BURBANK : Diesel Power Studied for Planned Rail Line

In a move its directors say could save millions, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is studying use of diesel-powered trains instead of electrified rail lines for the proposed Burbank-Glendale-Los Angeles line.

The use of trains powered by diesel fuel is more cost-efficient and would take less time to put in place than the current light-rail system now planned for the corridor, said Larry Zarian, MTA vice chair.

MTA officials predict a light-rail line running from Los Angeles through Glendale and to the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport would cost as much as $559 million to build. Diesel-powered trains and accompanying track, on the other hand, would cost $259 million.

Light-rail lines, such as the one connecting Los Angeles and Long Beach, are powered by tracks that draw electricity from underground power lines.

If officials choose light rail for the Burbank-Glendale-Los Angeles corridor, the agency may not be able to afford to build the system for as long as 20 years because of the high cost of electricity, Zarian said.

With a diesel-powered system, construction could begin in three to seven years, following an environmental review and purchase of the diesel trains also known as railbuses, officials said.

The diesel trains, which are not in use in the United States, could also run on other proposed corridors throughout the Southland.

The MTA’s Finance, Budget and Efficiency Committee will review the results of the MTA staff’s study of diesel-powered trains at its Jan. 20 meeting.

In other business, the MTA Board of Directors voted this week to provide a 25-cent “holiday celebration” fare on all MTA bus and train lines on Christmas and New Year’s. The decreased fares will begin at 9 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve and end at 5 a.m. the following mornings.