CITIZENS PANEL SAYS RAIL BUSES AFFORDABLE NOW : TRANSIT SYSTEM COULD USE EXISTING LINES.

Byline: David Bloom Daily News Staff Writer

Rather than wait years for a new rail system to come to the San Fernando Valley, an MTA citizen's committee is suggesting using existing lines to run a rapid-transit system.

``We believe going to Valley Circle is very important, and if you're spending that kind of money, (up to $2.7 billion) you should look at alternate rail technologies,'' said Michael Dickerson, a Glendale businessman who serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Citizens Advisory Council.

With steel rails already crossing the Valley from Burbank to the East Valley, Dickerson said diesel cabs could be used to zip commuters along the system.

While the proposal is not among a handful of technologies and routes the MTA is considering in seeking federal funds for an East-West San Fernando Valley line, the committee's members say it should be.

``This will move people at a high speed and save our air,'' said Seymour Rosen, another advisory committee member. ``If we go on our present route, it won't be done until 2020, if then, and the whole Valley will be gridlocked.''

Nate Brogin, chairman of the Valley Industry and Commerce Association's transportation committee, said he has briefly discussed the idea with Dickerson, but he would be concerned if it derailed efforts to get federal funding for a heavy-rail transit system in the Valley.

He said it is an ``interesting'' idea in that it could lead to a Valley rapid-transit system in the near future.

The proposal would rely on diesel multiple units, or DMUs, which are something like buses on rails and are used widely in Europe and Asia.

Each can hold 300 to 700 passengers, depending on the manufacturer, and travel at speeds up to 90 mph.

``They're doing it all over the world,'' said Dickerson. ``I've ridden on the system and I know it works. We're the only people not doing it.''

Under the committee's proposal, the diesel cabs would run on the rails used by Metrolink trains from Simi Valley to Union Station.

MTA Board Chairman Larry Zarian, an early and enthusiastic DMU supporter, said it makes a lot of sense for the cash-strapped agency.

A report on the issue is due to the board next month and says ``it's a doable thing,'' Zarian said.

He said he wants a test project using DMUs along the line between Burbank and Union Station, involving six stations.

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Photo

Photo: Michael Dickerson, left, and Seymour Rosen say exist ing lines could be used for rapid-transit rail buses.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News