That song-and-dance freeway number in "La La Land" may be pure fantasy, but DTLA history enthusiasts' dreams of riding Angels Flight once again? That's about to become a reality: The historic funicular (which had a cameo in the award-winning film) will finally reopen this September, meaning those bright orange cable cars will be running and and down the hill in time for Labor Day.
At a press conference this morning, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that Sinai and Olivet (the name of Angels Flight's cars) and their tracks would be "upgraded, reconditioned, and modernized to keep people safe [and] on the move. Citing Downtown's recent retail revitalization, Garcetti says the monument will provide "reliable, sustainable service for Angelenos and visitors alike for at least the next 30 years."
Since arriving in 1901, Angels Flight was granted landmark status in 1962 and has reopened and closed several times over the years: in 1996 (when it was moved not far from its original location) after 27 years in storage, and most notably in 2001 after a passenger was killed when one car jumped its track. It was up and running for a brief period until 2013 when service was suspended due to safety concerns.
Angels Flight
351 S Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
