples to apples” and see if this is true with AAA Transportation.  Suppose your destination is Livermore for 3 people from SFO.  You exclude public transportation because there are too many stops on the way to your drop-off point in Livermore.  The CO$T comparison looks like THI$$:

• Shared-Ride vans will eventually drop you off at your location; but you may stop several times and go several miles out of your way to get there.  Even with this disadvantage, you’ll pay on average between $100 – $111 + gratuity for your party of three.
• Private vans, of course, travel a direct route.  On average, you’ll pay between $136 – $159 + gratuity for your three-some.  Here’s a thought … since most of these vans accommodate up to nine people, you could economize by traveling with more people next time … NOT!
• Another option available from the van companies is an ExecuCar sedan.  The average cost ranges between $130 – $140 + gratuity for up to four people.

AAA Transportation offers “Meet and Greet” luxury Town Car transportation direct to your destination for ONLY $89 + gratuity, with a required $4 toll.  All we ask is that you make a reservation!

AAA Transportation also wants to save everyone’s environment.  So, if you prefer traveling in one of our late-model hybrid Prius’, you’ll save an extra $5 off of our already-low sedan rates!

We have proudly serviced both business and individual clients from the San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), and San Jose International (SJC) airports since 2001.  Any way you compare, we are the MOST economical way to travel.  Make your transportation reservations with our experienced staff NOW by calling 1-866- 558-0222 or online at www.aaa-trans.com.

A World of Adventure at Your Doorstep!

What were your 2010 New Year resolutions?  Did you vow to … lose weight … exercise more … improve relationships … eat healthier … return to school?  How many of these resolutions have you actually begun?  How many have you started and already “fallen off the wagon” so to speak?  We begin a new year with great intentions, but like almost everyone, we soon lose interest and zeal for those changes that require more of us than we are really willing to give.  BUT …

AAA Transportation has a New Year’s resolution that EVERYONE can keep and enjoy!  We call it “A World of Adventure at Your Doorstep”. Why not resolve to learn more about California and the Tri-Valley, Bay Areas?  Whether this is your home or a vacation area you plan to visit, we can insure you will learn about new and exciting places and events, visit those special “hidden treasures” known mostly to locals, enjoy the best concerts and shows California has to offer, and take supreme pleasure in those memorable events like weddings, proms, graduations, business meetings, etc.

We also provide the most luxurious, enjoyable transportation for every location and event … and we supply specials and discounts throughout the year! Let’s look at some of the premier tours and events you won’t want to miss in 2010:

Wine Tour Special – Did you know the lush green hills of California’s wine country contain 400 wineries?  Each new year heralds winery tours with exciting tasting rooms and wine/food pairings.  AAA Transportation knows every gentle curve in the many roads that will have your group engulfed in this “fairy land” for six hours for only $299 (plus gratuity).

Concerts and Theatre – Have you ever experienced a concert at the lush Wente Vineyards?  Eight people can experience the excitement for only $260 (plus gratuity).  Our other low rates will whisk you to any of the historic theatres in the area – The Curran, The Osage, The Orpheum, The Paramount, and The Bankhead.  Sense the music and beauty of Broadway productions, operas, staged plays, and more!

Fine Dining and Live Entertainment – Have you ever tasted the ultimate prime rib at Tommy T’s and then laughed until “your sides split”?  What about “Hot Sizzling Thursday Nights” at the Pleasanton Hilton?  Then there’s Pleasanton’s Main Street Brewery, the annual Harvest Wine Celebration, … and any place your heart desires!

Fun for the Whole Family – Spend quality time together at the Renaissance Faire dressed in your favorite costume, enjoy the little known sport of bocce at Campo di Bocci, experience the annual Dry Bean Festival, the Labor Day Harvest Wine Celebration, and other family fun spots.

Business and Leisure – Who wouldn’t enjoy a day of golf and relaxing spa treatments at The Purple Orchid Inn, The Claremont Club and Spa, or the sublime and refreshing Vintage Estates? Treat your clients and employees to the elegant Palm Event Center, and thrill to world-class golf at Crow Canyon Country Club.  Your clients will thank you!

Once-in-a-Lifetime Events – Why not let professionals handle the intricate details (and associated stress) of your wedding, graduation, prom, special Birthday gala, promotion celebration, family reunion, and that long-awaited cruise to … ?  We know the most rewarding places anywhere around, plus luxuriously carry you there with specials and discounts galore!

Any place you desire to go … AAA Transportation takes you there in style and comfort.  Take advantage of our “Go Green” hybrid sedans and SAVE!  Our fleet of sleek, late-model vehicles economically provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

Hybrid Prius Sedans – Elegant and “GREEN”

AAA Transportation is proud of our efforts to keep Mother Earth “GREEN” and beautiful.  For several years we have included the classy Toyota Prius hybrid (gas-electric) sedan in our fleet of modern, sleek vehicles.  We would like to help you become more familiar with one of the main operating components of the Prius – the battery – to better understand how our hybrids give you the BEST is luxury transportation while also helping the environment.

