Pennsylvanians will travel in force this Memorial Day, according to AAA. The travel agency’s annual prediction says more than 965,000 will take to the roads, while another 84,000 mean to fly to their holiday destination.
AAA spokeswoman Bevi Powell says the high number of travelers reflects a national trend, despite gas prices hovering about $1.00 higher than last year’s price per gallon.
AAA predicts a total of almost 35 million Americans to take a trip more than 50 miles this Memorial Day.
Powell says when gas prices were high in 2008, travel numbers remained high for that Memorial Day as well. She says vacationers often budgeted less for other aspects of their trips, such as lodging and dining, to make up for the high prices.
As of May 23, the U.S. Department of Energy reports the average price of gas in the Central Atlantic region to be $3.91 per gallon, about $1.08 more than last year’s price.
AAA also expects about 12,000 regional motorists to be stranded this holiday. The travel group advises drivers to 1) inspect their tires, including the spare tire, 2) check and clean their car batteries, and 3) replace wiper blades and wiper fluid if necessary.
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Friday, May 27, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
Distribution of Red Light Grants Help Out Allegheny County
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has been granted $858,133 for improving traffic signals in distressed communities. The money is part of 8.4 million dollars for transportation projects throughout the state collected from red light camera enforcement in Philadelphia. According to state law the revenue from the red light camera is divided evenly between the city of Philadelphia and the state.
Legislation was approved by the State Senate to allow rid light cameras in Pittsburgh and other cities but did not get out of the House.
Domenic D'Andrea, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Transportation Planner, says the goal of the program is to optimize traffic signals. "Making our signals more efficient leads to reduced delay to the motorists, reduced congestion, reduced emissions, and reduced fuel consumption."
D'Andrea says that the current program that they have now allows municipalities to receive federal funding for signals if they agree to pay for 20% of the project, but some of the more distressed ones focus on keeping services available than updating signals. He says that this money will help those municipalities come up with the money.
The money the Commission received will go to its second round of traffic signal projects set to begin construction in 2012 and finish by the end of 2013.
Legislation was approved by the State Senate to allow rid light cameras in Pittsburgh and other cities but did not get out of the House.
Domenic D'Andrea, Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Transportation Planner, says the goal of the program is to optimize traffic signals. "Making our signals more efficient leads to reduced delay to the motorists, reduced congestion, reduced emissions, and reduced fuel consumption."
D'Andrea says that the current program that they have now allows municipalities to receive federal funding for signals if they agree to pay for 20% of the project, but some of the more distressed ones focus on keeping services available than updating signals. He says that this money will help those municipalities come up with the money.
The money the Commission received will go to its second round of traffic signal projects set to begin construction in 2012 and finish by the end of 2013.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
SADD Warns Against Holiday Drunk Driving
The Pennsylvania chief of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) says parents should take steps to prevent their teenage children from driving drunk over the holidays.
State SADD Coordinator Felicity Debacco-Ernie says teens are often exposed to alcohol at holiday parties, increasing their chances of consuming booze before getting on the roadways.
Debacco-Ernie says parents should talk to their teenage children about drunk driving during the holidays.
“Especially when they become teenagers, let them know that there are laws out there that are there to protect young people who are under 21,” says Debacco-Ernie, “but also that teens can call their parents as a resort if they find themselves in a situation where they need somebody who is not impaired to drive them home.”
According to the Allegheny County Health Department, drug- or alcohol-impaired driving causes more Pennsylvania teen deaths than all other causes combined.
Debacco-Ernie says if a family is going to a holiday party with alcohol, there should be a designated driver.
State SADD Coordinator Felicity Debacco-Ernie says teens are often exposed to alcohol at holiday parties, increasing their chances of consuming booze before getting on the roadways.
Debacco-Ernie says parents should talk to their teenage children about drunk driving during the holidays.
“Especially when they become teenagers, let them know that there are laws out there that are there to protect young people who are under 21,” says Debacco-Ernie, “but also that teens can call their parents as a resort if they find themselves in a situation where they need somebody who is not impaired to drive them home.”
