Historical aspects of the Expo line route are noteworthy. It uses the right-of-way for the Santa Monica Air Line that provided electric-powered freight and passenger service between Los Angeles and Santa Monica beginning in the 1920s. Service was discontinued in 1953 but diesel-powered freight deliveries to warehouses along the route continued until March 11, 1988. The abandonment of the line spurred concerns within the community and the entire right-of-way was purchased from Southern Pacific by Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The line was built in 1875 as the steam-powered Los Angeles and Independence Railroad to bring mining ore to ships in Santa Monica harbor and as a passenger excursion train to the beach. COUNT 5
QSN1 Beginning in what decade did the Santa Monica  Expo Air Line host freight and passenger services? ANS1 1920s QSN2 What year did the Santa Monica freight and passenger service stop running? ANS2 1953 QSN3 Diesel powered freight deliveries continued through what date? ANS3 March 11, 1988 QSN4 What was the result from the discontinuation of using the line for deliveries? ANS4 was purchased QSN5 Who bought the Expo line from Southern Pacific? ANS5 Southern Pacific by Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority