The Feeling Is Electric in 2000

Anaheim is going electric.

By the beginning of the millennium’s first year, some Metrolink commuters will be using electric cars to get from the train station to work in Anaheim. By the end of the year 2000, tourists may have the option of hopping on an electric tram circling the town’s Resort Area. And by the following year, they may be riding in electric buses transporting them to Disneyland or other attractions.

Southern California has some of the worst air-quality conditions in the country, said Ray Gorski, a technical advisor for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Thus Anaheim is moving to experiment with electric fuel technology as a way to reduce toxic emissions, making it one of the more progressive cities in Southern California, Gorski said. The endeavor is the first of its kind in Orange County.

“Our No. 1 priority is to reduce traffic congestion in a manner that will lead to air-quality improvements,” said Diana Kotler, a transportation planner with the city.

Kotler said the electric tram and buses for the Resort Area should help alleviate congestion and car emissions from a projected increased number of visitors to the area.

The fleet of 10 electric cars made available for the city’s 600 train commuters is intended to increase train ridership by making the commute easier, and to also educate people about the new technology. The City Council accepted money Tuesday night from government agencies to document and develop a program other cities can follow.

“We think this is the perfect application for electric cars,” said Kotler. Currently, electric cars can only travel about 100 miles before needing recharging. The city has two recharging stations but intends to build several more.

Electric vehicles have met with consumer resistance because of their relative inconvenience. Cars cannot travel far before needing recharging, a process that can take three to four hours.

Even so, Gorski said, he sees electric vehicles as the technology of the future.

“What we’re seeing here is the introduction of a product that will improve.”

He said cars coming out within the next few years will have extremely fuel-efficient engines and travel as far as 400 miles on one tank.

Anaheim’s initial commuter program will last three years and cost about $200,000, with funding coming from various government agencies. At the end of the trial period, the city will evaluate the program and consider adding cars to the fleet.

To get in the electric cars, Metrolink riders will have to make reservations a few days in advance, pay a fee of about $30 a month and share the car with three to four other riders.

Kotler said Anaheim’s move to electricity should ease consumers into the electric concept.

“When people look at electric vehicles, they’re not sure if they’re going to work. But once they try them, there’s a lot of excitement.”

Judy Silber can be reached at (714) 966-5988.