According to the Allegheny County Health Department, drug- or alcohol-impaired driving causes more Pennsylvania teen deaths than all other causes combined.
Debacco-Ernie says if a family is going to a holiday party with alcohol, there should be a designated driver.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Holiday Travel Likely to Increase This Year
AAA predicts a 3.1% increase in national holiday travel this year over last year. That estimate includes 70,000 more Pennsylvanians who may travel this year due to a brighter economic outlook.
AAA East-Central Director of Travel Ruth Nagy says many people postponed or canceled their holiday trips last year, so there is pent-up demand for vacations more than 50 miles.
Nagy says the travel industry has slowly been gaining speed since a large travel decrease in 2009.
“We saw double-digit drops in travel, so although we’ve had increases for the holidays in 2010, we still aren’t matching the 2008 travel numbers, because in 2009 we dropped so drastically,” says Nagy.
Nagy says modest economic improvements have also allowed the average distance and spending of trips to increase as well.
As usual, most of this year’s travelers are predicted to go by car, with airline travel coming in a distant second place.
AAA East-Central Director of Travel Ruth Nagy says many people postponed or canceled their holiday trips last year, so there is pent-up demand for vacations more than 50 miles.
Nagy says the travel industry has slowly been gaining speed since a large travel decrease in 2009.
“We saw double-digit drops in travel, so although we’ve had increases for the holidays in 2010, we still aren’t matching the 2008 travel numbers, because in 2009 we dropped so drastically,” says Nagy.
Nagy says modest economic improvements have also allowed the average distance and spending of trips to increase as well.
As usual, most of this year’s travelers are predicted to go by car, with airline travel coming in a distant second place.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
PAT Provides Free Transit For Jan. 1
Penguin fans can enjoy free public transit across the county and to Heinz Field for the Winter Classic New Year's Day. Pepsi MAX is covering the day’s transit fares for all Port Authority Transit services around the city.
“The free rides are valid on any Port Authority service that is running on New Year’s Day,” PAT spokeswoman Heather Pharo says. “That includes any bus route, T route and also the [Monongahela] Incline.”
Port Authority will also be running a shuttle to the stadium on a schedule similar to a Sunday Steelers game. The schedule is available on the Port Authority website. All transit routes will run on a holiday schedule, which Pharo says is similar to a Sunday schedule.
“In most cases if a route runs on a Sunday, it will run on a holiday,” Pharo says.
Pharo says the PAT isn’t concerned with too much usage causing problems because the day is still a holiday and the majority of the traffic will be heading towards the game.
“The free rides are valid on any Port Authority service that is running on New Year’s Day,” PAT spokeswoman Heather Pharo says. “That includes any bus route, T route and also the [Monongahela] Incline.”
Port Authority will also be running a shuttle to the stadium on a schedule similar to a Sunday Steelers game. The schedule is available on the Port Authority website. All transit routes will run on a holiday schedule, which Pharo says is similar to a Sunday schedule.
“In most cases if a route runs on a Sunday, it will run on a holiday,” Pharo says.
Pharo says the PAT isn’t concerned with too much usage causing problems because the day is still a holiday and the majority of the traffic will be heading towards the game.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Report: 60 MPG Would Save Millions on Thanksgiving Travel
The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is traditionally the heaviest traveled of the year. While Triple A estimates nearly 1.2 million Pennsylvanians will travel at least 50 miles by car, the watch dog group PennEnvironment says millions of dollars could be saved through higher vehicle gas mileage standards.
The group's new report, "Gobbling Less Gas for Thanksgiving," indicates Pennsylvanians will spend about $15 million at the gas pump this holiday weekend, but more fuel efficient vehicles could cut that by roughly $8.3 million dollars.
Matt Ward of PennEnvironment says those estimated savings are based on cars that would average 60 miles per gallon instead of the current 26.4 MPG....
