Paving the Way to Less Congestion

Re “Outlook Is Bleak for a State Stuck in Traffic,” Dec. 29: There is only one real solution to Los Angeles’ interminable traffic congestion, but it is the one solution that nobody wants: more freeways.

In a city so far-flung, where public transportation is of minimal benefit and where development continues seemingly unabated and without regard for its effect on the existing population, the only way to move more people is to put down more pavement. Unfortunately, the interests of a comparatively few home and business owners who would necessarily suffer relocation hold the remaining millions of us hostage in our automobiles for hours each day.

Even those who do not drive pay the consequences in the form of visibly contaminated air caused by a sea of cars with their engines running but going nowhere. It truly is a disgrace that the second-largest city in America is so inept at confronting and solving a problem so central to its future as an economic power and as a place where people might enjoy living.

David Marquez

Los Angeles

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The problem with L.A. traffic is quite simple: too many people, too few lanes.

Jeff Brown

Venice