Jim,
The Intersate and Defense Highway Act was signed by President Eisenhower in 1956. Eisenhower was a huge proponent of the Interstate concept and motor vehicles, even without any GM influence.
He followed the Overland Trail (Later to become US 30, the Lincoln Highway) when he was a young captain shortly (I believe) before the first World War. At any rate, he was sold on motor vehicle transport, vs. the Army Mule. According to his biographers, this all ready motorized prejudice was reinforced during World War II when he saw how quickly Nazi Germany was able to move men and equipment using the Autobahn within Germany itself.
GM may have had some influence in the development of the Interstate Highway System, but it certainly wasn't the major force. Today, in the halls of Congress, the Trucking Lobby puts the AAR to shame as far as influence, numbers and representation. The Railroads still shoulder an unfair tax burden as far as Trucks and Airlines (Yes George, I said AIRLINES), buy having their rights of way in the case of Motor carriers, and dispatching and terminals provided at Government while they pay a small portion of the maintenance in landing fees.
So don't blame GM for taking advantage of an existing situation with the interstates. As far as interurban transportation goes, I'll leave that to you scholars except to say that you can't beat Public transportation when you visit Moscow, Zurich, Kiev, Kishenev, Munich, Bucharest, Budapest, or even New York City or Washington DC. The shortsighted lack of it in major urban areas is a shame. Denver's is another case, however, they had an anti-mass transit person in the visage of Jon Candelaria on the board of the Regional Transportation District. What a folly on Denver's part.
Rick
