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The Cable Car Home Pageby Joe Thompson |
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I want to use this site to share my knowledge about and interest in cable cars (also known as cable tramways). I want to keep it simple. I welcome input from any source, especially about cable cars in cities other than San Francisco. I hope to build this page up gradually as time permits. I welcome information, photographs, and suggestions.
| Where Should I Go from Here? Visit the Map |
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November, 2026 will be the 30th anniversary of this website.
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August and September 2023 marked the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the birth of cable traction on the Clay Street Hill Railroad We see an image looking west on Clay Street at the terminal of the Clay Street Hill Railroad. One part of a stereoscope view.. (Image Source: OpenSFHistory / wnp24.224a.jpg). |
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The 2025 Muni Heritage Weekend was held on 20-21 September-2025. |
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Byron Cobb won the 2019 Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest on Thursday, October 10 at Noon in Union Square. This was his eighth victory. The 2020 and 2021 contests were cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no contests in 2022 and 2023. #TrumpVirus |
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San Francisco's Transportation Octopus, the Market Street Railway of 1893, a new book by Emiliano Echeverria, Michael Dolgushkin and Walter Rice, is now available as an Ebook on a DVD. I have written a small review. |
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You will enjoy Strephon Taylor's new documentary San Francisco Cable Cars: "At over 140 years old, the San Francisco Cable Cars are a moving monument, a snapshot of nearly lost technology, a romance story, and the very heart of the City." Read my Review. Read about or see some other Cable Car Videos. Update 01-May-2023: In honor of the 150th anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the birth of cable traction, there will be two special showings on 17-June-2023 at San Francisco's historic Four-Star Theater, which opened in 1912. Strephon will be there in person. |
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Reflections on Life at the San Francisco Cable Car Division I can highly recommend Nick Tomizawa's dvd The Feel of the Rope: "a tribute to the men and women that carry on a San Francisco tradition that has continued for over 130 years. Through the words of employees past and present representing two generations of operators, managers, maintainers, trainers, and car builders, you will get an insider's look at what makes the cable cars the most unique transit system in the world." Read my Review. Read about or see some other Cable Car Videos. |
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The Cable Cars of San Francisco Second Edition by Robert Callwell & Walter E. Rice, Ph.D. The second edition of Of Cables and Grips: The Cable Cars of San Francisco -- not yet available in a print-and-paper book format -- is available on this web site. |
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This toy cable car, Number 51, is an unusual example of a toy California Street car. Almost all toy cable cars represent Powell Street cars. It is made of lithographed tin. See more collectible items on my Cable Car Kitsch page. See toys, magazine ads, and other new items. |
Table of Contents
- What is a cable car? (updated 01-Sep-2005)
- How do cable cars work? (updated 01-May-2021)
- Where and when did cable cars operate? (updated 01-Jul-2016)
- San Francisco (updated 01-Apr-2026)
- Other California Cities
- Los Angeles (updated 01-Feb-2025)
- Oakland (updated 01-Feb-2025)
- San Diego (updated 01-Jun-2019)
- Chicago (updated 01-Feb-2022)
- Kansas City (updated 01-Dec-2025)
- Saint Louis (updated 01-Jul-2025)
- New York/New Jersey (updated 01-Jan-2022)
- Hoboken (updated 01-Jan-2022)
- Newark (updated 01-Mar-2012)
- Binghamton (updated 01-Apr-2012)
- Brooklyn (updated 01-Jun-2012)
- New York (updated 01-Nov-2014)
- Ohio (updated 01-Feb-2024)
- Cleveland (updated 01-Jun-2017)
- Cincinnati (updated 01-Jun-2021)
- Pennsylvania (updated 01-Mar-2024)
- Philadelphia (updated 01-Aug-2010)
- Pittsburgh (updated 01-Nov-2013)
- District of Columbia and Baltimore (updated 01-Aug-2024)
- Washington DC (updated 01-Aug-2014)
- Baltimore (updated 01-Jul-2024)
- Pacific Northwest (updated 01-Mar-2023)
- Denver (updated 01-Mar-2026)
- Australia/New Zealand (updated 01-Mar-2026)
- UK (updated 01-Aug-2025)
- Birmingham (updated 01-Feb-2012)
- Douglas, Isle of Man (updated 01-Aug-2021)
- Edinburgh (updated 01-Jun-2020)
- Glasgow (updated 01-Oct-2021)
- Liverpool (new 01-Oct-2001)
- London (updated 01-Sep-2020)
- Matlock, Derbyshire (updated 01-May-2020)
- Other Cities (updated 01-Sep-2025)
- Sioux City, Iowa (new 01-Oct-2016)
- Grand Rapids, Michigan (new 01-Sep-2016)
- St Paul, Minnesota (new 01-Oct-2016)
- Omaha, Nebraska (updated 01-Oct-2024)
- Providence, Rhode Island (updated 01-Aug-2018)
- Lisbon (updated 01-Sep-2025)
- Paris (new 01-Nov-2003)
- Who Was Important in the History of the Cable Car? (updated 01-Feb-2025)
- Why do I Maintain This Site? (updated 01-Nov-2021)
- News (updated 01-Apr-2026)
- 2026 Anniversaries (updated 01-Jan-2026)
- Thanks/Links (updated 01-Jun-2023)
- What's New (updated every month)
- Ten and Twenty Years Ago (updated every month)
- San Francisco Cable Car Chronology by Walter Rice and friends (updated 01-Apr-2026)
- Miscellany (updated 01-Apr-2026)
- Site Map (updated 01-May-2024)
- Bibliography (updated 01-May-2016)
- Guest Book (new 01-Sep-1998)
- Picture of the Month (updated every month)
- Search This Site (updated 01-Apr-2026)
- Legal Stuff (modified 01-Jul-2001)
News
Powell/Hyde Cable Issue - 28-March-2026
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Powell/Hyde cable service was delayed because of a cable issue.
