Back In Business!
Streetcar No. 162 heads inbound on Ulloa Street on the L-line, having just turned from 15th Avenue. West Portal is two blocks away. Fifty years ago, it would have headed into the Twin Peaks Tunnel to reach Market Street. This time, it was headed for the K-line as part of its inaugural charter on April 19. Kevin Sheridan photo.
‘Take Me Out’…At Our Museum
To every American today, ‘car’ means automobile. Once, though, ‘car’ meant streetcar to most urban Americans. For almost a century in San Francisco, the ‘family car’ ran on rails, not just for commuting or shopping, but for any trip that stretched farther than a few blocks from home. Riding the rails around town wasn’t just a way to get there; it was an enjoyable escape.
A Streetcar Named ‘Desire’ Returns to the F-Line
Loss of a Friend
A stalwart supporter of historic transit has passed away. Enid Lim, a dedicated advocate for San Franciscans of Chinese ancestry, died February 27, 2008 at the age of 76. Among many other accomplishments, she served on the city’s Landmarks Preservation Board and as the first vice president of the Municipal Transportation Agency board of directors (which governs Muni) from 2000 to 2003. Ms. Lim, also an advocate for disabled rights, was a strong supporter of Muni’s historic streetcar operations, delighting in riding the F-line. She will be much missed by her friends throughout San Francisco.
New Volunteers Needed!
Demise of a Dream
Telstar Logistics photo.
Roaring Back!
For the first time in more than a half-century, a cable car lettered for the O’Farrell, Jones & Hyde line has gripped the cable under San Francisco’s streets. Cable car No. 42, retired and sold off after the 1954 cable car system ‘consolidation’, officially returned to service on June 3, 2005 with Mayor Gavin Newsom on the running board and dozens of other mayors from major world cities onboard.
Jack Smith: Remembered well
Market Street Railway celebrates the life of Jack Smith, streetcar motorman extraordinaire, Market Street Railway Director Emeritus, and dedicated restoration volunteer, who died suddenly at his San Francisco home September 18, 2004. He was 72.
The Market Street Railway Mural
A beautiful new mural has gone up at the corner of Church & 15th Streets in San Francisco, depicting the history of urban transit along Market Street, in incredible detail, from the turn of the 20th century to the present day, and beyond.
Archive: All Posts
