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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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Do you remember when Santa arrived at the Emporium by cable car? Read Joe Lacey's "Christmas on the Cables" to find out more. Newspaper items about the 1950 parade and other ads. Read more about decorated cable cars, a living holiday tradition.. |
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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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My family gave me this Department 56 model car for Christmas, 2006. Note that the right-hand bench extends all the way to the front of the cabin bulkhead. 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-Jan-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-Sep-2018)
- Australia/New Zealand (updated 01-Jan-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-Nov-2025)
- 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-Mar-2025)
- Miscellany (updated 01-Apr-2025)
- 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-Oct-2006)
- Legal Stuff (modified 01-Jul-2001)
News
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 Comminity 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.
News
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-January-2026
- Picture of the Month: The San Francisco float in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade featured a detailed model of a cable car, along with other San Francisco beloved features of the city (Source KTLA-TV via YouTube).
- On the Cable Car Lines in Saint Louis page:
- On the Decorated Cable Cars page: In 2026, the City of San Francisco was represented by a float for the first time since 1978. The cable car was a nice element.
- On the Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand page: More about New Zealand's Roslyn Tramway, the first Hallidie-type cable tram line outside of San Francisco.
- Added News items about Visiting Santa on a cable car and a California Street accident
- Archived October 2025 What's New, 2025 Anniversaries, and July-December 2024 News items.
- 01-December-2025
- Picture of the Month: Santa and friends will ride a cable car down Powell Street to the Emporium. "His cable car reaches Powell and Market at 11 a.m." (Source: San Francisco Examiner, 1949-10-28).
- With Christmas coming, it's a good time to visit the late Joe Lacey's article Christmas on the Cables, and the Decorated Cable Cars page. Added a photo of Santa riding atop a cable car and a 1952 Emporium ad about the 1950 Santacade to Christmas on the Cables. Also Santa's Cable Car coming to Hyde and Beach. Cable car Christmas decorations celebrated their 20th anniversary.
- Added News and Chronology items about Santa's Cable Car, service issues, the Merry Days of Muni Holiday Collection and the last day of San Francisco's Breda cars
- On the Kansas City page: A promotion for the opening of the KC Streetcar's Holiday Jam
- Archived September 2025 What's New
- 01-November-2025
- Picture of the Month: The Las Casitas Railway is a funicular which serves a group of townhouses on Russian Hill (Source: San Francisco Examiner, 1960-10-02).
- On the new Northern California Funiculars page: Added new items about the Shasta Springs Incline, the Shadowbrook Restaurant, Capitola and Private Funiculars. Moved Telegraph Hill Railroad, the Fillmore Hill Counterbalance and the The Fairfax Incline Railway from the San Francisco Miscellany page.
- On the Kansas City page: A postcard showing the Kansas City Cable Railway's destination, the Union Depot and a banner from the opening of the KC Streetcar's Main Street Extension
- Archived August 2025 What's New
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Ten and Twenty Years Ago
Ten Years Ago
- 01-January-2016
- Picture of the Month: An advertisement announces that Dunedin New Zealand's Roslyn Tramway had started service (Source: Dunedin Evening Star, 24-February-1881)
- On the Cable Tramways in Australia and New Zealand page: More about Dunedin, New Zealand's Roslyn Tramway, the first Hallidie-type cable tram line outside of San Francisco. Many newspaper items about the building and opening of the line.
- On the Decorated Cable Cars page: Car 49 decorated for Christmas, 2015
- On the Motion Pictures Which Feature Cable Cars page: Thanks to Tony Turrittin, added Kiss Them For Me.
- Added News items about an auto driving onto the Powell Street turntable, the cable cars being shut down because of heavy rain and the death of Rey Morante
- Archived October 2015 What's New, 2015 Anniversaries, and July-December 2014 News items.
- 01-December-2015
- Picture of the Month: Cable car 504 decorated as Santa's sleigh. (source: Trolley Topics, December, 1950)
- With Christmas coming, it's a good time to visit Joe Lacey's article Christmas on the Cables, and the Decorated Cable Cars page. On the Christmas on the Cable page, Iddded a new image to Christmas on the Cables, showing car 504 decorated as Santa's sleigh. On the Decorated Cable Cars page, added Val Lupiz photos of Powell Street Car One decorated for Christmas, 2015. We should all thank Val Lupiz and his family and Friends who decorate cars every year.