Powell=Hyde and California Street Cable Repairs - 26-March-2026
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Powell-Hyde and California Street cable cars were out of service because of cable damage. Shuttle buses covered the lines.
California Street Cable Cars Blocked by Emergency Vehicles - 20-September-2025
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California Street cars were blocked by emergency vehicles on California at Stockton.
California Street Line Blocked by Police Activity - 16-March-2026
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Service on the California Street line was disrupted because of police activity. An armed man barricaded himself in an apartment at California and Franklin.
Powell=Hyde and California Street Mechanical Issue - 15-March-2026
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Service on the Powell-Hyde and California Street lines was disrupted because of a mechanical issue.
Powell and Market Turntable Trouble - 13-March-2026
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Powell Street cable service was down because of a turntable problem at Powell and Market
Powell-Hyde Turntable Trouble - 12-March-2026
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Powell-Hyde cable service was down because of a turntable problem at Hyde and Beach.
Powell Street Cable Damage - 12-March-2026
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Powell Street cable cars held their positions because of possible cable damage. Shuttle buses covered the lines until the damage was repaired.
Powell/Mason Cable Check - 11-March-2026
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Powell Street cable cars were bllocked because of a cable check.
Powell Street Cable Cars Blocked by March - 10-March-2026
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Powell Street cable lines were blocked by a protest march at Geary and Powell.
Electrical Issue - 09-March-2026
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Powell-Hyde and California Street cable services were down because of an electrical issue.
Powell/Mason Cable Check - 08-March-2026
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Powell Street cable cars were down for the day because of a cable check.
All Cable Cars Blocked by Demonstration and Heavy Traffic - 08-March-2026
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Powell Street cable lines were blocked by an International Women's Day demonstration march. They were later held because of a cable issue.
All Cable Cars Blocked by Heavy Traffic - 07-March-2026
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Powell and California Street cable services were blocked by congested traffic.
Unstated Issue - 06-March-2026
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Powell-Hyde and California Street cable services were down because of an unstated issue.
SFMTA Thanks Supervisors for Supporting Chinese New Year - 04-March-2026
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SFMTA thanked the Board of Supervisors for supporting Chinese New Year services. Cable cars were not included in the day's free Muni rides.
Electrical Issue - 04-March-2026
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Powell-Hyde and California Street cable services were down because of an electrical issue.
Cable Issues - 04-March-2026
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Powell-Hyde and California Street cable services were down because of a cable issue.
California Street Cable Cars Delayed Because of Emergency Brake Application - 04-March-2026
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Outbound California Street cable car service was delayed because of the use of a slot blade (emergency brake).
California Street Bus Shuttle - 01-March-2026
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California Street cable service was partially replaced by buses because of the Chinese New Year YMCA Run.
Powell/Mason Cable Check - 26-February-2026
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Powell Street cable cars were blocked between Bush and Pine.
Powell/Mason and California Street Cable Check - 25-February-2026
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Powell/Mason and California Street cable services were down because of a cable check.
News
California Street Cable Issue - 25-February-2026
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California Street cable service was delayed because of a cable issue.
California Street Cable Cars Delayed Because of Emergency Brake Application - 24-February-2026
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Outbound California Street cable car service was delayed because of the use of a slot blade (emergency brake) near Leavenworth.
Cable Issues - 22-February-2026
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Powell-Mason cable service was down for the rest of the day because of a cable issue. Powell-Hyde and California service were held because of another cable issue. Service on those lines resumed later in the day.
Powell-Hyde Cable Medical Delay - 21-February-2026
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Powell-Hyde Street cable cars switched back at Washington and Powell because of a passenger's medical issue.
Powell Street Cable Issue - 21-February-2026
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Powell Street cable service was delayed because of a cable issue.
Powell-Hyde and California Street Cars Delayed - 20-February-2026
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All Powell-Hyde and California Street cars were stopped by a loose strand alarm.
Powell-Hyde Cable Cars Down Because of Electrical Issue - 18-February-2026
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Powell-Hyde cable car service was down because of electrical problems.
California Street Cable Cars Delayed Because of Emergency Brake Application - 18-February-2026
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California Street cable car service was delayed because of the use of a slot blade (emergency brake) near Hyde.
Powell-Hyde Cable Cars Delayed Because of Emergency Brake Application - 17-February-2026
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Powell-Hyde cable car service was delayed because of the use of a slot blade (emergency brake) at Hyde and North Point.
Powell-Mason Cable Cars Out of Service Because of Cable Damage - 17-February-2026
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Powell-Mason cable car service was down for the remainder of the day because of cable damage.
Powell-Mason Cable Cars Blocked by Auto - 15-February-2026
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Powell-Mason cable service was blocked by an automobile at Jackson and Mason.
California Street Cable Issue - 15-February-2026
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California Street cable service was suspended for the day because of a cable issue. California Street cable service was replaced by buses.
Powell Street Cable Cars Blocked by Traffic - 14-February-2026
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Powell Street cable car service was blocked by heavy traffic. Cars turned back at Washington/Mason.
Love on the Line -- Valentine's Day Cable Car - 14-February-2026
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On 14-February-2026, visitors to the Hyde and Beach terminal could take Valentine's Day photos on a decorated cable car from 11am to 4pm. Sponsored by the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District.
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Powell Street Blocked by Fire Department Activity - 13-February-2026
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Service on the Powell Street lines was disrupted because fire department activity at Powell and Clay.
Cable Issues - 10-February-2025
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California Street cable service was suspended because of a cable issue. Powell Street cars switched back at Powell and Washington. Cable service was replaced or supplemented by buses.
Powell-Hyde Cable Car Collision - 09-February-2026
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Powell-Hyde car 6 collided with an auto at Hyde and Broadway. Six people were injured (source: CBSNews.com).
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California Street Cable Cars Twice Blocked by Parked Autos - 08-February-2026
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California Street cable cars were blocked at two different times by poorly parked autos.
Cable Cars Again Blocked by Heavy Traffic - 07-February-2026
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All inbound Powell Street cable cars switched back at Washington/Mason because of was blocked by congested traffic. California Street service shut down early and was replaced by a three-bus shuttle. Some of this traffic was probably due to the upcoming Super Bowl LX, which would be played on 08-February-2026 in Santa Clara.
All Cable Cars Again Blocked by Heavy Traffic - 06-February-2026
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Powell Street and all California Street cable service was blocked by congested traffic. Some of this traffic was probably due to the upcoming Super Bowl LX, which would be played on 08-February-2026 in Santa Clara. California Street service shut down early.
California Street Cable Cars Again Blocked by Traffic - 05-February-2026
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California Street cable car service was again blocked by heavy traffic between Drumm and Kearny. This was probably due to the upcoming Super Bowl LX.
All Cable Cars Blocked by Heavy Traffic - 04-February-2026
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All Powell Street service around Union Square and all California Street cable service was blocked by heavy traffic. Some of this traffic was probably due to the upcoming Super Bowl LX, which would be played on 08-February-2026 in Santa Clara.
Powell-Hyde Cable Cars Blocked by Auto - 31-January-2026
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Powell-Hyde cable service was blocked by an automobile at Washington and Jones.
Powell Street Blocked by Fire Department Activity - 29-January-2026
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Service on the Powell Street lines was disrupted because fire department activity at Powell and Clay.
Powell Street Mechanical Issue - 27-January-2026
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Service on the Powell Street lines was disrupted because of a mechanical issue at Powell and Market.
Powell/Hyde Cable Issue - 25-January-2026
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Powell/Hyde cable service was delayed because of a cable issue.
California Street Cable Cars Again Blocked by Traffic - 24-January-2026
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California Street cable car service was again blocked by heavy traffic between Drumm and Kearny.
California Street Cable Cars Blocked by Traffic - 22-January-2026
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California Street cable car service was blocked by heavy traffic between Drumm and Kearny. This may have been caused by the revival of business and shopping in downtown San Francico.
California Street Cable Car Serious Accident - 15-December-2025
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California Street cable car 51 came to a sudden halt and at least 14 people were injured. The windows on the front dash were shattered. SFMTA is investigating to determine the cause, which may have been an object in the slot. Buses substituted for the cars the rest of the day.
Santa's Cable Car - 13-December-2025
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Coming on 13-December-2025: Santa Claus will appear at the Hyde and Beach terminal. People can take photos with Santa from 11am to 4pm. Sponsored by the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District.
Powell Mason Cable Line Blocked - 23-November-2025
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Powell Mason cable cars were blocked at Mason and Green by fire department activity.
Powell Cable Medical Delay - 23-November-2025
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Outbound Powell Street cable cars held position because of a passenger's medical issue.
All Powell Street Cable Cars Down - 19-November-2025
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All Powell Street cable car service was down for an unstated reason. Inbound and outbound cars switched back at Powell and Washington.
Merry Days of Muni - 18-November-2025
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The San Francisco MTA (Municipal Transportation Agency) talks about the Merry Days of Muni, including decorated cable car, on its Muni Store..
Merry Days of Muni Holiday Collection - 18-November-2025
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The San Francisco MTA (Municipal Transportation Agency) is selling various Christmas items, including sweaters and pajamas, in its Muni Store.. Many items feature Muni's Patchwork of the City pattern.
Farewell to the Bredas - 12-November-2025
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Muni's Breda streetcars (or LRVs if you insist) ran for the last time in regular service. Articulated car 1534 will be preserved and operated at the Western Railway Museum at Rio Vista Junction. The Bredas served for almost 30 years.
California Street Cable Power Problem - 07-November-2025
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California Street cable service was dowm for most of the day because of a cable power problem. Shuttle buses covered Cal Cable service.
Powell/Mason Cable Check - 30-October-2025
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Powell/Mason cable service was dowm for most of the day because of a cable check. Shuttle buses ran from Bay and Taylor to Powell and Jackson.
Powell/Hyde Mechanical Issue - 26-October-2025
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Powell/Hyde cable service was dowm for part of the day because of a mechanical issue. Buses covered Powell-Hyde service.
All Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed By Cable Damage - 23-October-2025
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All Powell Street cable car service was down for the remainder of the day because of cable damage.
Powell Street Cable Down - 15-October-2025
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The Powell Street cable was down. Inbound Powell Street cable cars switched back at Washington/Mason.
Powell-Hyde Cable Cars Delayed by Improperly Parked Auto - 11-October-2025
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Powell-Hyde cable service was delayed by an automobile which was parked improperly at Jackson and Taylor.
All Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed By Police Activity - 07-October-2025
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All Powell Street cable car service was delayed first by police activity at Powell and Ellis, then by a problem at Geary.
