A multi-million dollar scheme to electrify Winnipeg's transit system, rejected earlier because of fears it would be too costly, received strong support Monday from the works and operations committee.

The committee unanimously approved a motion by Coun. Harold Piercy (Ind.—Henderson) recommending that administrators prepare plans for the construction of a light-rail transit (LRT) network and conversion of at least part of the city's bus fleet to electricity.

Coun. Piercy admitted that the proposal would cost "tens of millions of dollars" but warned that the city could not afford to wait any longer.

"The costs are staggering, but delaying this move will only magnify our problem," he said. "In 10 years there might not be any gas to run our buses. I'm convinced that this is the way to go."

If council passes the motion next week, a senior administrator would put together a "very preliminary schematic plan" outlining the LRT route options that may be available.

A preliminary report, complete with rough estimates of capital and operating costs, would be sumitted to council in about three months.

Coun. Piercy said about six major LRT lines could link the suburbs with the downtown core. Feeder routes, made up of either electric or diesel buses, would transport commuters to the main lines.

Design and planning would take about two years and a fully electric system could be a reality within a decade, he said.

"If the motion is approved council will be making a firm committment to electrification," he said. "The administration would be asked to turn their minds to electrification and not look for other options."

The committee's motion appears to be a complete about-face fro ma decision it made in March.

At that time councillors said the city should spend more money too promote its existing transit service rather than changing over to electric buses within the next five years.

Harry Burns, director of the streets and transportation department, has estimated it would cost about $750,000 a mile to install an electrical system to power trolley buses.

And Works Commissioner Bill Finnbogason has warned councillors that Calgary spent $146 million for eight miles of LRT tracks and the final cost of the project could top $330 million.

Coun. Piercy said there is no doubt the city would need federal and provincial backing for the project but added that council could do some long-range financial planning to pave the way for the conversion.

He said the profits from Winnipeg Hydro could be put into the electrification account as well as funds from the sale of city land.

Coun. Piercy said Manitoba Hydro, which would benefit from the plan, would be expected to match Winnipeg Hydro's contribution. He also suggested that the city leave money in its capital budget each year for the switch to electric transportation.

"I'm not saying we have to do all of these things but let's show some imagination and keep an open mind to the possibilities."