July 13: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

Written by Kenn Bicknell

1913: Two Pacific Electric Railway passenger trains collide on the Venice Short Line shortly after 9:00 p.m., killing 14 passengers and injuring approximately 200.

Pacific Electric accident site — Site of the Pacific Electric Venice Short Line crash, July 13, 1913

The accident occurs 50 feet east of Vineyard Junction near Pico Boulevard and West Boulevard in Los Angeles.

The division on which the rear-ending accident occurs is a double-track line, operated by time card without signals or orders and with no means of spacing trains except by vision.

The Chief Inspector of Safety Appliances for the Interstate Commerce Commission conducts an investigation and issues a comprehensive report on August 6th which recommends the application of automatic train-control systems on the Pacific Electric Railway system.

The accident also brought the day of the wooden interurban cars to an end. Pacific Electric immediately redesigned its proposed 1200 Class cars to be made of steel. The complete story of this incident, and how it changed Los Angeles streetcars forever, can be found in our Primary Resources post.

1941: Los Angeles Motor Coach‘s Vineyard Division opens on Pico.