San Pedro will receive two new electric passenger trolleys by the end of the year because of a $470,000 Community Emission Reduction Grant, local business officials announced on Tuesday, July 8.

The funding — from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, in partnership with Cal State Northridge — will provide the vehicles, expected to carry about 20 passengers each. They will join with the existing fleet of four red trolleys already serving San Pedro’s downtown and waterfront community.

There is no detailed information yet on the model of the vehicles, which are designed to reduce emissions, improve public access and enhance the visitor experience along the Los Angeles waterfront.

The vehicles being considered are modern, fully electric trolley shuttles from Specialty Vehicles, capable of accommodating large groups while delivering zero-emissions mobility.

They will go to the Downtown San Pedro Business Improvement District, also known as Discover San Pedro, which announced the new trolleys.

The trolleys will offer free transportation throughout the downtown San Pedro and Los Angeles Waterfront districts, connecting locals and visitors to attractions such as the Battleship Iowa, San Pedro Fish Market, Cruise Terminal, West Harbor Waterfront and the historic downtown.

The route now extends all the way to Cabrillo Beach year-round, providing access to the historic coastal destination. Besides regular service, the trolleys will also be available for private rentals for parties, tours, crawls and special events.

The bright red trolleys have become a recognizable mascot in the district, and the addition of the new zero-emission vehicles is meant to enhance circulation and connectivity among all of downtown San Pedro’s growing number of attractions.

Awarded through LADWP’s Community Emission Reduction Grants Program, the funding arrives at a pivotal moment for Los Angeles, as the region prepares to modernize mobility ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

The downtown and waterfront area in San Pedro has gone through dramatic changes in the past couple of decades, with the growth speeding up more recently — after years of planning and groundwork being laid — as mid-rise buildings go up and the West Harbor waterfront takes shape after long planning stages were delayed by the pandemic and other slowdowns. A grand opening of the waterfront is expected in 2026, with soft openings anticipated later this year.

“These new trolleys will ensure circulation throughout the entire footprint of our waterfront district,” said Alan Johnson of Jerico Development, the team behind the $170 million West Harbor destination.

A 6,200-seat amphitheater, which the Los Angeles harbor commission recently approved, will anchor the south end of West Harbor.

The electric trolley addition is a key element for the historic downtown district as it builds on its connection with the expanding waterfront development.

“This is a transformative moment for San Pedro and a testament to the vision and dedication of our team,” Ryan Blaney, president and CEO of Discover San Pedro, said in a written comment. “We are especially grateful to Stacy Trevizo, who led this effort with tenacity and heart. Her commitment to our community’s sustainability and accessibility goals is the reason this project is moving forward. This grant positions San Pedro at the forefront of environmentally conscious urban transit.”

The overall route is designed to connect cultural landmarks, cruise terminals, waterfront attractions and the future West Harbor development. It has also grown out of a commissioned connectivity study done earlier for the overall district waterfront-downtown area.

“Downtown San Pedro has a great desire to be an accessible and responsible district,” said Trevizo, who authored the trolley grant application. “We’re fortunate to have great infrastructure in place — from wide roads and scenic routes to community support — that made us competitive for this grant.”

“These new electric trolleys are more than just a mode of transportation — they’re a tool for economic development,” said Yolanda Regalado, board chair of Discover San Pedro and a downtown business owner. “They’ll move people efficiently through our district, encouraging visitors to shop, dine, and explore more of what San Pedro has to offer.”