Powell-Mason Cable Cars Delayed By Cable Issue - 05-October-2025
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Powell-Mason line cable cars held in place because of a cable issue.
All Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed By Cable Issue - 04-October-2025
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All Powell Street cable car service was cancelled overnight because of a cable issue.
Powell-Hyde Cable Cars Delayed by Illegaly Parked Auto - 03-October-2025
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All Powell cable service was delayed by an automobile which was parked illegally on Jakson between Powell and Mason.
Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month - 02-October-2025
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SFMTA honored Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month with a photo of some of their Latinx and Hispanic posing on a cabe car.
Lisbon Funicular Fatal Crash Investigation - 30-September-2025
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| (Source: Google News, 04-September-2025 September 2025 Picture of the Month. |
Lisbon has three street-running funiculars. On 03-September-2025, the Elevador da Glória (Route 51e) suffered a fatal crash when the upper car ran away and hit a building. 16 are dead. The upper car lost the cable and its brakes were not sufficient to stop it. All three funiculars are out of service for testing.
All Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed - 30-September-2025
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All Powell Street cable cars were delayed by a Powell Street cable issue.
All Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed - 25-September-2025
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All Powell Street cable cars were delayed by a Powell Street cable issue.
Muni also had an outage of the system that tracks cable car locations for a system update. This service was restored by 27-September-2025.
All Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed - 21-September-2025
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All Powell Street cable cars were delayed by a Powell Street cable issue.
Biggest Muni Heritage Weekend Yet! - 20-21-Septmber-2025
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Muni's 2025 Heritage Weekend, which included special cable car service, was a success.
Powell-Hyde Cable Cars Delayed by Illegaly Parked Auto - 18-Septmber-2025
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All Powell-Hyde Street cable service was delayed by an automobile which was parked illegally.
Cable Car Sheave Refurbishment/Replacement Continues - 18-September-2025
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The project to refurbish all the sheaves on the cable car lines continues.
The three big challenges mentioned in the SFMTA blog:
1. Providing continuous service during critical upgrades.
2. Moving the massive sheaves to carry out restoration work.
3. Refurbishing and creating specialized parts.
Powell Hyde Service Rerouted - 17-September-2025
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Powell-Hyde service was blocked by Fire Department activity on Union between Larkin and Hyde.
All Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed - 15-September-2025
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All Powell Street cable cars were delayed by a Powell Street cable issue.
California Street Cable Issue - 13-September-2025
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California Street cable service was suspended because of a cable issue. California Street cable service was replaced by buses.
Powell/Mason Cable Issue - 13-September-2025
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Powell/Mason cable service was delayed because of a cable issue.
Powell Street Cable Issue - 10-September-2025
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Powell Street cable service was stopped because of a cable issue.
California Street Cable Issue - 07-September-2025
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California Street cable service was suspended because of a cable issue at Van Ness. California Street cable service was replaced by buses. The outage extended overnight.
Powell-Hyde Cars Blocked by Emergency Vehicles - 07-September-2025
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Powell-Hyde cars were blocked by emergency vehicles at Hyde and Jackson.
California Street Cars Blocked by Emergency Vehicles - 06-September-2025
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California Street cars were blocked by emergency vehicles on California near Front.
Lisbon Funicular Fatal Crash - 05-September-2025
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| (Source: Google News, 04-September-2025 September 2025 Picture of the Month. |
Lisbon has three street-running funiculars. On 04-September-2025, the Elevador da Glória (Route 51e) suffered a fatal crash when the upper car ran away and hit a building. At least 17 are dead. Image courtesy of Google News.
Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed by Illegaly Parked Auto - 05-Septmber-2025
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All Powell Street cable service was delayed by an automobile which was parked too close to the tracks at Jackson and Mason.
Powell/Hyde Delayed by Illegaly Parked Auto - 31-August-2025
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Powell/Hyde cable service was delayed by an automobile which was parked too close to the tracks.
California Street Cars Blocked by Emergency Vehicles - 28-August-2025
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California Street cars were blocked by emergency vehicles on California near Drumm.
Powell Cable Medical Delay - 28-August-2025
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Powell Street cable service was delayed at Market and Powell because a rider needed medical attention.
Powell/Hyde Cable Issue - 23-August-2025
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Powell/Hyde cable service was delayed because of a cable issue.
Powell Street Cable Replacement - 21-August-2025
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Because of a cable replacement project, Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde Street cars would pull into the barn between 9:30 and 10:30pm.
Powell-Hyde Street Cars Suspended - 18-August-2025
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All Powell-Hyde cars were stopped by a bumper bar signal. The signal indicates that there may be a loose strand on the cable.
All Powell Street Cars Blocked by Emergency Vehicles - 17-August-2025
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All Powell Street cars were blocked by emergency vehicles on Powell between Geary and Post.
Powell Street Cable Issue - 14-August-2025
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Powell Street cable service was stopped because of a cable issue.
Powell Street Cable Cars Blocked by Emergency Vehicles - 13-August-2025
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All Powell Street cable cars were blocked by emergency vehicles on Powell between Sacramento and Clay.
History in Motion -- Jackson and Fillmore -- 08-August-2025
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A view of the corner of Jackson and Fillmore in 1948. We see Calvary Presbyterian church in the background.
The complete blog post, with photos from 1982 and 2025:
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Calvary Presbyterian Church at Fillmore and Jackson directed people to take the "Powell-Jack, Cable." It is a beautiful church which I have visited several times. (Source: San Francisco Examiner, 15-November-1947, page 6). |
All Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed - 07-August-2025
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All Powell Street cable cars were delayed by a mechanical issue at Washington/Mason.
