MapQuest Helps Drivers with Money-saving Tools

Gas-efficiency Features Include Fuel Cost Calculator, Ways to Improve Gas Consumption and Alternative Fuel Options

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL), helps drivers find the lowest prices on gas in their hometowns, near the office or just out for errands. According to INRIX, drivers are experiencing an average 10 percent increase in travel times*, news that comes on the heels of the U.S. Energy Department's projection for continued increase in gas prices through the spring and summer**. MapQuest helps drivers keep an eye on fuel costs and the lowest gas prices within a searched area with tools found at gasprices.mapquest.com.

“MapQuest updates gas and diesel prices up to seven times a day”

“MapQuest’s gas-efficiency tools lay the groundwork for consumers – especially those facing long daily commutes – to save money every day with simple, smart ways to conveniently find the cheapest gas prices in their area or around their destination,” said Christian Dwyer, senior vice president and general manager, MapQuest. “Gas prices heavily impact our customers and their families, so we work hard to provide tools that improve not just their experience with us, but also their lifestyles as well.”

Find the Lowest Prices on Gas

MapQuest’s gas pricing tool is quick and easy to use. At gasprices.mapquest.com, simply select a city and state or type in a zip code to find the lowest-priced gas in that area. Additional specifications can be made such as alternative fuel stations or different fuel grades, as well as sorting stations by distance or price. To use the gas consumption calculator at the top of the map, drivers must enter their total trip distance, miles per gallon, and the cost per gallon.

Additional tools on MapQuest.com may help consumers plan more effectively with replacement options, including:

• Alternate Routes: This tool offers between three and five alternative route options that may provide a more efficient route or that may lead drivers by gas stations offering lower prices.
• Map Toolbar: Perhaps a lunch-break trip to the convenience store may save the gas it would take to drive there on the way home. The business locator, found on the map toolbar, pinpoints businesses in the searched area pertaining to a specific need or interest.
• Pedestrian Routing: Running those errands can be even easier with simple pedestrian directions from MapQuest. The new nationwide pedestrian mode allows walking travelers to be routed down one-way streets, pedestrian malls, through parks and along designated paths.
• Transit Routing: Additionally, a new rail transit option links the pedestrian mode with public rail transportation routing in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Boston, reaching roughly 90 percent of the nation’s rail ridership.***

“MapQuest updates gas and diesel prices up to seven times a day,” said Ann Koerner, director of consumer products, MapQuest. “We also know many Americans spend upwards of an hour commuting, which makes efficient route planning even more meaningful. MapQuest offers a variety of tools to make the most of driving trips, but also understand alternative means of transportation that may not involve getting in the car at all.”

*Fourth Annual INRIX National Traffic Scorecard, March 8, 2011
**U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Energy Information Administration, March 9, 2011
***American Public Transportation Association

About MapQuest

MapQuest provides Internet, mobile, and business solutions delivering on the promise of helping people research and discover: where is it, how I get there and what's nearby. MapQuest is one of the leading mapping brands online, offering maps and directions, and reaching more than 44 million users in January 2011, according to comScore Media Metrix. MapQuest's mobile solutions are compatible with a variety of mobile devices, including iPhone and BlackBerry devices. MapQuest, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AOL Inc., is based in Denver, Colo.