On April 17, 1892, the first electric streetcar service opened in San Francisco. The line started at Market and Steuart Streets, a block from the Ferry terminal and just a few feet from our San Francisco Railway Museum. The line of the San Francisco & San Mateo Railway ran out to Holy Cross Cemetery south of the county line, in what is Colma today. The line zigged and zagged through downtown, partly to avoid infringing on other companies’ street franchise rights, but generally followed Steuart, Harrison, 14th St. and Guerrero to reach San Jose Avenue.
Author: Rick Laubscher
Muni Centennial Officially Under Way
Sen. Feinstein (on platform) graciously agreed to serve as honorary chair of Muni’s Centennial Committee. Photogs snap away at this group shot of committee members, including MSR President Rick Laubscher (next to the Senator). Mayor Ed Lee (at left on platform was joined by SFMTA head Ed Reiskin and Board Chair Tom Nolan (flanking Sen. Feinstein at street level) in leading today’s Mun’s Centennial kickoff.
This Just In: Muni Used To Be Faster!
F-Stockton streetcar, southbound on Stockton at Vallejo, 1916. Muni Archives photo, displayed in our San Francisco Railway Museum’s Muni Centennial exhibition.
Spring Training
This screenshot from the special F-line LIVE map that NextMuni created at our request shows a welcome sight this showery Saturday. There’s Muni Car No. 1 out on the F-line, at the Wharf terminal, upper left. The screenshot shows the F-line around 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 31.
Muni Announces Car 1 Ceremony
It’s official. Muni will kick off its centennial year celebrations by welcoming historic streetcar No. 1 back to the fleet on Thursday, April 5 at 10 a.m. with a ceremony outside our San Francisco Railway Museum. The ceremony will be led by Senator Dianne Feinstein and Mayor Ed Lee.
“Ruby Slippers” Dances along the F-line Again
PCC No. 1070 shows off its "Ruby Slippers" – red wheels – in 2009. Jeremy Whiteman photo.
Viva El Tranvia de Mexico!
PCC No. 1072, honoring Mexico City, on its first day of passenger service opposite the San Francisco Railway Museum, March 15, 2012.
Carl Nolte: The Only One Who Does What He Does
Carl Nolte. Photo by Mike Kapka, Courtesy SF Chronicle
“Last PCC” Back in Business!
Muni PCC No. 1040 at Van Ness Avenue March 12, 2012, on its first day back in passenger service. Matt Lee photo.
Disney Makes Big Red Car Little
Pacific Electric "Hollywood" car, 1953. A.M. Payne photo. Click to enlarge.
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