Use Clipper on the Cables - 07-August-2025
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Bay Area Clipper suggests using their card to ride the cable cars. The conductors use hand-held devices to check fares.
Powell Mason Street Cable Service Stopped by Turntable Issues - 06-August-2025
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A turntable problem at Bay and Taylor delayed Powell-Mason service.
Powell/Hyde Track Issue - 28-July-2025
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Powell/Hyde cable service was suspended because of a track issue at Hyde/Beach.
Powell/Mason Cable Issue - 27-July-2025
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Powell/Mason cable service was suspended overnight because of a cable issue. A two-bus shuttle covered the line.
Powell Street Cable Cars Delayed - 25-July-2025
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Powell Street cable cars were delayed by a collision of non-Muni vehicles. Cable cars switched back at Washington/Mason.
Psychedelic Muni Vehicles - 22-July-2025
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Mayor Daniel Lurie unveiled three Muni vehicles which received psychedelic wraps in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Grateful Dead. What, no cable car?
Powell Hyde Service (Still?) Rerouted - 20-July-2025
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Powell/Hyde Street cars were rerouted to the Powell Mason line. This may been a continuation of the problem reported yesterday.
Powell Hyde Service Rerouted - 19-July-2025
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Powell Hyde service was blocked by Fire Department activity at Filbert and Union. Hyde Street cars were rerouted to the Powell Mason line.
California Street Cable Issue - 18-July-2025
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California Street cable service was suspended because of a cable issue near Powell Street. California Street cable service was replaced by buses. The outage extended overnight.
Powell/Mason Cable Issue - 17-July-2025
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Powell/Mason cable service was suspended because of a cable issue at Columbus Avenue and Lombard Street.
Powell/Hyde Delayed by Disabled Auto - 11-July-2025
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Powell/Hyde cable service was delayed at Greenwich by a disabled automobile.
California Street Service Blocked by Fire Department- 07-July-2025
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California Street service was blocked by Fire Department activity at California and Stockton Streets.
California Street Service Blocked by Fire Equipment- 07-July-2025
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California Street service was blocked by Fire Department activity at California and Hyde Streets.
General Cable Issue - 06-July-2025
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All cable service was delayed because of a cable issue. After lines were "back up and running," Powell/Hyde cas ran on the Powell/Mason line because of (another?) cable issue.
Powell/Hyde Cable Issue - 03-July-2025
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Powell/Hyde cable service was suspended because of a cable issue.
Powell Street Cable Cars Blocked - 01-July-2025
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All Powell Street cable cars were blocked by emergency vehicles at Powell and O'Farrell.
Muni Fare Changes - 01-July-2025
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New fares, including a $9 fare for cable car rides, took effect on 01-July-2025.
Hyde Street Service Delayed by Cable Check - 28-June-2025
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Hyde Street service was blocked because of a cable check. A bus shuttle ran from Washington/Mason to Hyde/Beach.
California Street Service Delayed by Disabled Car - 26-June-2025
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California Street service was delayed because of a disabled car near Front Street.
California Street Service Delayed by Vehicle Collision - 24-June-2025
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California Street service was delayed because of a "Muni-involved collision" near Drumm Street.
Powell/Hyde Cable Blocked - 06-June-2025
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Powell/Hyde cable service was blocked by construction work.
Powell/Mason Cable Issue - 02-June-2025
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Powell/Mason cable service was suspended because of a cable issue.
Cable Car Sheave Refurbishment/Replacement - 29-May-2025
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The project to refurbish all the sheaves on the cable car lines continues after initial delays.
Powell Street Cable Service Stopped by Turntable Issues - 22-May-2025
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A turntable problem at Powell/Market forced Mason and Hyde cars to turn back at Washington and Mason.
Powell Street Cable Cars Blocked - 21-May-2025
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All Powell Street cable cars were was blocked by emergency vehicles at Powell and Washington.
Powell Cable Cars Delayed/Cancelled Because of Issues - 20-May-2025
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May 20 was a bad day. Powell Street service was delayed then cancelled because of various issue.
Powell-Mason Cable Cars Held Because of Signal Issue - 20-May-2025
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Powell-Hyde Street cable cars were delayed because of a signal problem at Powell and Washington.
Powell-Hyde Cable Cars Delayed Because of Police Action - 20-May-2025
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Powell-Hyde Street cable cars were delayed because of police action.
Service Cancelled on Powell Street by Mechanical Issues - 19-May-2025
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Service on Powell street was stopped becuase of mechanical issues.
California and Powell Street Service Suspended During Protest March - 17-May-2025
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California and Powell Street cars had to hold position during a protest march.
California Street Service Delayed by Vehicle Collision - 15-May-2025
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California Street srvice was delayed because of a "Muni-involved collision" between Taylor and Jones.
Powell Street Service Interrupted by Vehicle Collision - 11-May-2025
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Powell/Mason and Powell/Hyde had to hold position because of a "Muni-involved collision."
California Street Suspended During Protest March - 01-May-2025
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California Street service was suspended during a May Day protest march.
Another Powell Street Cable Issue - 25-April-2025
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Powell Street service was down because of another cable issue.
Powell Street Cable Issue - 25-April-2025
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Powell Street service was down all night because of a cable issue. Hyde and Mason line cars turned back at Washington and Mason. Buses provided a shuttle service along Powell.
Powell Street Service Interrupted by Vehicle Collision - 24-April-2025
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Powell/Mason and Powell/Hyde service were delayed at Powell and Sacramento because of a Muni-involved collision. Hyde and Mason line cars turned back at Washington and Mason.
