House Panel Leery but Interested in ITS Projects

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Technology companies tried to convince a House subcommittee to fund projects they said would allow more traffic to use existing highways, but several members of Congress at a recent hearing said they were skeptical.

The House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, which will play a major role in reauthorizing the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, had invited witnesses to discuss the potential of “intelligent transportation systems,” known as ITS, as a cost-effective way to reduce congestion.

But the subcommittee chairman, Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), said funding ITS projects is a “dangerous area to get into if we are not well informed.”

nother panel member said he was worried about the costs. “One of the things we face is a dilemma because of our declining transportation revenues,” said Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.).

For the full story, see the Sept. 23 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.