Angels Flight announces price hike as iconic L.A. railway becomes latest victim of inflation

Los Angeles Times - May 17th, 2025
Open on Los Angeles Times

Angels Flight Railway, a historic funicular in downtown Los Angeles, announced a fare increase from $1.00 to $1.50 starting June 1 in response to rising costs of insurance, maintenance, and labor. This marks the first fare hike since 2017. A round trip souvenir ticket will be available for $3, while L.A. Metro TAP Card users can continue to enjoy half-price rides. Hal Bastian, president of the Angels Flight Railway Foundation, emphasized that the fare adjustment will help maintain the safety and heritage of the railway, which is a significant part of Los Angeles' history.

Angels Flight has faced numerous challenges, including a deadly accident in 2001 due to mechanical failures and oversight issues. Originally opened in 1901, the railway has been subject to multiple closures, with significant safety improvements implemented over the years. Its re-emergence in popular culture, notably in the film "La La Land," has helped renew public interest. The fare increase ensures the continuation of this historic transportation service, which remains an emblematic feature of the city's landscape.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article about Angels Flight Railway provides a well-rounded overview of the fare increase and its historical context, effectively balancing current developments with the railway's storied past. The accuracy of the facts presented is commendable, although the story could benefit from more diverse sourcing and transparency regarding financial specifics. While the narrative is clear and engaging, the potential impact and public interest could be enhanced by integrating broader policy discussions and diverse viewpoints. Overall, the article is timely and informative, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by historical landmarks in modern economic conditions.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The news story about Angels Flight Railway is largely accurate and aligns well with historical facts and current developments. The article correctly reports the fare increase from $1.00 to $1.50 starting June 1, citing inflationary pressures as the reason for the change. This is supported by the foundation's statement regarding the rising costs of insurance, maintenance, and labor. Additionally, the article accurately recounts the railway's history, including its original fare price, passenger numbers, and the 2001 accident, all of which are verifiable through historical records. However, the story could improve by providing more detailed evidence or sources for these claims, particularly regarding the specific financial challenges faced by the railway. Overall, the factual accuracy is strong, but there is room for enhanced verifiability through additional sourcing.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the situation by presenting both the operational challenges faced by Angels Flight Railway and the historical significance of the funicular. It includes a statement from Hal Bastian, the president of the nonprofit Angels Flight Railway Foundation, which adds a perspective from the managing organization. However, the article could benefit from including more diverse viewpoints, such as those of regular commuters, tourists, or local historians, to provide a fuller picture of the railway's impact and significance. The focus is primarily on the fare increase and historical context, which may overlook other contemporary issues or opinions related to the railway's operation.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a clear and logical manner. It effectively combines historical context with current developments, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. The language is straightforward and neutral, avoiding technical jargon that might confuse readers. The inclusion of specific dates and figures helps to ground the story in concrete details, although some areas, such as the financial specifics of the fare increase, could be elaborated upon for greater clarity. Overall, the article is accessible and comprehensible to a general audience.

6
Source quality

The article references a statement from a credible source, Hal Bastian, the president of the Angels Flight Railway Foundation. However, it lacks additional sources that could enhance the credibility and depth of the report, such as financial experts or city officials who might offer insights into the economic pressures faced by such historical landmarks. The absence of varied sources limits the article's authority and reliability, as it relies heavily on a single organizational perspective. Incorporating a broader range of authoritative voices would strengthen the article's source quality.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear account of the fare increase and its historical context but lacks transparency in terms of the methodology behind the fare decision and the specific financial data supporting it. While it mentions inflation and rising costs, it does not disclose detailed figures or comparisons that would help readers understand the extent of these challenges. Additionally, there is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, such as any affiliations the author or publication might have with the Angels Flight Railway Foundation. Greater transparency in these areas would enhance the article's credibility and reader trust.

Sources

  1. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-16/angels-flight-announces-fare-hike-to-ride-downtown-la-125-year-old-railway
  2. https://ground.news/article/angels-flight-announces-price-hike-as-iconic-la-railway-becomes-latest-victim-of-inflation
  3. https://laist.com/news/what-goes-up-angels-flight-fare-rai
  4. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32655-d142962-Reviews-Angels_Flight_Railway-Los_Angeles_California.html
  5. https://laillusions.com/blog/ride-angels-flight-railway-for-an-unforgettable-los-angeles-adventure