Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas Hosted a Media Briefing Aug. 27 to Provide an Update on the $1.7 Billion Crenshaw/South Bay Transit Corridor Project

The Supervisor, who was joined by Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chief Executive Officer Art Leahy, encouraged residents to make their voices heard before the MTA board votes in late October on whether to use special buses or light rail to carry passengers.

"I want to make it clear from the beginning what my preference is and what I'm advocating for - and that would be light-rail transit," Supervisor Ridley-Thomas told reporters.

The Supervisor called the project "long overdue." He touted the congestion relief, thousands of jobs and air quality improvements the massive project will provide.

Besides serving the Crenshaw district, the project will link the community with Los Angeles International Airport and the South Bay. For the first time, there will be a public transportation alternative on the West Side that will relieve traffic on the notoriously clogged 405 freeway.

The project, slated to begin construction in 2012, also will link to existing rail lines that serve Long Beach and Hollywood.

The MTA will hold a series of public hearings - dates to be determined - to gather input on whether the bus or rail option is preferred. The Supervisor said involving the community in the decision-making process will build a sense of trust and transparency.

"Outreach will be significant and sustained toward mobilization," he said.