Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Cable Cars and Streetcars
Wire rope manufacturer Andrew Hallidie's cable car system dates from August
2, 1873, when he tested his prototype based on mining cars. It was an immediate
success and spawned imitators in more than a dozen cities worldwide. However,
20 years later, the system was set to be replaced by the electric streetcar. For-
tunately, resistance to above-ground wires, corruption in City Hall, and finally
the 1906 earthquake sidetracked those plans. The cable car was kept for the
steepest lines, while the streetcar took over the longer, flatter routes.
Tip:
Rather than wait in the long lines at a cable car terminus, do what the
locals do and walk up a stop or two, where you can hop on right away for a $6
fee - then hold on!
Tip:
The $5 fare is for one ride, one direction only, and there are no trans-
fers. Consider getting a CityPass or a Muni Passport for one day ($14) or longer
(for further details see
Cable Cars
).
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