The San Diego Trolley

Abstract

In 1949, San Diego was one of the first major California cities to switch to a bus-only transit fleet. As time went on, both San Diego and its neighbor Tijuana saw explosive population growth, and in the 1970s a combination of strong leadership and a stroke of luck led to San Diego constructing the first post–World War II light rail system in the United States. The original system went from downtown to the Mexican border and received national and international attention for being delivered on time, under budget, and without federal funds. This article explores the system’s origins, strengths, shortcomings, and legacy.