A chronology of events that led to the construction and expansion of TRAX, the Utah Transit Authority's light-rail mass transit system:
November 1992, local voters defeat a referendum for a sales tax increase for transportation, a portion of which would have helped build a light-rail system in the Salt Lake Valley.
January 1993, UTA purchases a 23.5-mile railroad corridor from Union Pacific for $18.5 million for use as a future light-rail line.
Summer 1995, Utah is awarded the 2002 Winter Games and, with an 80 percent match available from the federal government, UTA pursues construction of light rail.
September 1995, renegade UTA board member Sam Taylor files a lawsuit against UTA, saying it is trying to build light rail "in total opposition to the will of the people."
October 1995, at the urging of Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, a House-Senate conference committee agrees to designate $9.8 million in federal dollars to begin light-rail planning and construction.
December 1996, two citizen initiatives aimed at stopping or altering light-rail plans are rejected before they reach the ballot. A business group, meanwhile, urges UTA not to place light rail along Main Street in downtown Salt Lake City.
January 1997, UTA's board of directors votes 11-2 in favor of placing TRAX on Main Street.
April 1997, amid controversy over whether tax dollars should be spent on light rail, UTA breaks ground on the initial $312 million, 15-mile north-south line between Salt Lake City and Sandy.
November 1997, a state lawmaker proposes a bill that would prevent UTA from placing tax referendums on the ballot.
December 1997, UTA announces it can finish light-rail construction six months early.
September 1998, 12 businesses affected by light-rail construction on Main Street sue for damages.
December 1999, the initial TRAX line opens for free rides Saturday, Dec. 4, and begins regular service Monday, Dec. 6.
November 2000, voters approve a quarter-cent sales tax increase for transit projects. In Salt Lake County, one-fourth of that increase would go to road improvements.
December 2000, UTA initiates Sunday TRAX service.
August 2000, UTA breaks ground on a 2.5-mile extension of light rail to the University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium.
December 2001, University line completed.
May 2002, ground broken for 1.5-mile extension from Rice-Eccles Stadium to the University of Utah Medical Center.
September 2003, Medical Center line opens.
Current: UTA is retrofitting 29 used vehicles from the Valley Transit Authority in San Jose, Calif., for use on the TRAX system.
Future: Additional extensions are planned for Salt Lake Valley suburban communities, as well as a spur to Salt Lake City International Airport, over the next 30 years.