Cal Cable Delay - 18-April-2025
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Cal cable service was delayed at California and Taylor because a rider needed medical attention.
Hyde Street Cable Inspection - 17-April-2025
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An inspection of the Hyde Street cable stopped service on the Powell/Hyde line. Powell/Hyde cars were redirected to the Powell/Mason line.
All Cable Service Delayed by Mechanical Issues - 08-April-2025
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A turntable problem at Powell/Market delayed Powell/Mason and Powell/Hyde service. Buses provided service from Market to the car barn, while Mason and Powell cars turned back at Washington and Mason. A switch issue at California and Drumm delayed Cal Cable service.
Powell/Mason Street Cable Cars Blocked by EV - 05-April-2025
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A disabled electric vehicle blocked the Powell/Mason line at Mason and Broadway.
Powell Street Strand Alarm - 03-April-2025
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A strand alarm on Powell Street forced inbound Mason and Hyde line cars to switch back at Washington and Mason. A strand alarm indicates that strands of wire which form the cable may have come loose. This can cause cars to run away.
Cal Cable Blockage - 01-April-2025
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Because of police ativity at California and Larkin, Cal cable service was blocked. Not an April Fool's gag.
Powell/Mason Cable Bustitution - 27-March-2025
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Because of a damaged cable, buses replaced Powell/Mason cable service.
Powell Street Cable Issue - 15-March-2025
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Service on the Powell cable lines was disrupted because of a cable issue.
Powell Hyde Cable Issue - 14-March-2025
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Service on the Powell Hyde line was disrupted because of a cable issue.
Powell Street Power Issue - 12-March-2025
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Service on the Powell Street lines was disrupted because of a power issue.
Powell Street Cable Replacement - 12-March-2025
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Because of a cable replacement project, the last inbound Powell Mason and Powell Hyde Street cars would leave the outer terminals at 9pm.
Powell Hyde Service Rerouted - 10-March-2025
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Powell Hyde Street service was blocked by Fire Department activity on Jackson Street between Jones and Leavenworth. Hyde Street cars were rerouted to the Powell Mason line.
Cable Issue Interrupts all Service- 02-March-2025
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Service on the all cable lines was disrupted by a cable issue at California and Powell.
California Street Service Blocked - 01-March-2025
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California Street service was blocked by Fire Department activity.
Market Street Turntable Issue - 25-February-2025
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Service on the Powell cable lines was disrupted and rerouted because of a mechanical issue with the turntable at Powell and Market.
Powell/Hyde Bumper Bar Alert - 24-February-2025
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Service on the Powell/Hyde cable line was delayed because of a bumper bar alert.
Cable Car Sheave Refurbishment/Replacement - 23-February-2025
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Intermittent cable car outages will be caused by a project to refurbish all the sheaves on the cable car lines. The project will run through 16-May-2025.
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Presidents' Day/NBA All Star Game/Chinese New Year Parade Weekend - 08-February-2025
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Events in San Francisco during Presidents' Day weekend included the Chinese New Year Parade and the National Basketball Associations's All Star Game and associated events. Muni offered free rides except on the cable cars.
The NBA asked to have a cable car decorated in honor of the All Star Game. Val Lupiz and his crew decorated Car 16, whose blue and gold colors are also the colors of the Golden State Warriors.
Val and his crew decorated Car 1 as a tribute to the Lunar New Year.
Lurie Family Rides a Cable Car - 08-January-2025
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Before his inauguration as Mayor of San Francisco, Daniel Lurie and his family took a ride on a cable car.
Powell/Mason Service Down - 08-Janury-2025
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Powell/Mason service was down because of a cable that had to be spliced. Powell/Mason cars were redirected to the Hyde line.
Cable Car Fare Increase - 01-Janury-2025
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Effective today, the single ride cable car fare leapt up to $8.
2026 Anniversaries
250 years ago - 1776
Jun 29 - San Francisco and Mission Dolores were founded.
Jul 04 - In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.
175 years ago - 1851
May 04 - The Fifth Great Fire destroyed San Francisco's entire business district
Jun 01 - Horse-drawn omnibuses began running between downtown San Francisco and Mission Dolores
Jun 09 - The First San Francisco Committee of Vigilance was organized in response to a wave of crimes, especially arson
Jun 10 - The Committee of Vigilance hanged John Jenkins of the Sydney Ducks gang for stealing a safe
Jun 22 - The Sixth Great Fire destroyed 14 blocks
Jun 25 - The New Mission Toll Road opened from Clay and Kearny, out Third to Mission, along Mission to Corbett Road.
Sep 15 - The Committee of Vigilance disbanded
150 years ago - 1876
Jun 14 - The California Street Cable Railroad received its franchise
125 years ago - 1901
Feb 14 - Peoples' Railway (St Louis, Missouri) converted to electricity
Mar 14 - Missouri Railroad (St Louis, Missouri) converted to electricity
May 11 - Metropolitan Street Railway (New York, New York) converted its Columbus Avenue line to electricity
May 25 - Metropolitan Street Railway (New York, New York) converted its Broadway line to electricity
Jun 19 - Metropolitan Street Railway (New York, New York) converted its Lexington Avenue line to electricity
New York Giants record: 52-85, 7th place. Manager: George Davis.
100 years ago - 1926
Dec 16 - After operating more than 29,323 miles with an air grip and braking system Market Street Railway Castro Cable Car No. 6 is restored back to having solely a mechanical grip and braking system. The next day Castro cable car No. 2 was also restored after 31, 973 miles as an "air" car. The eighteen-month "air" experiment was a failure.
