Read the passage and then answer the question.

In 1860, the Pony Express was started. It was created to meet the demand for faster mail service across the United States. On horseback, Pony Express riders carried bags of mail long miles over rugged western trails. During their routes, the riders faced many dangers. For example, many riders told stories about encounters with wild animals and robbers. Despite these dangers, Pony Express riders were known to be very fast. They were able to carry word of Abraham Lincoln’s election as president over 1,500 kilometres in just five days. In less than two years, though, the Pony Express became obsolete. Once the telegraph was invented, there was no need for the Pony Express.