1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

With the start of public comment on the expansion of the Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) corridor on I-94, I am alarmed at the continued disproportionate investment in car-centric infrastructure. The hundreds of millions being steered towards this project prioritizes self-driving cars, which will only perpetuate the state’s overwhelming reliance on highways and unsustainable car infrastructure, while important alternatives like rail and public transit remain horribly underfunded. Currently, around 70-75% of Michigan’s transportation budget is spent on highways, leaving scraps available for public transit and rail; this is a major missed opportunity to reduce emissions, provide affordable transportation, and improve equity for residents who depend on transit. Instead of investing heavily in more highways that we already can't keep up maintaining, Michigan should prioritize sustainable options such as high-speed rail and local transit systems. Investing in these alternatives would reduce congestion, improve air quality, and set Michigan to be the leading example for the US in transportation. This is more important than ever going a second Trump term, knowing his and his party's record on climate. It is time to advocate for a more balanced approach that focuses on long-term, environmentally sustainable, and equitable transportation solutions.