New York Giants record: 86-66, 2nd place. Manager: John McGraw.
75 years ago - 1951
01/??/1951 - Cable Car 501 (renumbered 28 in 1973, and retired January 2004) is completely rebuilt with only the clerestory roof retained. Curve sides replace flat passenger compartment sides. Experimental axle-generators installed to generate electricity for lighting. Shown to be not feasible, all cars continue to have batteries for lighting.
Jan 21 - The Bay Area Electric Railroaders' Association operated a Muni streetcar fantrip over the B and C (Geary Street lines), N (Judah), and J (Church) routes using its single-truck Birney safety car, formerly No. 62 of the Sacramento Northern Railway. The little car was the first Birney to ever operate in San Francisco and the first Birney ever to cross a cable car line – Geary & Jones Streets Cal Cable’s O’Farrell, Jones & Hyde line and Geary & Powell Streets Muni’s Powell-Mason and Washington-Jackson cables.
Jan 29 - Cal Cable ceases Hyde Street Shuttle buses as Muni opens new bus line 80-Leavenworth. Muni's new 80-line closely paralleled the still operating inner portion of the Cal Cable's O'Farrell, Jones and Hyde cable line. Cal Cable claims Muni is trying to put it out of business.
02/??/1951 - Mayor Robinson urged Muni to rehabilitate its Powell Street cable lines, including rebuilding cars, tracks, and the power plant. $152,500 received from the sale of the abandoned former Market Street Railway streetcar carbarn at Turk and Fillmore was tentatively earmarked for this purpose.
Feb 19 - Cal Cable, as authorized by the Public Utilities Commission, increased its fares from 10 cents to 15 cents with two tokens for 25 cents or nine for $1. Even with this increase company claims it would lose money (1951), unless Muni paid 5 cents for each Muni transfer Cal Cable received. Cal Cable received 348,900 passengers per year (1950) more from Muni than Muni received from them. Cal Cable lost $19,998 in 1948, $50,474 in 1949 and $51,311 in 1950. The 15-cents fare was expected to reduce the company's 1951 loss to $10,963. The average daily patronage in 1950 was 16,437.
Jun 21 - A Powell Street cable car rolled along Atlantic City, New Jersey’s famous boardwalk, as part of San Francisco’s unsuccessful effort to obtain Lions Club’s 1952 convention (the 1952 convention was held in Mexico City). "Equipped with rubber tires and drawn by a jeep, the cable car was in constant use, furnishing free rides to all who could get on board." The cable car had traveled across the country on a railroad flat car. The display was complete with a gripman, and conductor who issued special transfers proclaiming "San Francisco -- Convention City." Through 28-June-1951.
Jul 31 - Last day of service on Cal Cable because Lloyds of London canceled the company’s insurance after a waitress, injured in an accident, won a $140,000 judgment. Cal Cable’s president Dr. John Haman, a physician, stated service could only resume if insurance was obtained (it was not).
Oct 28 - "Cable Car Line No. 59 (Powell-Mason) will resume service along the regular route to Bay and Taylor, near Fisherman’s Wharf. Construction of the cable-car-track overpass at the Broadway Tunnel, which necessitated discontinuance of cable car service, will be ready for operation by the above date. Muni "NOTICE TO PUBLIC" dated October 19, 1951.
Oct 28 - Santa Claus rode a cable car to the Emporium to unveil the Christmas windows and kiddie land.
New York Giants record: 86-68, 3rd place. Manager: Leo Durocher.
25 years ago - 2001
Apr 24 - Muni rolled out new Car 9 to honor the 100th anniversary of Hallidie's death
Apr 30 - A collision at the crossover of the upper line injured 17 passengers on the Great Orme Tramway (Landudno, Wales)
Jul 20 - Byron Cobb won the 38th annual Bell Ringing Contest
Nov 11 - A fire broke out in a car of the Swiss Gletscherbahn Kaprun (Kaprun Glacier Railway) funicular as it passed through its tunnel. 3500 meters of the 3900-meter line run in the tunnel. 155 people died. The fire was started by an improperly ventilated electric heater in one of the operator cabs. The line was built in 1974
San Francisco Giants record: 97-65 1st place. Manager: Dusty Baker. Lost NLDS to New York Mets, 3 games to 1.
What's New
- 01-April-2026
- Picture of the Month: Disney Vinylmation figures are shaped like Mickey Mouse, but are decorated to resemble a variety of Disney and non-Disney characters and places. This one, part of the San Francisco series, is decorated as a cable car. My family recently gave me this figure with its tin. Even the inside of the tin is lithographed to look like a cable car.
- On the Kitsch page: a Disney Vinylmation Mickey Mouse figure; a 2019 Giants replica cable car honoring Hall of Famer Willie McCovey; a 2019 Golden State Warriors Draymond Green bobblehead posing with a cable car; an ad for Porte Dorée beer; a Kansas City Cable Railway puzzle;
- On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: I added screen prints to the articles about the movies Crime of Passion and D.O.A.
- Added Chronology items about recent events from 2025-2026
- Added News items about operational events including traffic delays during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX.
- Changed toy cable car picture on the main page to Cal Cable Number 51.
- Archived January 2026 What's New.
- 01-March-2026
- Picture of the Month: A 1939 newspaper article describes how the Dunedin cable trams were popular with tourists from Australia. "...Australian tourists made merry on the Maryhill extension line." (Source: Dunedin Evening Star, 15-March-1939)
- On the Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand page: A ten year update about Dunedin, New Zealand's Maryhill Extension, known as "The Big Dipper."
