Laguna Niguel might get free trolley system... (Orange, San Clemente: city hall, houses)

[LuvSouthOC]

That would connect to the trolley systems in Dana Point and Laguna Beach with the Metrolink station.

Trolley system may be coming to Laguna Niguel - The Orange County Register

[Electrician4you]

If the trolley system is implemented, Laguna Niguel would join other south Orange County cities such as San Juan Capistrano to offer alternative ways of getting around town. The city could receive up to $550,000 per year for seven years to fund the project.

Councilman John Mark Jennings said one goal of the project would be to connect residents in the Gateway District near Crown Valley Parkway and I-5 near the future retail and residential Agora development near City Hall.

“Having free ridership would certainly get people out of their houses to go try it a few times,” Jennings said.

There is nothing free. Someone is paying by raised taxes or subsidizing the cost. Seems to me that "free" comes with a minimum price tag of $550,000 a year for about 7 years to fund. Then operating costs considering by that time the trollies will need some overhauling/repair or replacement. But yeah free sounds good....

[pacific2]

Somewhere down the line, taxpayers are footing the bill. If and when that spigot is turned off, Laguna Niguel residents will probably have to take over maintenance/replacement costs.

I think Aliso may have considered a trolley years ago to loop around town center, but the idea was scrapped.

[pacific2]

BTW, I actually like the idea of a trolley, but Laguna Niguel should be prepared for that $550,000 per year price tag to increase with inflation; and the city may have to pay it.

[LuvSouthOC]

Originally Posted by pacific2

BTW, I actually like the idea of a trolley, but Laguna Niguel should be prepared for that $550,000 per year price tag to increase with inflation; and the city may have to pay it.

I think the real intent is to get people to our new downtown, once completed, since it will have entertainment, lots of restaurants, art studios, etc. by siphoning off any percentage of tourists we can from neighboring DP and LB -- visitors who would completely overlook the area otherwise. The second aim, I suspect, is to get them linked to the Metrolink so the city can leverage what it has and benefit from the Greater LA's population that is willing to come down using that mode of transportation.

Our city's finances are second to none.

[LuvSouthOC]

Originally Posted by Electrician4you

There is nothing free. Someone is paying by raised taxes or subsidizing the cost. Seems to me that "free" comes with a minimum price tag of $550,000 a year for about 7 years to fund. Then operating costs considering by that time the trollies will need some overhauling/repair or replacement. But yeah free sounds good....

I think we can manage. Check out our finances on line. I support this trolley if it could lead to our getting many more restaurants, art centers/studios and entertainment in our new downtown and siphoning a little tourism from our neighbors.

[pacific2]

Originally Posted by LuvSouthOC

I think the real intent is to get people to our new downtown, once completed, since it will have entertainment, lots of restaurants, art studios, etc. by siphoning off any percentage of tourists we can from neighboring DP and LB -- visitors who would completely overlook the area otherwise. The second aim, I suspect, is to get them linked to the Metrolink so the city can leverage what it has and benefit from the Greater LA's population that is willing to come down using that mode of transportation.

Our city's finances are second to none.

I never questioned Laguna Niguel's financial stability.

[Electrician4you]

Originally Posted by LuvSouthOC

I think we can manage. Check out our finances on line. I support this trolley if it could lead to our getting many more restaurants, art centers/studios and entertainment in our new downtown and siphoning a little tourism from our neighbors.

It's not a matter of having the funds now while you're subsidized. It's the later when you aren't that's a issue. Either way I don't live in Laguna so it makes no difference to me. I hope you get enough revenue to justify the cost. Because costs have a way of going up over the years. And remember that you may not get all the businesses to come there.
Anyway just something to mull over.

[a333]

Originally Posted by pacific2

I never questioned Laguna Niguel's financial stability.

Let them do what they please, I've never seen these transit systems be cost effective in the long run. Fortunately, some south OC cities are still fiscally conservative and prioritize transpotation projects for the personal automobile, such as San Clemente and the new mayor. A lot of Laguna Niguel's infrastructure is in horrible shape, especially Crown Valley Pkwy near I5 which needs further widening, medians, and streetlights. With Mission Hospital on the other side of I5, the gridlock is a public safety issue, more important to address than any trolley and transit issues !

[LuvSouthOC]

Originally Posted by a333

Let them do what they please, I've never seen these transit systems be cost effective in the long run. Fortunately, some south OC cities are still fiscally conservative and prioritize transpotation projects for the personal automobile, such as San Clemente and the new mayor. A lot of Laguna Niguel's infrastructure is in horrible shape, especially Crown Valley Pkwy near I5 which needs further widening, medians, and streetlights. With Mission Hospital on the other side of I5, the gridlock is a public safety issue, more important to address than any trolley and transit issues !

Horrible shape? Crown Valley in that area was just widened two years ago. Everything is all new.

San Clemente has much tighter finances than Laguna Niguel. What are you talking about?