Traffic Congestion

The article “On a Highway to Nowhere” (Commentary, May 21) does a grave disservice to government and industry partners who are willing to try a technical solution to a severe social problem, traffic congestion.

The article was inaccurate: It will not cost $80,000 per auto. The $8 million allocated to the smart car project in Orlando will not only include 100 specially equipped cars, but also new traffic surveillance systems, a beefed-up traffic management center and instrumented intersections, and improved motorist information systems that will benefit all Floridians.

Also, we never said “smart cars” were the only answer. But the alternatives--building more roads, moving employees closer to their workplace or regulating the vehicle miles traveled--aren’t exactly met with open arms.

At General Motors, we’re willing to invest some of our own money and engineering know-how to try smart car projects in hopes of improving the motoring experience for all.

MOUNIR M. KAMAL

Executive Director

General Motors Corp.

Warren, Mich.