- On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: I added screen prints to the article about the 1935 Universal B movie Chinatown Squad
- Added News about operational events
- Archived December 2025 What's New.
- 01-February-2026
- Picture of the Month: In 1958, former Mornington Tramway trailer 167 was restored and sent to the Transit Museum in Matahoke. (Source: The Christchurch Press, 01-October-1958)
- On the Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand page: A ten year update about Dunedin, New Zealand's Mornington Tramway, the last Hallidie-type cable tram line to operate outside of San Francisco. More newspaper items.
- Added News items about operating issues
- Archived November 2025 What's New.
Go to top of page.
Ten and Twenty Years Ago
Ten Years Ago
- 01-April-2016
- Picture of the Month: An impressionistic Delta Airlines poster.
- On the Kitsch page: An American Airlines poster; Two Delta Airlines posters; A TWA poster; Three United Airlines posters; a 7x7 Magazine cover; a Hard Rock Cafe pin with a cable car and a golden dragon; a Giants 1995 pin; a Giants 2007 All Star Game pin
- On the San Francisco page: A new page about 1941 - A Bad Year for Cable Cars, describing the cable car and counterbalance lines that got abandoned or replaced by buses in San Francisco and Seattle.
- On the Horse Car Home Page: A reprieve for at least one season for the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway on the Isle of Man. Also News item.
- Added News item about Amber Jones, who has become the third woman to operate a cable car.
- Added News item about the sixth annual San Francisco History Expo
- Archived January 2016 What's New.
- 01-March-2016
- Picture of the Month: An 1895 view of Maryhill Tramway car 9 with unusual roof and windows. Photograph by William Henry Jackson. Thanks to Len Foley for pointing out that this was the Maryhill and not the Roslyn line. (Source: World's Transportation Commission Photograph Collection - Library of Congress. CALL NUMBER - LOT 11948, no. 688)
- On the Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand page: A new article about Dunedin, New Zealand's Maryhill Extension, known as "The Big Dipper."
- On the Cable Car Models page: A model of a San Diego cable car by Eleanor Catalina Stevens.
- On the Horse Car Home Page: More about the threat to kill off the Douglas Bay Horse Tramway on the Isle of Man. Also News item.
- Added News and Bibliography items about a news story that I got interviewed for.
- Archived December 2015 What's New.
- 01-February-2016
- Picture of the Month: The only piece of rolling stock that survived the 1903 fire (Source: Otago Witness, 18-February-1903)
- On the Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand page: A new article about Dunedin, New Zealand's Mornington Tramway, the last Hallidie-type cable tram line to operate outside of San Francisco. Many newspaper items about the opening of the line and a fire that destroyed all the rolling stock except one trailer.
- Added News items the passing of conductor Rey Morante and the possible end of horse tram service on the Isle of Man
- Archived November 2015 What's New.
Twenty Years Ago
- 01-Apr-2006
- Picture of the Month: The headline of the 19-April-1906 Call=Chronicle=Examiner, printed on the presses of the Oakland Tribune by a combination of three of San Francisco's major newspapers.
- On the San Francisco page: A new page about San Francisco in 1906, describing the effect of the earthquake and fire on the city's cable car lines.
- Also on the San Francisco page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, a detailed review about the movie I Love a Soldier, which featured Barry Fitzgerald as a gripman.
- On the New York/New Jersey page: Three 1869 newspaper articles about the West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, a cable-operated elevated railroad
- On the Kitsch page: Bachman ho cable car under the Christmas tree. 1954 and 1960 Bank of America magazine ads.
- Changed toy cable car picture on the main page to detail view of Number 514.
- Archived January 2006 What's New.
- 01-Mar-2006
- Picture of the Month: Denver Tramway Company Car 40, preserved at the Forney Transportation Museum.
- Added information about the Denver Tramway Company to the Other Cities page
- On the Australia/New Zealand page: Thanks to Stuart James, a photograph of his great-grandfather in a Melbourne engine house
- On the San Francisco page: An update to the second edition of Of Cables and Grips: The Cable Cars of San Francisco, by Robert Callwell & Walter E. Rice. New information about the powerhouse
- Added Bibliography items about two books: The End of the Penny Section and Penang Trams
- On the New York/New Jersey page: Four 1868 newspaper articles about the West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, a cable-operated elevated railroad
- Added a News item about a new book about Penang transit
- Archived December 2005 What's New.
- 01-Feb-2006
- Picture of the Month: A Roslyn cable tram in Dunedin, New Zealand.
- 24-February-2004 marks the 125th anniversary of Dunedin, New Zealand's Roslyn Tramway, the first Hallidie-type cable tram line outside of San Francisco. I also updated the small article on Wellington's Kelburn Cable Car to mention that the museum has just received grip car 3 restored to its 1905 appearance
- Thanks to Walter Rice, "San Franciscans Fight to Keep Historic Cable Cars", a 1947 Life article about the beginning of the rebellion against Mayor Roger Lapham's plan to get rid of the Powell Street cable cars. Also "City I Love", a 1946 Time profile about Mayor Roger Lapham
- On the Cable Car Transfers, Tickets, Tokens and Signage page: Thanks to Val Lupiz, a sign warning riders about the California Street line turnback on New Year's Eve, 2005.
- Added News and Bibliography items about the mayor accusing crewmen of skimming fares and a fatality on Mason Street
- On the New York/New Jersey page: Ten 1867-1868 newspaper articles about the West Side and Yonkers Patent Railway, a cable-operated elevated railroad
- Archived November 2005 What's New.
Ten and Twenty Years Ago Archive
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since 01-March-2015.