L.A. Council Votes to Back Pasadena Light-Rail Project

City Council members voted to formally support the Pasadena Blue Line project on Wednesday, but not before lawmakers took another poke at the beleaguered Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Although many council members said they supported the light-rail line that will run through much of the northeastern part of Los Angeles, they called on the MTA to ensure that bus service is increased and more readily available in neighborhoods across the city.

As a result, Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas asked for a city Department of Transportation report on bus service and the effects of a court-appointed special master’s decision directing the MTA to buy 532 new buses.

“I’m not, in the final analysis, opposed to the Blue Line to Pasadena, but I am opposed to its being offered at the expense of other transportation,” said Councilwoman Rita Walters. “It’s time to give some attention to that.”

This week, a state commission postponed a decision to transfer about $89 million to help fund the rail line. Other funding is expected to come from the MTA.

Councilman Mike Hernandez had previously asked his colleagues to oppose the transfer of money from those agencies to fund the Blue Line, which will run through much of his district, including Chinatown, Lincoln Heights and Highland Park. He has said the agency created to oversee the rail line failed to address concerns raised by the city.

But on Wednesday, Hernandez said the council should take a solid stand in support of the project.

And, chief legislative analyst Ron Deaton said lawmakers’ support is significant particularly because of the financing issues.

“If we don’t get the state funding, it’s not a gap, it’s a black hole,” Deaton said. “This is an important line for the city of Los Angeles.”