Historic Los Angeles Railway, Angels Flight, Increases Fares Due to Inflation Impact
Reimagined Piece:
Hey there! Let's chat about the historic Angels Flight Railway in downtown Los Angeles. This quaint little funicular railway’s had quite a ride, pun intended, traversing steep hills and adjusting to the city's dynamic growth. And now, it's facing a bump in fares due to inflation.
Starting June 1, passengers will have to cough up $1.50 instead of the previous $1.00 for a ride. Souvenir round trips will set you back $3, while L.A. Metro TAP Card holders can still enjoy half-price fares. This is the first price hike since 2017, and officials believe it won't be necessary for a while.
Hal Bastian, president of the nonprofit Angels Flight Railway Foundation, says, "Angels Flight isn't just a means of transportation. It’s a living piece of Los Angeles history." The increase will help maintain its safety and heritage, ensuring it continues serving the community.
But Angels Flight's history isn't all smooth sailing. It's been a silent spectator to LA's growth for 112 years, yet it's been closed more than it's been operating. Maintenance and safety challenges have been its cross to bear, most notably a terrifying accident in 2001 when a car broke loose, killing an 83-year-old tourist from New Jersey and injuring seven others. Investigators pinned the blame on faulty mechanical systems combined with weak oversight.
The train's first ride only cost a penny when it opened in 1901, offering a practical solution for commuters to navigate the steep terrain between Bunker Hill housing and downtown LA offices. It carried about 4,000 passengers daily before shutting down in 1969 when Bunker Hill's historic housing was replaced by skyscrapers. The railway reopened in 1996, offering a unique piece of LA history to tourists and residents. Tickets cost 25 cents then.
However, accidents and closure weren't done with Angels Flight yet. It shut down again following a derailment in 2011 and remained closed indefinitely after another incident in 2013—both ended without injuries. But Hollywood couldn't resist its charm, featuring it in the film "La La Land" in 2016. After stricter safety measures were implemented, it reopened to the public the following year. Since then, it's been smooth sailing, as they say.
If you're curious about more travel experiences, check out these articles: Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner offering $10 train fares to aid fire relief, free rides on LA Metro through Sunday, but Amtrak and commuter trains shutdown, and Disneyland Resort increasing prices on most theme park tickets.
Angels Flight Railway, an integral part of LA's history, continues to weather challenges, emphasizing resilience and heritage conservation. To learn more about its bumpy past and recent restorations, read here.
- In California, the historic Angels Flight Railway, a significant part of Los Angeles's entertainment history, has increased its fares for the first time since 2017, aiming to maintain its safety and heritage.
- The Angels Flight Railway, beyond being a transportation solution, also serves as a business venture, offering unique tourist experiences and contributing to the city's thriving entertainment and sports industry.
- Despite its troubled past with accidents and closures, the Angels Flight Railway in Los Angeles has proven its resilience, reflecting California's vibrant and dynamic culture, and continues to attract interest from various industries such as transportation, business, and entertainment.
