Less congested networks should help carriers retain customers and decrease their operating costs, says Feldman.

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Streets would be less congested, emissions would be reduced, and the environment, our climate in particular, would benefit.

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Abu Dhabi is trying to present itself as a more cultured, less congested alternative to neighbouring Dubai, and is building a huge Guggenheim museum.

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"We've seen a lot of growth on the Eastern Seaboard, " he said, probably reflecting a geographical area that lends itself to shorter hops and cheaper smaller jets, compared with longer flights and larger jets on the less congested West Coast.

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Expect future cars to help motorists garner maximum mileage by leveraging technology like the eco-tutoring systems found in many hybrids, wider use of tire-pressure, oil life and engine-tuning monitoring systems and more-sophisticated GPS guidance that can select less-congested routes.

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Congested railways and roads mean domestic deliveries can be less reliable and pricier than the imported sort.

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