"Any kind of policy that we can have where Pennsylvanians are both saving money at the pump and having some extra money in their wallet, and at the same time where we're cleaning up our air and reducing our global warming emissions, it's really a win-win situation. So, a 60 MPG standard by 2025, I think is a great way to achieve this."
The Obama Administration recently finalized clear car standards for cars and light trucks for the model years 2012-2016, and is working on higher standards for the model years 2017-2025.
Ward says his organization is urging a 60 MPG standard by 2025 and that multiple studies have shown the technology exists today to make cars and trucks cleaner and more fuel efficient through lightweight materials, more effective engines and hybrids.
The group's new report, "Gobbling Less Gas for Thanksgiving," indicates Pennsylvanians will spend about $15 million at the gas pump this holiday weekend, but more fuel efficient vehicles could cut that by roughly $8.3 million dollars.
Matt Ward of PennEnvironment says those estimated savings are based on cars that would average 60 miles per gallon instead of the current 26.4 MPG....
"Any kind of policy that we can have where Pennsylvanians are both saving money at the pump and having some extra money in their wallet, and at the same time where we're cleaning up our air and reducing our global warming emissions, it's really a win-win situation. So, a 60 MPG standard by 2025, I think is a great way to achieve this."
The Obama Administration recently finalized clear car standards for cars and light trucks for the model years 2012-2016, and is working on higher standards for the model years 2017-2025.
Ward says his organization is urging a 60 MPG standard by 2025 and that multiple studies have shown the technology exists today to make cars and trucks cleaner and more fuel efficient through lightweight materials, more effective engines and hybrids.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Rep. Murphy Requests TSA Security Revisions
After hearing concerns from constituents and uncomfortable workers, Congressman Tim Murphy (PA-18-R) has requested that Homeland Security review the Transportation Security Administration’s security methods and consider alternative methods of security checks for this holiday season.
Murphy joined with Rep. Bob Filner (D) of California to form a bipartisan committee that is interested in the privacy and comfort of their constituents while still ensuring safety while traveling.
“We want to make sure that TSA has the techniques necessary to protect passenger safety and security but also we want to protect passenger privacy as well,” Murphy says.
Murphy’s committee is concerned with the latest security program of the TSA that requires flight passengers to enter a full body scanner or subject themselves to an intrusive pat down which has become the subject of public controversy.
Another of Murphy’s concerns is how TSA went through with their enhanced security measures without seeking input from Congress, which Murphy believes represents the best interests of the American people.
“In the Pittsburgh Airport there are a large number of TSA employees who are raising concerns to us that they feel there are some other ways they can do this,” Murphy says. “They’re not comfortable with the screening methods being used right now.
The committee hopes for Homeland Security to revise TSA’s measures in the next few weeks.
“To ask for some careful review for this in the coming days before the Christmas holidays would be critically important,” Murphy says.
Murphy joined with Rep. Bob Filner (D) of California to form a bipartisan committee that is interested in the privacy and comfort of their constituents while still ensuring safety while traveling.
“We want to make sure that TSA has the techniques necessary to protect passenger safety and security but also we want to protect passenger privacy as well,” Murphy says.
Murphy’s committee is concerned with the latest security program of the TSA that requires flight passengers to enter a full body scanner or subject themselves to an intrusive pat down which has become the subject of public controversy.
Another of Murphy’s concerns is how TSA went through with their enhanced security measures without seeking input from Congress, which Murphy believes represents the best interests of the American people.
“In the Pittsburgh Airport there are a large number of TSA employees who are raising concerns to us that they feel there are some other ways they can do this,” Murphy says. “They’re not comfortable with the screening methods being used right now.
The committee hopes for Homeland Security to revise TSA’s measures in the next few weeks.
“To ask for some careful review for this in the coming days before the Christmas holidays would be critically important,” Murphy says.
Holiday Travelers Encouraged to Be Safe
As always, travelers are encouraged to drive cautiously during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays this year. PennDOT is partnering with state and local police forces to ensure the safety of all drivers in a year that AAA says will feature more travelers than last.
