The Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Line was inaugurated on July 19, 2003. The 1.5-mile vintage trolley line connects the World Cruise Center with attractions along the San Pedro waterfront. The four Red Car boarding points are at the World Cruise Center, Downtown, Ports O’Call, and Marina stations. The Downtown Station at 6th Street and Harbor Boulevard stands where the original Pacific Electric San Pedro Depot stood years ago.
Red Car hours of operation are from 12 noon to 9 p.m., Friday through Sunday. The $1 fare includes unlimited rides for the day so passengers can jump off and on while seeing all downtown San Pedro and the LA waterfront have to offer, from the restaurants and gift shops to museums and art galleries. Red Car rides are free during Port-sponsored events.
The restored and replicated Pacific Electric Red Cars were designed to serve the area with both transportation and enjoyment purposes. Aboard the car, passengers appreciate the remarkable condition and authenticity of the trolley, feeling as though they’ve been transported back to the early 1900s with the open air, California-style windows and vintage product advertisements. Port of Los Angeles craftsmen brought original Pacific Electric Red Car 1058 back to life, paying careful attention to detail, while adding some modern machinery features to improve safety and operational efficiency. Replica Red Cars 500 and 501 were each built from scratch, representing the look of the cars that ran on the San Pedro Pacific Electric system in the 1920s.
Free parking is available at the Downtown Station at 6th Street, Ports O’ Call Station at Sampson Way, and Marina Station at 22nd Street.