- On the More MSR Photos page: The Fate of the Old Sacramento and Clay St. Cable Car #16 by Stephen Brown
- Added News item about Muni closing almost two blocks of lower Powell Street to automobile traffic
- Archived September 2014 What's New
- 01-November-2015
- Picture of the Month: A Churchman's Cigarettes card shows a cable-hauled train leaving a tunnel on Brazil's São Paulo Railway.
- On the Other Cities page: A new article about Brazil's São Paulo Railway, a British-built line that used cable traction to haul freight and passengers up and down the Serra do Mar
- Archived August 2015 What's New
Twenty Years Ago
- 01-Jan-2006
- Picture of the Month: Car 507 at Washington/Mason in the 1920's.
- Thanks to Walter Rice, "The Song of the Powell Street Grip", with a recorded reading by Craig Hulsebos of KEAR radio. Also updated the Ferries and Cliff House page.
- On the Muni page: Links to live map's of Muni's cable car lines from NextBus
- Added News items about Cal Cable rope unstranding, a new cable car dvd, and a new cd with historic streetcar photos
- On the New York/New Jersey page: An 1887 newspaper article about the first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York. WON’T BE RASH/Mr. Richardson Will Examine the Facts, which talks about how William Richardson got rooked by the cable people. It proves that the cable system was abandoned before 20-July-1887.
- Archived October 2005 What's New, 2005 Anniversaries, and old news items.
- 08-Dec-2005
- Added News item about Cal Cable car 23 being offerred to anyone who will take it
- 01-Dec-2005
- Picture of the Month: An invitation which Val Lupiz designed for the Cable Car Division's 2005 luncheon for Senior Citizens.
- On the Decorated Cable Cars page: The luncheon invitation
- On the San Francisco page: A new page about Motorized Cable Cars. Notes from Walter Rice and Val Lupiz on Cal Cable 61/62
- Also on the San Francisco page: Thanks to Jack Tillmany, item about the movies Fools, part of which was shot in the cable car barn, and Fog Over Frisco, a 1934 movie with glimpses of cable cars.
- On the Muni page: Thanks to Ray Long, a photo of 524 running on Broadway in Los Angeles for a 1949 Shriners parade
- On the More MSR Photos page: Val Lupiz found a postcard of an MSR cable RPO car
- On the Cable Car Transfers, Tickets, Tokens and Signage page: Thanks to Walter Rice, a TWA poster
- On the New York/New Jersey page: Two 1886 newspaper articles about the first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York. WANTS TO USE THE CABLE, about a request for permission to use cable traction and CABLE ROAD/The Aldermen Inspect the New York Variety, about a junket to inspect a Manhattan line. Also an 1893 article, The Passing of Richardson, about the death of Brooklyn Cable Company promoter William Richardson
- Added News items about new Powell Street cable car book signing and a meltdown on the Hyde Street line. Also added Nick Kibre photo to the item about Cal Cable car 59 in New Orleans
- Added Bibliography items: Obituaries for Grimes Poznikov, Chester Smith, and Guillermo P Mendoza, Sr. Also a report of a 1980 publicity stunt
- Archived September 2005 What's New.
- 01-Nov-2005
- Picture of the Month: Valencia Street cable car, 1904.
- On the San Francisco page: San Francisco Cable Car Service, 1903 -- based on the San Francisco Official Street Railway Directory, 1903. Thanks to Walter Rice.
- On the San Francisco page: A Photo Album of 1970s Cable Car Supporters by Walter Rice
- On the More MSR Photos page: Valencia Street cable car, 1903
- On the New York/New Jersey page: 1886 newspaper articles about the first cable car line in Brooklyn, New York. MR. RICHARDSON'S CABLE ROAD, about an early petition for permission to build the line and TO ADOPT JOHNSON'S SYSTEM, about the choice of the Johnson ladder cable system to operate it
- Added News item about new Powell Street cable car book
- Archived August 2005 What's New.
Ten and Twenty Years Ago Archive
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since 01-March-2015.