Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Lineoperates Friday through Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Free one-hour parking is available at the Los Angeles Cruise Promenade parking lot located just past the Catalina Express Terminal gate. A $1 all-day fare (310) 732-3473
Helping to preserve the region's transportation is Railway Preservation Resources (RPR) Consulting. Working with Port of Los Angeles on the Waterfront Red Car Line- 2007-09, RPR teamed with Wilson & Company, EDAW, Stone Consulting and other firms on a comprehensive study for expansion of the Waterfront Red Car trolley system, including planning work with CPUC and other City and State agencies. John Smatlak served as assistant project manager for the study. The Red Car Line is operated by the City of Los Angeles- Harbor Department (Port of Los Angeles. - railwaypreservation.com
History of the Red Car: For approx. 60 years 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 was resurrected in San Pedro, as the Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Line. Two new replica railcars patterned after an actual 1909 Pacific Electric "Red Car" design, and a third car restored from an actual 1907-vintage Pacific Electric car, also operates occasionally.
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. The fare is one dollar for everyone, with children 6 and under free. The fare is collected on board the cars, and your ticket is good unlimited rides throughout the day.