About a year ago I was making arrangements for an associate who was in town for a conference and looking for accommodation. Before I continue, let me add that I am an enthusiastic environmentalist and advocate for liveable communities who walks, bikes and takes transit everywhere. I don’t even own a driver’s license. So imagine my horror when, on inquiring about bus transportation between one prospective hotel and the conference venue, I was told by the giddy desk clerk on the other end of the line to forget about the bus. “Bus-schmus!” she laughed. “We have a Hummer!” (more…)