AAA projects an 11.4 percent increase in travelers going more than 50 miles to enjoy family and food this Thanksgiving. AAA spokeswoman Bevi Powell said the improved economy is likely one reason for the increase in travelers this year.
“Last year some of the American travelers may have postponed their trip but this year some of the Americans are in a different financial position,” Powell said.
According to AAA, about 1.11 million travelers will drive to reach their destination and PennDot, law enforcement, and AAA all advise drivers to proceed with caution during holiday traveling.
“We’re really asking drivers to think about safety while their driving,” Alison Wenger, a spokesperson for PennDOT says. “Whether that’s wearing their seatbelt or designating a driver if they’re impaired or unable to drive. Also watch for aggressive drivers on the highway.”
PennDOT will have sobriety checkpoints, along with regular police patrols to ensure drivers safety. They also are conducting Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement for the holiday season, and if a driver is pulled over for a driving violation and doesn’t have his or her seatbelt on, they are subject to a second citation.
More than 500 of the reported 4,500 accidents last holiday season were alcohol-related and in an attempt to reduce that number, AAA is running a “Take the Pledge” viral campaign that asks drivers to be responsible and let another drive is they are impaired.
“We’re asking people to go online and go to www.takethepledge.aaa.com, sign up that you are committing to drive sober and also to pass that message on their Facebook and email it to their friends and family,” Powell says.
The best advice Powell and Wenger have to offer is to plan ahead for your trip and leave early.
“If you’re flying make sure you that you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance,” Powell says. “If you’re driving make sure that you leave yourself enough time that you can leave safely and not feel rushed.”
AAA projects an 11.4 percent increase in travelers going more than 50 miles to enjoy family and food this Thanksgiving. AAA spokeswoman Bevi Powell said the improved economy is likely one reason for the increase in travelers this year.
“Last year some of the American travelers may have postponed their trip but this year some of the Americans are in a different financial position,” Powell said.
According to AAA, about 1.11 million travelers will drive to reach their destination and PennDot, law enforcement, and AAA all advise drivers to proceed with caution during holiday traveling.
“We’re really asking drivers to think about safety while their driving,” Alison Wenger, a spokesperson for PennDOT says. “Whether that’s wearing their seatbelt or designating a driver if they’re impaired or unable to drive. Also watch for aggressive drivers on the highway.”
PennDOT will have sobriety checkpoints, along with regular police patrols to ensure drivers safety. They also are conducting Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement for the holiday season, and if a driver is pulled over for a driving violation and doesn’t have his or her seatbelt on, they are subject to a second citation.
More than 500 of the reported 4,500 accidents last holiday season were alcohol-related and in an attempt to reduce that number, AAA is running a “Take the Pledge” viral campaign that asks drivers to be responsible and let another drive is they are impaired.
“We’re asking people to go online and go to www.takethepledge.aaa.com, sign up that you are committing to drive sober and also to pass that message on their Facebook and email it to their friends and family,” Powell says.
The best advice Powell and Wenger have to offer is to plan ahead for your trip and leave early.
“If you’re flying make sure you that you arrive at the airport at least two hours in advance,” Powell says. “If you’re driving make sure that you leave yourself enough time that you can leave safely and not feel rushed.”
Monday, August 30, 2010
AAA: More to Travel Over Labor Day
AAA is forecasting more travelers on the roads and in the air this Labor Day than during last year’s holiday.
Nationwide, AAA expects 34.4 million people to travel at least 50 miles over Labor Day, up nearly 10% from last year’s 31.3 million.
AAA East Central spokeswoman Bevi Powell says there is “pent-up demand” for a Labor Day jaunt among many Americans, as a down economy caused travel rates to fall last year.
Powell says while job growth is disappointing, factors like gross domestic product and household net worth are recovering. She says that growth is allowing many families to take one last vacation as summer winds down.
