Los Angeles Approved Red Car Loans and Terminal Talks
The Los Angeles Harbor Commission sanctioned historic vehicle loans and new cruise terminal negotiations.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Cruises
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The Los Angeles Harbor Commission has approved a 20-year loan of three vintage Red Cars to regional museums. Additionally, the commission authorized exclusive lease negotiations with Pacific Cruise Terminals to develop a new cruise terminal at the Port of Los Angeles.
Why it matters
The Red Car loan preserves local transit history by placing the vehicles in museums after years of storage, while the cruise terminal project serves as a long-term infrastructure strategy to bolster the city's financial assets.
The proposed deep-water terminal project spans 200 acres and offers 3,000 linear feet of wharf length. The cruise terminal is estimated to reach completion in 10 years following necessary environmental approvals.
The players
Los Angeles Harbor Commission
This board oversees the policies and operations of the Port of Los Angeles, which is a major maritime gateway for international trade.
Pacific Cruise Terminals, LLC
The company is a private entity engaged in exclusive negotiations with the port to develop new cruise infrastructure.
Southern California Railway Museum
Located in Perris, this institution is dedicated to preserving the history of railway transportation in the region.
Travel Town Museum
Situated in Griffith Park, this museum displays historic railroad equipment and artifacts significant to Southern California.
Lomita Railroad Museum
This facility in Lomita focuses on the preservation and exhibition of railroad memorabilia and history.
The details
The 1058 Red Car will be moved to the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, while two replica cars will head to Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park and the Lomita Railroad Museum in Lomita. Meanwhile, the Port of Los Angeles will spend up to two years negotiating a lease for a project involving Berths 90-92, 93, 45-47, and 49-51.
Timeline
Red Cars began operating along the San Pedro waterfront in 2003.
The vintage cars were removed from public service in 2015.
The Los Angeles Harbor Commission approved the loans and negotiations on October 8, 2026.
Lease negotiations for the cruise terminal will occur within 2 years.
The new cruise terminal project could be completed in 10 years.
Travel Outlook
The loan of the Red Cars marks a formal conclusion to the 2003 San Pedro Red Car waterfront service, transitioning the transit assets into museum exhibits. This development shifts the port's focus toward the 10-year horizon of new, large-scale cruise infrastructure.
Travelers should note that while the cruise terminal project is a decade away, the move preserves historic local artifacts for public viewing at regional museums. Visitors interested in seeing the vintage Red Cars can soon plan trips to the Southern California Railway, Travel Town, or Lomita museums.
The takeaway
The commission's vote balances the preservation of historical transit icons with a long-term commitment to maritime infrastructure growth. Residents and tourists can look forward to seeing the restored Red Cars on display at local museums in the coming years.
Further reading
For more information on the regional maritime industry, visit the Cruises section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Breeze.
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