January 20: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

Written by Kenn Bicknell

1955: Metropolitan Coach Lines pays the City of Los Angeles more than $98,000 to pave over the streetcar tracks on Hollywood Boulevard.

Overhead wires and poles were also removed as part of the beautification and reconstruction project following motor coach service replacing rail in September, 1954.

Hollywood Boulevard streetcars and tracks, with overhead lines. This would be the last Christmas for streetcars on the world famous street. (Click for more information)

More information can be found in the February, 1955 issue of Metropolitan Coach News.

1974: Southern California Rapid Transit District creates a special promotion event, “Sunday Sample Day” with a fare of 10 cents to encourage transit use during the energy crisis.

Many of SCRTD’s non-contract employees ride buses to greet first-time patrons as they board coaches for their “test ride.”

Greater use of public transportation, particularly on Sunday when gasoline stations are being closed, provides the District with an opportunity to contribute to the alleviation of the energy crisis while at the same time minimizing the economic impact of the energy crisis on the community.

The one-day fare reduction program yields an 82% increase in passengers over the average Sunday ridership, and Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chairman Kenneth Hahn pledges $25,000 per week to see that the 10-cent Sunday fare will be continued through June 30.

Orange County Supervisors vote to grant the District subsidies of $1,100 per week to offset farebox reductions.

More information can be found in the February 5, 1974 issue of Headway, the Southern California Rapid Transit District employee news magazine.

Last Updated June 3, 2024

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