ST PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Bucking the industry trend, Payless Car Rental announced this week that it will continue to pay travel agency commissions on corporate and government accounts with individually negotiated rates.

"Payless embraces the travel agency community which has been so loyal and helpful in contributing to our success during the past 30 years," said Michael Harley, president and chief operating officer for Payless Car Rental System. "We understand that with the evolution of the industry to Internet use, customers are moving in that direction for reservations, but we plan to maintain a solid working relationship with the people who have been there for us through the years."

The company added that it will continue to provide the highest level of connectivity with Direct Connect Availability to ensure travel agencies can access current rate information for all Payless requests.