City Offers ‘Yes, but’ to Light Rail System

City officials here gave a tentative thumbs up to the county’s idea of building a light rail system through its northern cities.

But the City Council this week also urged the Orange County Transportation Authority to use some tax money to improve the county’s bus and freeway system.

Residents and tourists in the city would not directly benefit from the rail system, which has been proposed to cope with an expected boom in county growth over the next 20 years.

In late April, the transportation authority is expected to decide how to spend about $465 million that voters have approved for future transit needs. Authority officials have come up with seven options including a vastly upgraded bus system, major freeway improvements and a light rail system.

Most of the large cities already have approved some form of a light rail system for the 28-mile corridor through North County, said Nancy Michali, manager of transit planning for the agency.

Council members agreed to send a letter to the agency suggesting that the proposed rail line, if built, eventually be connected to Buena Park.

“If you’re looking at a raised rail system, you need to look at moving people all over the county,” said Councilman Jack W. Mauller.

The railway, which most likely would be elevated, would cost $1.7 billion to build and $71 million annually to operate, agency officials estimate. Federal matching funds also are available for the project.