May 4: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

1895:  The Los Angeles Consolidated Electric Railway Company begins operation of the first interurban line in the Los Angeles region under the auspices of the Los Angeles and Pasadena & Los Angeles Railway.

A Los Angeles Consolidated Electric Railway streetcar at Pico Heights decorated for Washington’s Birthday, ca. 1895 (Click for more information)

The line links Los Angeles to Pasadena ten miles to the northeast.

Pasadena’s population triples in the decade following the opening of the line.

In 1895, the majority of horse car lines in Los Angeles are rebuilt and electrified at 3’6″ gauge.

 

 

1974:  The Southern California Rapid Transit District holds a special Board meeting to discuss the national fuel crisis.

Thirteen oil companies decline to bid on diesel and gasoline contracts for Los Angeles’ transit system, threatening its ability to provide service during a time of surging demand.

The SCRTD Board passes a resolution uring the President of the United States, California’s Congressional representatives, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Office of Emergency Preparedness to enact legislation requiring that public transit agencies be given first priority in the allocation of petroleum products so that the public can be assured of uninterrupted public transportation service.

The Board also urges that petroleum products be placed under price controls.