Future Light Rail System May Include Stop in Irvine : Transit: City wants to be part of initial construction, but may have to settle for later extension of the line.

“Next stop, Irvine,” may be heard by passengers aboard a future light rail system if city and some county officials have their way.

But there is a disagreement about timing, with Irvine officials wanting their portion of the system built in the first phase of construction and not as an extension of the main line.

Irvine has some bargaining chips. It already controls $125 million in state rail bond money earmarked for a rail project that would serve its residents.

Right now, the Orange County Transportation Authority staff is recommending that a 13-mile central route be built from South Coast Plaza to Disneyland, with future extensions running north to Fullerton and south to Irvine.

That recommendation is included in a staff report sent to OCTA board members this week. The report was requested by board members who wanted a look at longer routes, which would more likely receive long-range federal funding and local political support.

The recommendation has displeased Irvine officials, who believe their $125 million entitles their city to be included in any initial project.

In its report, the OCTA staff studied four ways of extending the central line and determined that the Fullerton-to-Irvine route was preferable.

“At 27.8 miles, this option provides optimal funding flexibility. In addition, this alternative enhances future funding strategies by allowing for a centrally located initial segment with both northern and southern extensions,” it says.

The Fullerton and Irvine depots serve both Amtrak and Metrolink trains. They’re considered good north-south terminal points for an urban rail line because both already can handle increased bus and automobile access by potential rail passengers, according to OCTA.

“In addition,” the OCTA report stated, “the 28-mile length closely follows the recommendations of (the Federal Transit Administration) and the expert panel to identify a priority corridor of approximately 30 miles.”

OCTA staff has recommended against a spur from the Santa Ana Transportation Center to Beach Boulevard in Stanton, along the vacant, weed-strewn Pacific Electric right of way once traveled by tourists and business people alike. OCTA officials said federal transit officials would consider the spur an attempt to fund two separate lines instead of one.

Final evaluations will be presented to the OCTA board on Feb. 28, a public hearing will be held on March 14, and a final vote is expected on April 11, agency official said.