Throw Back Thursday: Goodbye to Red Cars on L.A.-Venice line

Sep. 18, 1950: Upon arrival in Los Angeles, Venice Lions Club members conduct a musical tribute to Pacific Electric Red Cars on the Los Angeles-Venice line.

A story in the Sep. 18, 1950, Los Angeles Times explains:

The first of 57 new motor coaches ordered to replace the old red cars on the Los Angeles-Venice line began rolling yesterday.

Part of the Pacific Electric Railway’s Co.’s $5,200,000 modernization program the coaches will carry 48 passengers each. …

Officials said one red train will run daily, except Saturdays and Sundays, over the route for the time being to hold the franchise. The other old cars will be taken to the company’s yards in Torrance and demolished.

The end of the old era will be celebrated today when members of the Venice Lions Club will ride one of the red cars to downtown Los Angeles, holding their regular meeting en route. The car will be decorated for the occasion.

This photo was published in the Sep. 19, 1950, Los Angeles Times.