SF’s Cable Cars Are Back. But You Can’t Take a Ride (Yet)

Although all the cable cars in service got replaced by buses on March 17th and won’t return “until further notice,” SF’s cable cars are making a comeback of sorts.

According to the Market Street Railway website, starting this past weekend, a cable car is now on display at the Powell St. turnaround. for photos and for ceremonial bell ringings every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Cable Car is Back (Photos Only)
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | 10am to 3pm
Likely through the holiday season
Where: Powell & Market St., San Francisco

Cable car bell ringing demonstrations every 15 minutes
No rides

Read more from Market Street Railway
There’s a familiar sound at the Powell and Market cable car turntable, at least some of the time. Thanks to the initiative of the Union Square Business Improvement District and the support of SFMTA chief Jeffrey Tumlin, a Powell cable car will be on the ‘table every Tuesday , Thursday, and Saturday for at least several weeks, probably through the holiday season.

Covid-19 restrictions have put the cables out of service indefinitely, but at least this is a way to enjoy the sound of bell-ringing from some of the champs, take a selfie, and stick around for shopping and dining. Lots of nearby restaurants, including historic John’s Grill around the corner on Ellis, are serving on newly constructed outdoor patios. And more and more shops are reopening.

So it might be a while until you get to cram yourself on a cable car and go for a ride, but at least they are making an appearance