The cable cars that run today on Powell Street were built in three groups. The first group, in 1887-88, were built by several carbuilders in the Bay Area for Mahoney Brothers, who were the general contractor for the overall Ferries & Cliff House Railway Company system (F&CH). This first group of cars, augmented by six more built by F&CH itself.
Author: David Dugan
Members remember
Streetcars and cable cars have stirred the imaginations of countless young San Franciscans for 150 years. Here, lightly edited, are childhood memories of three of our members. Market Street Railway continues to work to interest today’s young San Franciscans in the importance of clean, safe, efficient public transit.
Great 8
Muni’s Cable Car Carpentry Shop has worked its magic many times in bringing sagging and spent cable cars back to life. Powell Car 8, which reentered service in 2022, may be its greatest accomplishment yet.
Finding room to run
NOTE: In late June 2022, a pandemic-delayed memorial service was held for Art Curtis, retired Muni Chief Inspector, long-time Market Street Railway Secretary and Board Member, and stalwart volunteer for many nonprofit groups. Art, who passed away in 2020 just after reaching his goal of his 80th birthday, was a great storyteller, and he had some good ones! A number of years ago, we asked him to share this one in our member magazine, “Inside Track”.
Cars of many colors
Visitors to San Francisco today frequently comment on the multi-colored fleet of streetcars on Market Street. But it’s not the first time that’s happened.
Streetcars to buses
See gallery at end of story
Archive: All Posts