For many decades, vehicle batteries have contained lead and hydrochloric acid – both of which are highly poisonous substances.  When these batteries reach the end of their usefulness, their disposal becomes the “tricky task” of keeping these caustic materials from leaching into our drinking water, food chain, and surrounding environment.  However, new technology in vehicle batteries is producing new horizons.

The emerging hybrid-electric vehicle market is producing promising results with the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery.  The advantages of this type of battery are:

• Excellent performance
• Long life
• Reliability
• High energy
• Low cost of ownership

How are NiMH batteries made?

Like former batteries, NiMH batteries consist of two electrodes – one positive and one negative.  The positive electrode uses nickel-hydroxide for the cathode, while the negative electrode uses metal hydride for the anode.  A polymer separates the electrodes to prevent shorting.  A potassium hydroxide mixture with a small amount of water forms the electrolyte within the battery cell.  The cell is then sealed and electrically charged to form a 1.2v electrochemical couple.  Individual cells can then be joined in series to produce batteries in various voltage ranges, with 12 volts being the typical arrangement.

What is the Life Span of these “greener” batteries?

Battery life spans are evaluated in terms of complete discharge cycles.  For example, a standard all electric-vehicle battery can be charged and discharged 1,000 times.  This is equivalent to more than 100,000 miles.  However, in hybrid gas-electric vehicles, the battery is never fully charged or discharged.  Instead, these batteries are cycled in shallow discharges hundreds of thousands of times.  This partial charge/discharge operation enables the NiMH battery to last more than 200,000 miles.

What happens when the NiMH batteries eventually lose usefulness?

These environmental friendly batteries are 100-percent recyclable.  AND … because they contain no toxic materials, they are the only rechargeable battery that can be legally disposed of in a landfill.  However, we understand that simply dumping them into a landfill doesn’t make either economically or environmentally sound sense.  The obvious solution is recycling, which most hybrid vehicle manufacturers make available.

AAA Transportation is serious about keeping our planet “GREEN”.  Our eco-friendly hybrid sedans provide businesses and individuals alike with luxurious transportation while reducing our carbon footprint.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

“Green” Limousine Service – AAA Transportation

What is your favorite color?  Red … blue … yellow … orange?  AAA Transportation’s favorite color is “GREEN”.  Why?  We care about keeping our beautiful earth GREEN and life-giving!  We also care about helping you see more “GREEN” with our specials and packages on limousine services, airport pickups, pleasure excursions, business trips, and even keeping your non-emergency medical appointments.

Every time you decide to travel in a group instead of individually, the “GREEN” benefits add up:

1. Transportation expenses greatly decrease per person.  The direct costs for gas, oil, and vehicle operation become shared.
   • Remember the sudden surge in gas prices during 2008?  Even though 2009 gave us a little relief as prices lowered slightly, it seems climbing gas prices is here to stay.  Sharing this cost of transportation with a group helps keep Mother Earth “GREENER” while keeping more “GREEN” in your pocket.
   • Oil is a commodity that “drives” our lives in more ways than transportation … gas, energy, industry, beauty and household products … to name a few.  We must preserve this precious commodity.  A trip to your favorite spot uses the same number of roundtrip miles, gallons of gas, and pints of oil whether you travel alone or with friends.  Going in a group, however, not only splits the automotive costs; it multiplies the benefits gained from the same quantity of products.  The commodities that formerly benefited only one person now profit a group at no extra expense.
   • Other direct expenses of operating a vehicle are also lessened proportionately.  Costs such as batteries, brakes, various fluids, tires, etc., are reduced per person plus produce multiplied benefits as well.
2. Group transportation has another “GREEN” benefit that is normally not considered.  Hidden vehicular costs such as normal wear and tear, maintenance, repairs, parking fees, tags, licenses, and insurance practically disappear for you because these expenses are shared by all of our customers.
3. AAA Transportation keeps our fleet in tip-top condition, thus keeping our prices low:
   • Proper tire inflation consumes less gas and oil, provides the best mileage possible, reduces tire replacements, and eliminates repeated tire repairs.
   • Air filters are routinely changed to enhance vehicle performance and preserve precious energy.
   • Regular oil changes and tune-ups keep our fleet at its best while reducing carbon emissions.  We spend a little “green” in this area to save YOU big “GREEN”:

A.  Getting ultimate mileage from the resources used.

B.  Reduced repair expenses that help us keep prices low for you.

C.  Lower carbon emissions that help your earth.

Whether serving you for business or pleasure, AAA Transportation is on the leading-edge of taking responsibility for our planet and providing “GREEN” for you.  Our fleet of sleek hybrid vehicles, limousines, sedans, and vans provides eco-friendly transportation for ALL of your needs.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

Ring In the New Year with Laughter and Great Food!

The Holidays continue in style at Tommy T’s Comedy Steakhouse in Pleasanton.  Tommy T’s combines both delectable dishes and nightly entertainment into evenings of comedy that keep you laughing all through the week!

