 The idea of creating a heritage streetcar system in Astoria , as part of efforts to redevelop and revitalize the riverfront area , had first been raised in 1980 , long after the closure of the city 's streetcar @-@ transit system , which operated from 1892 to 1924 . An attempt by city officials to acquire a trolley car in 1986 was dropped in the face of high insurance costs . 
