It was ridiculous indeed. There was no reason to get rid of the streetcars. Now we're forced to use a really crappy bus system, which is barely efficient because we're forced to go through all the traffic. It's a good thing we have some of the original Pacific Electric tracks turned into light rail lines. But those are not always well operated. And because you can often get on a train without a ticket, the MTA doesn't have enough money to support the system.
I am 15 years old, and I have lived in Los Angeles all my life. I am a huge history buff, and seeing that my hometown was once like this makes me sad. General Motors did a terrible thing. They convinced the people that making Los Angeles into the "City of the Future" with cars was progress and the best way to go. Oh, how stupid we were back then. LA already had such a great public transportation system, one that had been around for 50 years. If something does the job fine, why get rid of it?
It is an absolute unforgivable act of stupidity that LA's wonderful street car system(s) was dismantled by the greedy auto, rubber and oil industries. Back in the 40s and 50s, Los Angeles had the basis for perhaps the best public transport system in America.... and now we have a lousy and not very efficient bus system that practically forces people to drive everyplace.
It was a total sin and crime that this was abandoned. And we can thank General Motors et. al. for the dirty deed. Thankfully, it's all coming back now, in a modern form.
Thanks for sharing, Butch. Pacific Electric used to run where I live now. Some rail enthusiasts have built two of the smaller cars from scratch in nearby San Pedro. The city hopes to extend the rail line further. Thanks again!
Hollywood cars also ran on the Oregon City to Portland line. Fine trip.
4123jstein 2 months ago
kool
TheHoodhistorian 6 months ago
This engines and cars are in LA noire. Did pacific electric own vo 1000?
GoldenCreekValleyRR 7 months ago
PE Hollywood class cars did run in Argentina, but the Argentina cars shown here are actually former PE 1100 class cars.
Linda69P 7 months ago
"Red Bank Boogie" - Count Basie and his Orch
nealbfinn 9 months ago
LA Metro is rebuilding the Red Cars, slowly but surely.
MsGeek703 10 months ago
It was ridiculous indeed. There was no reason to get rid of the streetcars. Now we're forced to use a really crappy bus system, which is barely efficient because we're forced to go through all the traffic. It's a good thing we have some of the original Pacific Electric tracks turned into light rail lines. But those are not always well operated. And because you can often get on a train without a ticket, the MTA doesn't have enough money to support the system.
jooshiscrazy 11 months ago
I am 15 years old, and I have lived in Los Angeles all my life. I am a huge history buff, and seeing that my hometown was once like this makes me sad. General Motors did a terrible thing. They convinced the people that making Los Angeles into the "City of the Future" with cars was progress and the best way to go. Oh, how stupid we were back then. LA already had such a great public transportation system, one that had been around for 50 years. If something does the job fine, why get rid of it?
jooshiscrazy 11 months ago
Great vid, it looked like a great system!
AllyBScot 1 year ago
It is an absolute unforgivable act of stupidity that LA's wonderful street car system(s) was dismantled by the greedy auto, rubber and oil industries. Back in the 40s and 50s, Los Angeles had the basis for perhaps the best public transport system in America.... and now we have a lousy and not very efficient bus system that practically forces people to drive everyplace.
bamkablam 1 year ago
It was a total sin and crime that this was abandoned. And we can thank General Motors et. al. for the dirty deed. Thankfully, it's all coming back now, in a modern form.
Jeffbear1 1 year ago
Great footage, but you've got to tell me what you used for that soundtrack!
jazzumwalt 1 year ago
@jazzumwalt I think the song is "Red Bank Boogie" by Count Basie.
elmad32 1 year ago
This is a nice movie. Thanks for uploading. I could really enjoy it.
sunita850 2 years ago
Thanks for sharing, Butch. Pacific Electric used to run where I live now. Some rail enthusiasts have built two of the smaller cars from scratch in nearby San Pedro. The city hopes to extend the rail line further. Thanks again!
uranian99 2 years ago