A Guide to Southern California Public Transportation

By

Jim Gracey

The golden age of passenger trains on the American scene has long past. The advent of Interstate highways and jet aircraft have rendered most regional and all national passenger rail service non competitive. Local governments have replaced trains and trolleys with bus systems. Most of these bus systems are very good despite their undeserved reputations. OTHER COUNTRIES, notably FRANCE , JAPAN, and most recently, CHINA operate high speed "bullet" trains but California High Speed trains are little more than a dream. However, AMTRAK does operate a "high speed" train for the Northeast Corridor.

For those who don't remember that Southern California once had a thriving network of electirc trolly cars, visit the Electric Railway Historical Association page.

But for those who mourn the loss of regular scheduled passenger rail service, there are a few bright spots. If you are like me and love the sound of the clanging bells at a railroad crossing or the sound of a lonesome train whistle far off in the distance, you will enjoy this page.

LINKS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

Los Angeles Area

Of course AMTRAK has provided excellent service along the Pacific coast between Santa Barbara and San Deigo on their Surf Liner trains. But the newer METROLINK comuter train system now provides passenger service to UNION STATION from various cities on six routes originating from Riverside via UNION PACIFIC tracks (1993), or via BNSF tracks , San Bernardino (1992), Lancaster (1992), Oxnard / Ventura County (1992), and Oceanside (1994). A seventh METROLINK line has been added between San Bernardino and Oceanside (1995).

Oh yes, Los Angeles does have a subway system! The RED LINE (1993) is completly under ground beginning at the downtown Union Staion. There are also two light rail lines. The BLUE LINE provides service between downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach(1990). The GREEN LINE, provides service between Norwalk and Redondo Beach (1995). Most of the GREEN LINE route travels the center median of Interstate 105. A newer line ( GOLD LINE) with service between Union Station and Sierra Madre via Pasadena opened July 26, 2003. The MTA also operates one of the more extensive Bus Systems in Southern California.

Overview of Los Angeles rail systems

Detailed schedules and station maps:
Blue Line
Gold Line
Green Line
Red Line

Also of interest is the ELECTRIC TROLLEY tour of the San Pedro Harbor.