However, Powell says some travel costs will be higher this year than last year.
“Airfares are up about 9%, car rentals are up about 7%, hotel rates… three-diamond hotels are up about 6%, and two-diamond is up about 2%,” says Powell.
Cars remain the most popular mode of holiday travel. Of Pennsylvanians, 1.1 million expect to drive while 66,000 anticipate flying.
Nationwide, AAA expects 34.4 million people to travel at least 50 miles over Labor Day, up nearly 10% from last year’s 31.3 million.
AAA East Central spokeswoman Bevi Powell says there is “pent-up demand” for a Labor Day jaunt among many Americans, as a down economy caused travel rates to fall last year.
Powell says while job growth is disappointing, factors like gross domestic product and household net worth are recovering. She says that growth is allowing many families to take one last vacation as summer winds down.
However, Powell says some travel costs will be higher this year than last year.
“Airfares are up about 9%, car rentals are up about 7%, hotel rates… three-diamond hotels are up about 6%, and two-diamond is up about 2%,” says Powell.
Cars remain the most popular mode of holiday travel. Of Pennsylvanians, 1.1 million expect to drive while 66,000 anticipate flying.
Friday, July 2, 2010
More People to Travel this Holiday Weekend
After a record decline in travel over last year's Independence Day weekend, AAA is anticipating a surge this year as people get away for the long weekend. Beverley Powell, a spokesperson for the East Central Region says in 2009 travel dropped 20% nationally, but this year they're expecting an increase of 17% due to a brightening economic outlook and pent up demand last summer's "staycations." Across the country, 34.9 million people will get away for the weekend, including about 1.22 million Pennsylvanians -- 1.08 million of which will be driving to their destination. AAA says on average gas prices should stay around $2.70-$2.80 per gallon, but Powell recommends travelers check the AAA website to find where the cheapest gas is available. She also advises drivers to take to the roads during off hours, especially in the evening and make sure they have directions and alternate routes handy.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
I-376 from Oakland & Squirrel Hill Periodic Shut Downs
If you drive the Parkway East (I-376) in the vicinity of the Squirrel Hill Tunnels this weekend, you could encounter delays.
Between 6 a.m. and noon today and Sunday, PennDOT is intermittently shutting down all lanes in both directions between Oakland/Bates Street and Squirrel Hill/Homestead. A spokesman says the stoppages will be up to 15 minutes at a time. Crews are inspecting the Greenfield Bridge and replacing the protective netting under the bridge.
Between 6 a.m. and noon today and Sunday, PennDOT is intermittently shutting down all lanes in both directions between Oakland/Bates Street and Squirrel Hill/Homestead. A spokesman says the stoppages will be up to 15 minutes at a time. Crews are inspecting the Greenfield Bridge and replacing the protective netting under the bridge.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Rendell Closes Some Interstates
Governor Ed Rendell has shut down most major highways in south-central and southeast portions Pennsylvania.
Travel on all of I-83, I-78 and I-81 from the Maryland border up to I-80 is banned until further notice, due to hazardous driving conditions.
Rendell has also shut down the Schuylkill Expressway, I-476 and I-676 in the Philadelphia area, and I-176 between Morgantown and Reading.
"These road closures were necessitated by the high winds, which created a real lack of visibility. Something that despite the intensity of the storm over the weekend, we didn’t have to deal with."
Rendell says he doesn’t know when the highways will reopen.
"That depends on the weather conditions and when the snow abates. And also, we’re going to want to give our crews a chance to have a clear shot at clearing the roads quickly, because temperatures are supposed to dip. So it may not be – let’s say the snow gets out of the central part of the state, as it’s predicted, at six and seven. It may not be at seven o’clock. It may be later. It may be tomorrow morning."
The Turnpike remains open, but the speed limit has been reduced to 45 miles per hour, and certain types of vehicles are banned from driving on it.
I-95 is still open, as well.
11-hundred members of the Pennsylvania National Guard have been mobilized to help state police and PennDOT workers patrol the roads and assist stranded motorists.
