New Agency Urged to Take Over Blue Line

In an effort to get the Pasadena Blue Line back on track, state Sen. Adam B. Schiff introduced legislation Thursday to create an agency that would take over the stalled rail project from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Schiff’s so-called rescue bill would establish the Pasadena Metro Blue Line Construction Authority to oversee design and construction contracts for completing the 13.6-mile light-rail line between downtown Los Angeles and Pasadena.

The MTA in January suspended work for at least six months on the $804-million line because of a $259-million shortfall.

Schiff (D-Burbank) said that an independent authority, working without the MTA’s innumerable worries, can seek ways to cut costs and raise money, possibly from private investors or the sale of development rights along the route.

Proponents of the line say private construction experts have already found about $100 million in possible savings.

“We will simply have to do it better, quicker and cheaper,” Schiff said.

His bill calls for state tax funds allocated to the project to be shifted to the new agency, which would be dissolved once the line is built.

MTA officials said they welcomed the opportunity to explore all options that could lead to the project’s completion.