Train link to Disney in talks

The city is looking at a local transit connection to the Anaheim Metrolink station that would link two of the prime destinations in Orange County — the beach and the Disney Resort area.

The city’s public works department is studying ways to develop potential transit connections under the Orange County Transportation Authority’s “Go Local” program. The program is supported by $30 million in Measure M funding.

The proposed project was presented by Dave Webb, deputy director of public works, at a study session Monday. Most council members were enthusiastic about the proposal.

“This is incredible, fantastic and a few more adjectives in-between,” Mayor Dave Sullivan said. “This is a way for Disneyland tourists to get here or visitors from here to visit Disney.”

The project proposes to ride piggy-back on 18 miles of existing Union Pacific freight line from Ellis to Stanton.

“Whatever the cost of the link-up, it will be infinitely less than purchasing right-of-ways,” Sullivan said.

Councilwoman Debbie Cook wasn’t impressed.

“We get into trouble when we lead with a conclusion — that this is the best route, the best move,” she said.

Cook, who supports mass transit, said a study to link Hunt- ington Beach to the Metrolink would need to be pursued with an “open mind, completely open to all possibilities.”

Cook said she saw huge problems with the rail line and the costs involved.

Other council members were supportive of the project. Councilwoman Cathy Green said with all the new things going on at the authority, “not wanting to be a part of that is just silly.”

“One big problem in Huntington Beach is we are so isolated,” she said. “Once we can figure out a way of connecting to the Metrolink, we can be connected to Buena Park and San Diego.”

Sullivan agreed.

“I see the connection from Ellis to other points as an opportunity, maybe even connecting to the resorts,” he said. Guests of the Hyatt Regency and the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort — two high-end hotels on Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach — would be able to use such a connection.

Huntington Beach resident Jim Hicks warned against the proposal, saying the rail tracks aren’t maintained and “appear to have no preventive maintenance.”

Roy Reynolds of Fountain Valley gave a presentation about electric cars being an environmentally-safe alternative to rail cars. The cars can seat two to four people, and passengers can get to their destination nonstop, according to Reynolds.

The existing rail line stops at Ellis and Gothard, running north to Stanton and a couple of turns later joins the Anaheim Metrolink station.

A street car, among different options, could transport tourists to the beach from the Ellis station, which is about 2.5 miles away, Webb said.

The city will lead the project and work with Westminster, Garden Grove, Stanton and Anaheim cities. The public works department plans to do a ridership analysis and other studies using a grant from the transportation authority.