Mass transit is the way to go but folks need to speak up. Call or email your representatives so they know to fight for the right things. Everyone knows traffic is awful in LA but the status quo will remain in effect if no one seems to care about changing it.

Personally, I gave up on the commute and just rented an apartment 9 minutes away from work and 5 minutes away from the new expo line (train line from Santa Monica to downtown LA) by bicycle.