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California Vintage Trolley Systems |
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| San Pedro |
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| Port of LA Waterfront Red Car Line | ||||||||||||||
| Began Operation: 2003 | ||||||||||||||
| Miles of Line: 1.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Stations: 4 | ||||||||||||||
| Org: paid staff | ||||||||||||||
| Schedule: Fri. - Mon., year round | ||||||||||||||
| - John Smatlak photo, click to enlarge - | ||||||||||||||
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For sixty years, the Los Angeles area was served by a vast network of electric railway lines operated by the Pacific Electric Railway. Affectionately known as “Red Cars”, the Pacific Electric’s trolleys and interurban cars blanketed the Los Angeles area on more than 1000 miles of rail lines. The last remnant of the system was abandoned in 1961. Forty-two years later, a small piece of the system has been resurrected in San Pedro, as the Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Line.
Riders can experience the thrill of a real 1920s-era trolley ride, thanks to the remarkable railcars that have been built to serve the line. Regular operation is conducted with two new replica railcars carefully patterned after an actual 1909 Pacific Electric “Red Car” design. A third car, restored in the 1960’s from an actual 1907-vintage Pacific Electric car, is available for special operations including charters.
The 1.5 mile line connects San Pedro’s cruise ship terminal with other attractions along the waterfront. The $10 million dollar project was financed and constructed by the Port of Los Angeles, the independent City agency which manages the bustling port facility. The line uses parts of an old Pacific Electric right-of-way that continued to be used for freight operation long after the original Red Cars were gone. The line was rebuilt to accommodate trolley operations with traditional 600-volt DC overhead trolley wire. The four stations feature ADA-compliant high-level platforms that make boarding and alighting easier for everyone and the new cars easily accommodate wheelchairs.
The line opened for public operation on July 19th, 2003, following a three-year construction period. Railway Preservation Resources is serving as consultants to the Port on the project, and extensive details can be found on the Port of LA Waterfront Red Car Line pages, located elsewhere on the website.
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