Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority |
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| Info | |
| Locale | Los Angeles |
| Transit type | Streetcar Interurban Local bus (including trolleybuses) Bus rapid transit |
| Number of lines | 10 Light rail 2 Trolley bus -- Bus routes |
| Number of stations | -- Rail |
| Daily ridership | -- (Weekdays) |
| Operation | |
| Began operation | July 24, 1951 |
| Ended operation | November 5, 1964 |
| Operator(s) | Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority |
| Technical | |
| System length | Rail – 0 miles (0 km) Bus – 0 miles (0 km) |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow gauge |
| Electrification | 600 V direct current |
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority (often called LAMTA) was a public agency in Los Angeles, California. It was created in 1951 to plan for new public transport systems. Later, LAMTA took over and ran the remaining bus and streetcar lines in the city.
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History of LAMTA
LAMTA started in 1951. Its first job was to study if a monorail line could be built. This monorail would have connected Long Beach to Panorama City in the San Fernando Valley, passing through Downtown Los Angeles.
In 1954, LAMTA's responsibilities grew. They were allowed to study and suggest a much bigger public transport system for the whole region.
By 1957, LAMTA gained even more power. They were given permission to actually run transit lines. So, they bought the bus and streetcar lines from two big private companies. These were Metropolitan Coach Lines and Los Angeles Transit Lines. Metropolitan Coach Lines had previously taken over the passenger service of the Pacific Electric Railway. Los Angeles Transit Lines was the successor to the Los Angeles Railway.
LAMTA also bought a smaller company called Asbury Rapid Transit System. All these companies were bought for $34 million. LAMTA began operating these lines on March 3, 1958. They continued to run them until November 5, 1964. At that time, a new agency called the Southern California Rapid Transit District took over.
During LAMTA's time, the last remaining rail lines in Los Angeles were closed down. These rail lines were replaced with bus services. The last former Pacific Electric rail line closed in April 1961. The last former Los Angeles Railway lines closed in 1963.
LAMTA Services
LAMTA operated different types of public transport. These included streetcars, trolley buses, and regular buses.
Rail Lines Operated by LAMTA
When LAMTA took over, they ran several rail lines. Here are some of the main ones and when they were closed:
| Name | Original Company | Date Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Bellflower | Pacific Electric | 1958 |
| Catalina Dock | Pacific Electric | 1958 |
| Long Beach | Pacific Electric | 1961 |
| San Pedro via Dominguez | Pacific Electric | 1958 |
| Watts Local | Pacific Electric | 1959 |
| J | Los Angeles Railway | 1963 |
| P | Los Angeles Railway | 1963 |
| R | Los Angeles Railway | 1963 |
| S | Los Angeles Railway | 1963 |
| V | Los Angeles Railway | 1963 |
Trolley Bus Lines Operated by LAMTA
LAMTA also operated trolley buses. These are like electric buses that get power from overhead wires. Here are the trolley bus lines:
| Name | Original Company | Year Converted to Trolley Bus |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Los Angeles Railway | 1948 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Railway | 1947 |
