I am not sure if you are aware... the city partnered with Google to create the MV Community Shuttle. It does all that you suggest, with stops every 30 minutes on the route. There is also the MV GO shuttle that also connects riders to even more places, (and the city created a partnership with multiple local companies for that shuttle). Here's information for both free shuttle services:
Web Link
https://mvcommunityshuttle.com
Perhaps not enough people are aware of their existence? I didn't see them being mentioned in your article and perhaps MV can do more advertising for these shuttles as ridership isn't very high. I thoroughly enjoy riding the MV Community Shuttle with my children and it's rarely at full capacity. Many people do seem to get off at the San Antonio Shopping Center as well as the downtown transit station. I invite you to take a ride on either shuttle. :)