February 15: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

1887:  Two new franchises are granted to operate transit systems in Los Angeles.

The standard-gauge Pomona Street Railway, which later begins construction on February 28, 1888 with operations beginning April, 1888.

The Holt & San Antonio Ave. Railway Company later files articles of incorporation on October 21, 1887 and begins line service on February 10, 1888.

1961:  Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority takes over the 26 Cross Town lines following the purchase of their 82 buses and a garage in Whittier for $275,000 plus $25,000 for materials and supplies.

The sales contract allows 57 operators and 11 mechanics the option of continuing employment with LAMTA with full seniority rights.

Cross Town operators

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The sales contract allows 57 operators and 11 mechanics the option of continuing employment with LAMTA with full seniority rights.

Cross Town Lines were founded in 1945 in Lynwood, but went on to serve over 20 Southern California cities, including Anaheim, Artesia, Bellflower, Buena Park, Compton, Downey, El Segundo, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Hermosa Beach, Huntington Park, Inglewood, La Mirada, Long Beach, Lynwood, Manhattan Beach, Norwalk, Redondo Beach, Santa Ana and Whittier.

More information can be found in the February, 1961 issue of Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority’s The Emblem.

1991:  The second phase of the Metro Blue Line opens four months ahead of schedule.

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A six-block tunnel between 12th/Pico Streets and 7th/Flower Streets connects the Blue Line from Long Beach to the future Metro Red Line under construction.

The first day of passenger service follows the official opening ceremony the day before, and marks the completion of Los Angeles’ first rail transit segment a short seven months after its spectacular grand opening in July, 1990.

More information can be found in the February, 1991 issue of Metro Moves employee news magazine.