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Council hears history of Pacific Electric 'red car'; city orders five new trolleys for peninsula service
Summary
Historian Bill Lobdell described how the Pacific Electric 'red car' shaped Newport Beach. Council announced purchase of five new trolleys, 80% funded by an OCTA grant, with service planned for summer 2026 and further expansion in 2027.
Historian Bill Lobdell told the City Council on Tuesday that the Pacific Electric “red car” trolley helped spur early 20th-century development in Newport Beach, and council members announced plans to revive the trolley spirit with new electric trolleys for peninsula service.
Lobdell traced the red car’s arrival to early development around Balboa Island and the Balboa Pavilion. He said the line made Newport Beach accessible from across…
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