Denny said we shouldn't be discouraged by the loss of Measure J, because the loss is really due to the two-thirds vote requirement for all local sales tax measures for transportation: "I think (the results) encourage the belief that the voters really want to do this and there will be the right moment in a slightly different environment with slightly different partners, maybe a little bit different program and you'll have a winner," Zane said. "Meanwhile I think we all have to start thinking about how to amend the California constitution to lower the voter threshold to something reasonable."

Metro has not yet decided whether it will place another measure on the ballot. For now, the agency said it is focusing on the projects already funded under Measure R.

Stories appeared in the Pasadena Star News, Torrance Daily Breeze, Long Beach Press Telegram and San Gabriel Valley Tribune.