"The Red Car isn’t just a top tourist attraction for cruise passengers and visitors; the Red Car is part of our community’s identity." - Janice Hahn

"There are a lot of safety issues with the high-platform cars, but also the cost" is high to operate and maintain them, said Doane Liu, deputy executive director and chief of staff for the Port of Los Angeles, which operates the line.

Instead, a revised future trolley line most likely would use more modern (and safer) street-level rail cars, he said.

U.S. Rep. Janice Hahn, D-San Pedro - who was the area's councilwoman when the Red Cars were brought online and is running for what will be Knabe's open seat next year - lauded the supervisor's motion."It is no secret that I - along with so many San Pedro residents - disagree with the port's decision to close the line without providing us the opportunity to discuss other options," Hahn said in a news release Thursday that asked for at least part of the line to stay open.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti - also a member of the county transportation panel - spoke out in favor preserving the Red Car's history as well and voted for the motion, but said any replacement trolley system in the future needs to be more practical."It's a great ride, but people often go on it (only) once or twice," he said. "The more we can make it something we can use is what would do history the most justice."


Los Angeles Councilman Joe Buscaino also is working to clear the way with the state so residential construction could be built along the waterfront."The waterfront redevelopment has been going on for quite a while and there have been a number of iterations of that," Henry said. "The track has become something of an impediment. We tried to minimize the impact as much as possible, but the one thing constant about the port is change."

The most likely fate now for the historic replica cars will be as museum pieces, possibly used in static outdoor displays along the waterfront, in downtown San Pedro and/or at special sites such as Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles.