Bill for Subway Clears Assembly Committee

The state Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday approved by an 11-1 margin legislation to require that an extension of Metro Rail through residential areas of North Hollywood and Van Nuys be built underground.

In 1989, a similar proposal was vetoed by Gov. George Deukmejian, who said the matter should be under the jurisdiction of local authorities.

But Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana)--the author of both transit proposals--expressed optimism that his latest measure will become law because it has drawn support from a variety of local groups, from the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission to business associations.