World Notes SPAIN

To Eduardo Molet, Madrid's traffic jams were not merely an irritation, but also an inspiration. As the capital's gridlock slowed cars to an average speed of 6 m.p.h. and frustrated drivers, the Spanish businessman saw an opportunity. Why not provide stalled motorists with portable telephones so they could call ahead and explain why they were delayed?

Every day from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m., two dozen young men and women bearing mobile phones weave through the traffic. About 1,500 callers have already used the service, which costs a steep $2.77 for 30 seconds, to reach out and touch concerned spouses and angry bosses. Some have even used the phone to call the police and report -- what else? -- auto accidents.