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Langley Powell, the first president and general manager of San Diego Trolley Inc., has died, Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) officials announced. He was 71.

Powell led San Diego Trolley during the startup phase of the light-rail system in 1981. The 15-mile line from San Ysidro, Calif., to downtown San Diego helped lead the renaissance of light-rail development in North America, MTS officials said.

During his career, Powell oversaw expansions of the trolley system east to Santee, north to Old Town and through Mission Valley.

He joined San Diego Trolley in September 1980. In 2001, he was named president and GM of San Diego Transit, where he worked to improve the bus agency's maintenance, on-time performance and internal management practices. He retired from public service in 2004.

"Langley was a model manager," said Leon Williams, former chairman of the Metropolitan Transit Development Board (now the MTS) and a longtime friend of the Powell family. "He led quietly, always listening and never confrontational."

Powell's career also included management positions at Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, National Railroad Passenger Corp., Chicago and North Western Transportation Co. and the Federal Railroad Administration. In addition, he was active in Rotary International, serving as president of the Southeastern San Diego Rotary Club. He also served for two years in the U.S. Army.

Powell is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ruby, a daughter, a son, a grandchild and a great-grandchild.