Travel on all of I-83, I-78 and I-81 from the Maryland border up to I-80 is banned until further notice, due to hazardous driving conditions.
Rendell has also shut down the Schuylkill Expressway, I-476 and I-676 in the Philadelphia area, and I-176 between Morgantown and Reading.
"These road closures were necessitated by the high winds, which created a real lack of visibility. Something that despite the intensity of the storm over the weekend, we didn’t have to deal with."
Rendell says he doesn’t know when the highways will reopen.
"That depends on the weather conditions and when the snow abates. And also, we’re going to want to give our crews a chance to have a clear shot at clearing the roads quickly, because temperatures are supposed to dip. So it may not be – let’s say the snow gets out of the central part of the state, as it’s predicted, at six and seven. It may not be at seven o’clock. It may be later. It may be tomorrow morning."
The Turnpike remains open, but the speed limit has been reduced to 45 miles per hour, and certain types of vehicles are banned from driving on it.
I-95 is still open, as well.
11-hundred members of the Pennsylvania National Guard have been mobilized to help state police and PennDOT workers patrol the roads and assist stranded motorists.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Turnpike Tolls to Increase Slightly
The Pennsylvania Turnpike will hike tolls by 3% January 3, as part of a scheduled increase meant to combat inflation.
Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo says the most common toll of $0.95 will increase by a nickel for cash-paying customers, because the Turnpike doesn’t accept pennies.
DeFebo says the same toll for an E-ZPass driver will increase to 98 cents exactly, because the transaction is done electronically.
The Turnpike plans to implement 3% increases annually after upping fares 25% last year. The revenue will be used to fund road construction and mass transit projects, as mandated by Act 44 of 2007.
DeFebo says before electronic toll payments, larger fare increases were done about every decade to avoid reprinting Turnpike tickets each year. He says the smaller, incremental hikes are easier to manage now that most customers use the E-ZPass system.
Turnpike spokesman Carl DeFebo says the most common toll of $0.95 will increase by a nickel for cash-paying customers, because the Turnpike doesn’t accept pennies.
DeFebo says the same toll for an E-ZPass driver will increase to 98 cents exactly, because the transaction is done electronically.
The Turnpike plans to implement 3% increases annually after upping fares 25% last year. The revenue will be used to fund road construction and mass transit projects, as mandated by Act 44 of 2007.
DeFebo says before electronic toll payments, larger fare increases were done about every decade to avoid reprinting Turnpike tickets each year. He says the smaller, incremental hikes are easier to manage now that most customers use the E-ZPass system.
Monday, December 28, 2009
New Airport Security Measures Imposed
The nation's Transit Security Authority (TSA) announced new airline safety measures Saturday in reaction to Friday’s attempted bombing of a flight to Detroit.
Passengers will not be permitted to stand up or hold anything in their lap for the final hour of flight. A TSA spokesperson says these rules will only affect incoming international flyers, not domestic travelers. Additional bodily searches and bag checks can also be expected at the gate to each flight.
Spokesperson JoAnn Jenny of Pittsburgh International Airport says that will affect a few of the airport’s regular flights, including service from Canada and Latin America.
Jenny says given the new measures, passengers should arrive a bit earlier than they normally would. She says she doesn’t expect the new rules to affect how many people fly.
Passengers will not be permitted to stand up or hold anything in their lap for the final hour of flight. A TSA spokesperson says these rules will only affect incoming international flyers, not domestic travelers. Additional bodily searches and bag checks can also be expected at the gate to each flight.
Spokesperson JoAnn Jenny of Pittsburgh International Airport says that will affect a few of the airport’s regular flights, including service from Canada and Latin America.
Jenny says given the new measures, passengers should arrive a bit earlier than they normally would. She says she doesn’t expect the new rules to affect how many people fly.
Monday, December 21, 2009
AAA Predicts Holiday Travel Trends
AAA predicts more air and automobile travelers this holiday season than last year. About 3.2 million more Americans will take a trip farther than fifty miles from December 23 to January 3.
