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.

Your Holiday Favorite Returns – NUTCRACKER!

Imagine witnessing the innocent, wide eyes of a child as they follow The Sugar Plum Fairy flitting across the stage sprinkling rapturous magic and fairy dust.  At the stroke of Midnight follow the antics of mice, toys come to life, dancing snowflakes, and the special gift given to Clara – a giant Nutcracker like no other!  The Paramount Theatre in Oakland is proudly hosting the Wondrous performance of Carlos Carvajal’s classic ballet –NUTCRACKER.

A world renowned choreographer, Carvajal is celebrating the 15^th anniversary of this Holiday favorite.  Experience spectacular scenes featuring a regal party, battles between toys and mice that only a child can imagine, and a trek through the snow forest and the land of sweets.  28 professional dancers from both The Oakland Ballet Company and the Peninsula Ballet Theatre will renew the child-like magic and awe of Christmas with glittering costumes, astounding choreography, and elaborate scenery.   Michael Morgan will conduct the Oakland East Bay Symphony, and students from local East Bay ballet schools will participate as guest dancers in the party scene.

Enjoy one – or several – of these performances at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland:

• Thursday, December 24, at 11:00 AM
• Saturday, December 26, at 2:00 PM* and 7:30 PM
• Sunday, December 27, at 2:00 PM*

*The Saturday and Sunday matinees will be followed by a Sweet Dreams party featuring light refreshments and beloved Nutcracker characters posing for pictures and signing autographs. (Separate tickets are required.)

In keeping with the Holiday tradition of “giving to others”, you can receive 20% off your Nutcracker tickets by bringing a nutritious, nonperishable canned or boxed food donation to the Paramount Theatre Box Office.  (This offer does not apply to tickets purchased through Ticketmaster.com.)  All donations will be distributed to the Alameda County Community Food Bank.  Group discounts are also available.

BE ONSTAGE AT THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE!

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY!

Donations of $1,000 or more will place YOU onstage with the cast of dancers!  Revel in the thrill of waiting in the wings, being accompanied onstage to rousing applause, and wearing your very own costume!

AAA Transportation wishes you and your family a Wonderful Holiday Season!  Since 2001, individuals and businesses in the Tri-Valley and Bay Area have relied on us for quality transportation.  From weddings to celebrations of every event, AAA Transportation’s luxury limousines, taxis, and vans escort your group in elegance and style.  Make your reservation NOW by calling 866-558-0222, or go online at http://www.aaa-trans.com.

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.

Who’s the “Fairest” of Them All?

“Mirror, Mirror on the wall – who’s the ‘fairest’ of them all?”

The Mirror replies, “Alameda County Fair”.  You’ll be SAD if you don’t go there!”

AAA Transportation’s Magic Mirror knows the BIGGEST, BEST, and BOLDEST family fair is found every year in Pleasanton. Our safe taxi vans are standing by to whisk up to 7 of your family and friends at a time to this exciting event that will open this year from July 1 through July 19 (closed on Mondays). We guarantee you will find “magic” for all ages everyday. Some of the Fair’s highlights include:

Fantastic Carnival Rides: Whirl … spin … twist … plunge! Families save big with special discounts for “Unlimited rides” or the “Family Bonus Book”.

Free Daily Concerts: Listen to top-named artists like Charlie Daniel on July 1, and Aaron Tippin winding up the fair on July 19. Every day in-between features another famous artist.

Ag-venture Park: Children ages 4 – 12 can participate in a real pedal tractor pull.

All-Alaskan Pig Races: Cheer your favorite pick to the finish line … but watch out! He/she could “wipe out” at any of the hurdles to jump.

Let’s Pretend Farm Time Tour: Learn with your children about agriculture, 4H, and hygiene on this whimsical tour.

Great American Petting Zoo: Your family will delight in petting some of the best farm animals and birds in North America.

Barnyard: A county fair wouldn’t be complete without sweet baby animals such as lambs, calves, piglets, and more!

Small Animal Exhibits: Snuggle up to rabbits, ducks, and goats, to name a few.

Livestock Exhibits: On Sunday, July 12, over 400 quality animals will be auctioned. Which ones do you want to take home?

Numerous Contests and Friendly Competitions:  Enjoy the Opening Day Hat contest, the Hot Dog Eating frenzy, the Talent competition, and the Competitive Adult and Youth Exhibits.

15 Days of Professional Horse Racing: Need we say more?

Festival Square: International fun, food, and live music are enjoyed in the Square as the Bay Area’s best farmers, artisans, dancing, and much more are displayed.

AAA Transportation wants to remind everyone – please don’t drink and drive. Let us do all the driving for you! We promise no encounters with “trolls” or “ogres”. Make your reservation NOW! Online at www.aaa-trans.com or CALL at 866-558-0222.