The Sun's Financial Diary » Travel

Google Transit Now Includes NJ Transit Train Service

Sun — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 03:33:36 +0000

NJ Transit train raiders now have one more tool to help plan their trips: Google Transit.

Starting today, commuters in New Jersey can use Google Transit to check train schedule and plan trips statewide. According to a BusinessWeek article, the service now covers 164 rail stations and 60 light rail stations in the state. Currently train information is available on Google Transit. Bus information will be added at the end of this year.

I don’t use a lot of public transportation, but do take NJ Transit train if I need to go to New York. With this service, getting information I want becomes easier. It also makes me wonder “Is Google taking control of our information?” I use Google search, Gmail, Google Reader, Google Desktop, and Google Map. Now Google Transit!

Original Post on www.thesunsfinancialdiary.com

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$0.99 One Way Fares at Spirit Airlines Today Only

Sun — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 20:18:31 +0000

Spirit Airlines is having what it calls "The Mother of All Spirit Sales" today. For some routes, the air fare can be as low as 99 cents (yes, 99 cents). For example,

From Atlanta to Orlando, $0.99 each way, available on 2/10/07, 2/22/07, 2/28/07, 3/3/07
From Boston to Detroit, $0.99 each way, available on 1/8/07, 2/27/07, 2/28/07, 3/7/07

just a couple of examples of their on sale items. If you are planing any air travel early next year, check their website to see your origin and destination are in their list of 99 cents fairs. The sales end tonight at 11:50 pm ET.

Original Post on www.thesunsfinancialdiary.com

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Should I Renew AAA Membership?

Sun — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 16:52:14 +0000

The renewal bill for my AAA membership arrived last night. The annual due is $60, which isn’t at a level that I can’t afford. But I am thinking about whether or not I really want to keep the membership.

I joined AAA in 1998 and the last time I used it was in 2004 when my car’s timing belt broke on the highway about 40 miles from home (my one-way commute distance was 56 miles). That car had nearly 150K miles on it at that time and was donated in 2005 after we bought the van. And the last time I attempted to use the card was early last month at NJ State Aquarium in Camden when I was trying to buy two tickets but was told that discount only available for tickets purchased at AAA office, not at the ticket booth (and that’s a weird rule). I also used AAA auto insurance for two years from 2001 to 2003.

Other benefits I took advantage from AAA in the past also included maps and travel books. But since we bought the van, which has a GPS navigation system, map became a thing of the past and I almost don’t check online driving directions any more. As for the travel guides, I don’t remember we ever carried one when we were on vacation. Besides, all kinds of travel information can be easily found online. The main reasons that made me think twice about my membership are 1) both of us are close to home (less than 18 miles for my wife and about 13 miles for me); 2) we are also close to each other (about 5 miles); and 3) our cars are still quite reliable (bought new in 2000 and 2005).

Of course, AAA membership does provide a peace of mind. Though it seems quite unlikely in the near term, I can’t totally rule out the possibility of another break down of my 2000 Accord. With an AAA card in my pocket, I know I won’t be left on the road with nobody to call for help.

Should I cancel the membership and save $60 a year? Or should I keep it for emergency?

Original Post on www.thesunsfinancialdiary.com

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