The problem with traffic jams is that we all want to be in the same place at the same time… My idea of today is plain simple. We start with knowing how much cars a bottle neck (in traffic jams) can take and we calculate how many cars are going to arrive at that point. As soon as we know when that limit will be reached, no new cars will be allowed on the motorway so we avoid the traffic jam.
How? We can start simple and put traffic lights with counters at the motorway entrances and anticipate (calculate) the evolution of smooth traffic towards the bottle necks. You could then organise phased traffic releases. I can image people organising small business at the motorway entrances. As one would know when he is going to arrive at the bottle neck due to the waiting time that is displayed there, they will be more at ease. It would be quality time… 🙂 That could be done more elaborate and perfectioned if every car would send their destination to a system that calculates the best time to set of with the best route to arrive on time. Or even makes people make a little detour to make the whole traffic system run more smoothly.
I would also be more relaxed knowing that i will have a smooth ride, knowing my arrival time (and certainly when I get a coffee waiting…)