High-Tech Rail Plan

Need a lift to the mall, Judy Jetson?

While personal jet-packs exist only in the imagination, the Irvine City Council sees a day when pedestrians will tool through town in automated electric cars.

The city, which qualified for $125 million in state money from 1990’s Proposition 116, is considering a proposal to build a high-tech rail system through some of its major business parks.

So far, the City Council is looking at plans to create a 3- to 4-mile loop in the Irvine Business Center. The track would link the center with nearby hotels and with John Wayne Airport, said Irvine Mayor Christina L. Shea.

“We’d also like to create a link between the IBC and the Irvine Spectrum and create a synergy between the two areas,” said Shea, who notes that the city also is seeking matching funds for the project.

A top contender to build the people-mover is Raytheon Co. The Marlboro, Mass., firm already has developed a “personal rapid transit” system as part of a public-private venture with Chicago’s Regional Transportation Authority. The four-passenger cars run on an elevated guideway. Riders select their destination, and off the little bubble car goes.

Raytheon’s transit system is being tested in Marlboro and is scheduled to launch in March. A report on Irvine’s proposed project is expected to be completed this month.

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P.J. Huffstutter covers high technology for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7830 and at p.j.huffstutter@latimes.com