Why go
San Francisco cable car system is defined by the gripman's controls, turntables, and open-sided cars. Another layer comes from steep grades where the moving cable becomes easy to understand. Plan San Francisco cable car system by remembering to board away from the busiest terminal when queues are long.
What to look for
- Look closely at the gripman's controls, turntables, and open-sided cars.
- Notice steep grades where the moving cable becomes easy to understand.
The full story
In 1869, Andrew Smith Hallidie had the idea for a cable car system in San Francisco, reportedly after witnessing an accident where a streetcar drawn by horses over wet cobblestones slid backwards, killing the horses. The first successful cable-operated street railway was the Clay Street Hill Railroad, which opened on August 2, 1873. The promoter of the line was Hallidie, and the engineer was William Eppelsheimer. The line involved the use of grip cars, which carried the grip that engaged with the cable, towing trailer cars; the design was the first to use grips. The term "grip" became synonymous with the operator. The line started regular service on September 1, 1873, and its success led it to become the template for other cable car transit systems. It was a financial success, and Hallidie's patents were enforced on other cable car promoters, making him wealthy. In 1883, the Market Street Cable Railway opened its first line. This company was controlled by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was to grow to become San Francisco's largest cable car operator. At its peak, it operated five lines all of which converged into Market Street to a common terminus at the Ferry Building; during rush hours, cars left that terminus every 15 seconds.
Useful to know
- For San Francisco cable car system, board away from the busiest terminal when queues are long.
- Pair San Francisco cable car system with Cable Car Museum or Nob Hill when the route and opening conditions align.
Your next visit
Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.
Outdoor visit · 30–45 min
World planning estimate; admission, opening, visit duration and access need checking.