And MTA is currently exploring those alternatives. In regard to jitneys or smart shuttles, the data on those experiments has been mixed. We need to go further in demonstrating that a system of shuttles or jitneys would be effective. Regardless of whether the future of mass transit lies in rail or bus, many experts agree that housing and transportation must be planned together. Since freeways came to Southern California, the symbiotic relationship of housing and transportation has been all but ignored by developers, planners and, in the end, the marketplace.
Housing is increasingly the most difficult and important issue our region faces today.
In going through our current Housing Needs Assessment, we re discovering an increasing reluctance by both political entities and the marketplace to add affordable housing to the eastern part of our region. Even with the tight market, affordable units in the east are still sitting vacant because of the difficult commute. The resolution is simply that we must grow smarter and make communities more livable. We re exploring a number of programs to provide financial incentives for building residential units near commercial and industrial job centers. It s partially consistent.