Andrew Norelli will “keep the house roaring with laughter” on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 29 and 30, at 7:30 PM each night.

Voted “Most Likely to Become a Comedian” in high school, Andrew’s act was influenced by the upbeat, original style of the famous San Francisco comedy scene. After moving to Los Angeles, Andrew worked top spots including The Icehouse, The Improv, and The Comedy and Magic Club where he opened for Jay Leno.  Since then, Andrew has shared the stage with many big names in the business– Garry Shandling, Kevin Nealon, Bob Saget, Joe Rogan, Roseanne Barr, George Lopez, Louie C.K., Dave Attell, Dave Chapelle, Robin Williams … and more.

Andrew has also appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, Comics Unleashed, Entertainment Studios with Byron Allen, and NBC’s Last Comic Driving.  Andrew wrote 131 episodes for the TV show, Comics Unleashed. You can still catch many of his jokes on re-runs of this nationally syndicated program.  After appearing at the prestigious Montreal Comedy Festival, Andrew’s performance was praised in “The Hollywood Reporter” and “Time Out New York”.

Andrew draws from his previous experience in a sales job to write part of his routine.  Understanding the confusing realities of the corporate world, spreadsheets, and quotas brings an unusual twist of reality to his side-splitting humor.  In addition, Andrew often collects facts and trivia from his clients before the show and blends them into the act with outstanding improv skills.  Therefore, each show is fresh, unique, and highly entertaining.

Andrew also enjoys bookings in which he delivers his “laugh-out-loud” speech titled “I’m So Sick of Yoga”.  Here, he explores a successful career through the importance and challenges of maintaining physical and mental health.

Tommy T’s delivers great food and memorable entertainment seven days a week.

• Catch their “Early Bird Prime Rib Special” one hour before each show.
• Enjoy “Taco Tuesdays”.
• Sign up to appear in “Open Mic” shows every Monday.
• You’ll find a taste for everyone!  Delightful dishes include appetizers; main courses of steak, fish, chicken, and pasta; sandwiches and salads; and scrumptious desserts.

AAA Transportation has been successfully serving both individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Areas since 2001.  Whether you need airport transportation, luxury limousine service, late-model sedan service, or van transportation for your group – we provide prompt, courteous, on-time relaxation and fun.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction every time.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.

Saving the Earth with “Green” Transportation

While there has been much debate about the reality of global warming, everyone agrees that we need to “take care” of this planet on which we live so that it will continue to be a clean, safe, healthy place in which to raise our families.

“Global warming” refers to the increased average temperature of the air and oceans near earth’s surface that could have future dangerous results.  Our “carbon footprint” refers to the level of greenhouse gases emitted from various human activities that raise or lower our near-surface temperatures.  While many greenhouse gases are being studied, carbon dioxide emitted from vehicles using petroleum-based fuels has been named as a major cause of unsafe global warming.

The solution seems obvious – manufacture efficient, cost-effective vehicles with reduced carbon dioxide emissions.   A two-fold approach holds promise for some encouraging results.

1. Biofuels recently appeared on the market promising not only to reduce carbon emissions, but to reduce our dependence on oil.  Biofuels are derived from the sugar fermentation of plant materials such as wheat, corn, beets, sugar cane, and molasses.  Ethanol is now the most common biofuel worldwide.  Biodiesel fuel is ethanol’s “sister” so to speak, being used as an additive to diesel fuel.
2. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV’s) are one of the other options manufacturers are taking to reduce harmful emissions.  These vehicles make a gradual transition to less harmful vehicles possible.

Simply put, a hybrid electric vehicle combines the conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system (power train).  Several types of HEV’s exist and provide these advantages:

• Some HEV’s use their internal combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning an electrical generator.  The generator then can either recharge the vehicle’s various batteries or directly power the electric drive motors.
• Other HEV’s reduce idle emissions by shutting down the internal combustion engine while the vehicle is idling, then restarting it when needed.
• Modern HEV’s often use smaller internal combustion engines, thereby automatically reducing carbon emissions.  The electric power train is then used to supply the additional needed power boost.
• Technologies such as “regenerative braking” slow the vehicle by converting the vehicle’s kinetic energy (extra energy present due to the vehicle’s forward motion alone) into electric energy that replenishes batteries instead of being wasted as heat energy.
• HEV’s provide the opportunity for software to be introduced that adjusts the balance between greater fuel efficiency and added power.  In the future, HEV owners may be able to partially control this balance as they wish.

AAA Transportation is on the leading-edge of taking responsibility for our planet.  We have been using hybrid vehicles to successfully serve both individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Areas since 2001.  Our fleet of sleek, late-model limousines, sedans, and vans provides luxury transportation for ALL of your personal and corporate events.  With excellence as our standard, you are guaranteed complete satisfaction.  Make your reservations TODAY either online or by calling 866-558-0222.