AAA Regional Communications Director Bevi Powell says that may be due to travelers’ increased optimism about their financial situations.
Powell says despite gas prices being up about 50 cents from last year’s levels, more people are driving.
“This is the time last year that we saw our record lows. We were up around four dollars in the middle of summer in 2008, and those gas prices plummeted very quickly, and we hit prices that were lower than we had seen in years. So fifty cents higher this year, but still more palatable than $4-per-gallon prices,” says Powell.
She says almost 3% more people will fly this season, which is good news for an airline industry that has been hit hard by economic recession.
AAA Regional Communications Director Bevi Powell says that may be due to travelers’ increased optimism about their financial situations.
Powell says despite gas prices being up about 50 cents from last year’s levels, more people are driving.
“This is the time last year that we saw our record lows. We were up around four dollars in the middle of summer in 2008, and those gas prices plummeted very quickly, and we hit prices that were lower than we had seen in years. So fifty cents higher this year, but still more palatable than $4-per-gallon prices,” says Powell.
She says almost 3% more people will fly this season, which is good news for an airline industry that has been hit hard by economic recession.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Local Institutions Enjoy Surge in Attendance
Many local venues like the Heinz History Center, the National Aviary, and the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium have reported record attendance during the last year, despite the troubled economy.
Professor of Hospitality Denis Rudd of Robert Morris University says people are cutting down on travel costs this year, causing them to stay close to home during their time off. He says this has sparked a renewed interest in local history and landmarks, which is good news for venues like the Heinz History Center and the Phipps Conservatory. Rudd says places like that would normally raise prices during a recession, but they aren't this year due to high attendance.
Rudd says parks may also have more visitors come spring, but reduced funding could put a damper on that.
Professor of Hospitality Denis Rudd of Robert Morris University says people are cutting down on travel costs this year, causing them to stay close to home during their time off. He says this has sparked a renewed interest in local history and landmarks, which is good news for venues like the Heinz History Center and the Phipps Conservatory. Rudd says places like that would normally raise prices during a recession, but they aren't this year due to high attendance.
Rudd says parks may also have more visitors come spring, but reduced funding could put a damper on that.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
PA Turnpike Braces for Thanksgiving
The Pennsylvania Turnpike will make adjustments to construction and patrol schedules to accomodate Thanksgiving traffic this week. Most road work and construction will be suspended to allow for maximum traffic flow, while State Police will be on the watch for aggressive and drunk driving.
Spokesperson Carl DeFebo says commuters can call the turnpike's special emergency number, *11, instead of 911 to report emergencies.
DeFebo says traffic will be busiest from about 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, and again from noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunday.
He says motorists wishing to relax during a long drive can stop at the Allentown or Sideling Hill Service Plazas for "Take a Break" activities. He says these activities will showcase the Turnpike's response crews and will give commuters a chance to sign up for EZ-Pass and Missing Child Services.
Spokesperson Carl DeFebo says commuters can call the turnpike's special emergency number, *11, instead of 911 to report emergencies.
DeFebo says traffic will be busiest from about 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, and again from noon to 8:00 p.m. Sunday.
He says motorists wishing to relax during a long drive can stop at the Allentown or Sideling Hill Service Plazas for "Take a Break" activities. He says these activities will showcase the Turnpike's response crews and will give commuters a chance to sign up for EZ-Pass and Missing Child Services.
AAA Releases Travel Expectations For Thanksgiving Holiday
AAA has released its projections for travel during the holiday weekend. AAA is projecting a 1.4 percent increase in travel nationally this year. 38.4 million people are expected to travel over 50 miles from their homes for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. 33.2 million are expected to travel by automobile and 2.3 million are expected to travel by air. The remaining 2.9 million are expected to travel by train, watercraft, buses and other means of transport. 904,000 Pennsylvanians are expected to travel this holiday which is down 4.7 percent from last year.
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