A proposal to build an aerial tram between Dodger Stadium and Union Station was moved forward to the next level of consideration Friday by Metro.
The transit agency said it sent a “request for information” to the firm proposing to build the aerial tram, Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies, which is funded by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt.
McCourt sold the team in 2011 but still owns half interest in the 130 acres of parking around the stadium. McCourt’s investment firm would fund a portion of the project’s estimated $125 million cost and would seek private financing for the remainder, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Metro said the RFI, which is a confidential document, will help guide Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies in writing a more detailed proposal for the aerial tram, as it includes technical, operational, business-related and legal questions that Metro would like to see addressed.
Aerial Rapid Transit Technologies first proposed the tram in April between the stadium and the Metro-owned Union Station, and the agency announced in June that the proposal had enough merit to advance to a Phase II analysis, with the agency promising to issue an RFI within 60 days.
Metro said if it approves the Phase II proposal, it could be the basis for a competitive procurement, a sole source agreement between Metro and ARTT or another arrangement depending on Metro’s role and relationship to the project.