Beverly Hills : Metro Rail Coalition Plans

The City Council wants to organize a coalition of area leaders who favor putting Metro Rail’s Westside extension along Wilshire Boulevard instead of Pico Boulevard.

The county Transportation Commission decided last month to seek federal funding for a Metro Rail line that would follow Pico Boulevard, instead of the Wilshire route that transit planners regard as preferable. The Wilshire route, however, would pass through a zone where potentially dangerous underground methane gas deposits have been found.

If funding is approved, the Westside extension would reach the intersection of Pico and San Vicente boulevards by the year 2000. Longer-range plans call for extending the line to Westwood.

Council members said Tuesday night that the coalition might be an effective way of communicating with Rep. Henry A. Waxman (D-Los Angeles), who opposes a Metro Rail extension through the Fairfax District, which he represents, because of possible methane dangers.

Council members complained that they have been shut out by Waxman, who they say has refused to listen to arguments against his position. Waxman, in Washington, was not available for comment.

Councilman Allan L. Alexander said the route should be reconsidered because new evidence on the effects of the subterranean methane and new engineering technology could render the detour unnecessary.