 Streetcar service in the city had ended in 1949, and planning for a new rapid transit system was undertaken in 1966.Light rail was chosen for several reasons, including ability to travel at high speed for long distances, cost compared to full heavy rail rapid transit, ability to utilize at-grade construction, minimizing of operating deficit, and expediency of construction.The first right of way was acquired from Southern Pacific railroad in 1978, and many features of the system were added incrementally.