Sigh - not much daring in mayoral candidates' traffic ideas

More than a little underwhelming, at least judging by the answers at last night's debate. Here's a recap:

--Garcetti: Additional rail lines and lots of road paving; also, everybody should walk more.

--Greuel: Pave Wilshire Boulevard and engage in long-term planning. (Pet peeve: Her use of the phrase "Subway to the Sea" to describe the proposed subway extension that will end in Westwood.)

--Perry: Synchronize traffic signals and improve airport access.

--James: Right lane turn lights so that cars don't run into pedestrians.

--Pleitez: Better bus service, increased car sharing, and more work with the private sector.

Oy - not a very dynamic bunch. They're all afraid of challenging conventional wisdom, such as whether investing billions in a 20th Century transportation system - that is, a subway being shoved down the throats of taxpayers - is really the most effective way of handling congestion. And no one wants to raise unconventional ideas, such as establishing one-way boulevards on the Westside - a suggestion that was shelved after local merchants on Pico put up a stink (never mind that the approach may have actually reduced tie-ups). What about the city proactively examining driver-less cars and other emerging technologies? There's some exciting stuff on the transit horizon and yet all we're getting from this crowd is warmed-over hash. A real missed opportunity.