Pacific Electric orginally named their cars the "California Cars" because the front section was windowless so passengers could enjoy the mild Southern California climate. But riders found the name "Red Cars" a lot more logical due to their bright hue

Despite the increase of newcomers to Southern California, the lack of adequate transportation to Long Beach continued to damper its ability to attract newcomers. It appeared that the coastal village was destined to languish as a small seaside resort for Los Angeles residents. One newcomer to Long Beach, Charles Rivers Drake, a former employee of the Southern Pacific Railroad, petitioned the city council to consider a plan for the creation of an electric interurban transit line connecting Long Beach and Los Angeles. At the top speed of ten miles per hour, this "high speed" system was considered a sure-fire means of enticing potential residents.

	The renowned "Plunge" and the "Walk of a Thousand Lights" which became known as "The Pike" contributed to Long Beach's reputation as the "Coney Island of the West Coast."

All projections of the economic impact that the Red Cars, as they became affectionately known, would make on the local area were met and surpassed. Even Drake was amazed by the swarm of visitors that arrived on its first run on July 4, 1902. Although the $100,000 Bath House he was building at the end of the line was not quite finished, he opened it anyway, but had to stop selling tickets due to the lack of dressing room accommodations. "The Plunge," as the Bath House was dubbed, Pine Avenue Pier and later the "Walk of a Thousand Lights," better known as "The Pike" with its thrilling roller coaster ride, double Ferris wheel and unusual street shows, soon became one of Southern California's most popular attractions. "The Coney Island of the West Coast," Long Beach's population grew to 17,809 according to the 1910 census, an eight-fold increase.