Despite the spiraling gas prices, AAA estimates that 28 million Americans
will hit the road this Labor Day weekend, about the same number as last year.
Motorola and Avis Rent A Car want to help you avoid your
fellow motorists as you travel to get in the last summer weekend at the
beach, lake or campground.
The wireless specialist and rental car agency previously collaborated on
Global Positioning System
Viamoto location and services software.
Now, they are adding real-time data from Traffic.com, which gathers
information from digital roadside sensors, government sources, operations
centers, aircraft and mobile units.
The enhanced Avis Assist offering is available at more than 60 Avis
locations nationwide and can be rented with any Avis for $9.95 a day.
“By working with premier companies such as Avis and Traffic.com, we’re
pleased to provide new traffic and detour features that keep drivers moving
during the busy holiday travel season and beyond,” Blake Bullock, marketing
manager for Viamoto, said in a statement.
Motorola spokeswoman Sharen Santoski said National and Alamo car rental
agencies also use Viamoto, which was first launched in 2003.
The Viamoto software is also available for wireless subscribers to use on
certain GPS-enabled phones. The cost ranges from $9 to $10 per month,
depending on the phone used and the length of contract.
The use by Avis is one more example of how GPS technology is working
its way into work and home life as the technology improves and prices come
down.
