Panel OKs County Deal to Buy Rights of Way
The Los Angeles County Transportation Commission gave its formal approval to the proposed $450-million purchase of Southern Pacific rights of way and other land and facilities. But Neil Peterson, the commission’s executive director, cautioned that there are serious impedements before the deal can be consummated March 31.
Peterson noted that the county plans to buy only a share of the ownership of two of the three lines it plans to use for commuter rail service. He said that before the county puts up any money, it will want assurance of immediate operating rights on the lines to both Santa Clarita and Moorpark.
Peterson said Southern Pacific will continue to run freight trains on the Santa Clarita and Moorpark lines, and he told the commission the railroad so far is balking at allowing the county the kind of operating rights it wants.
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