Mike Delia, former Operator of the Year, operating a historic streetcar.
During this year’s Muni Heritage Weekend, we commemorated the life and legacy of one of the greatest ambassadors for Muni, vintage vehicles and San Francisco itself: Mike Delia.
A favorite among Muni riders, Mike, a.k.a “Mr. Boston,” was a cherished colleague who reached his final destination on Aug. 31, 2023 after a struggle with cancer.
On Saturday, Mike’s family and colleagues gathered to dedicate PCC Car 1059 in his honor.
Friends, family and colleagues of Mike Delia met in front of the SF Railway Museum to dedicate PCC Car 1059 in his honor.
“He loved his Muni family,” said Mike’s wife, Meredith Delia. “I wish for everyone that they could find something they love doing every single day as much as Mike did.”
The streetcar features the colors of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (or “T”). It was the perfect choice to honor Mike, who was originally from the Boston Area.
Growing up, Mike dreamed of being a transit operator like his father. He got his commercial driver’s license just short of his 19th birthday to help put himself through college. From there, Mike worked for several years as a bus operator in the Boston area. Next, a job offer from Muni brought Mike and Meredith to the Bay Area. "We moved for Muni!" Mike liked to say.
Mike started his Muni career as a trolley bus operator based in our Presidio Division, and later moved to the Green Division. While there, he was the first to drive a 60-foot trolley bus into the Salesforce Transit Center. In 2019, he was also the first – and so far, only – operator to drive the Mamon Herrington Trolley Coach into the bus plaza during Muni Heritage Weekend.
But Mike really shined when he started operating the historic streetcars on our F Market & Wharves Line. He drove the historic streetcars in a traditional operator uniform, down to a 1950’s-style eight-point cap. This is when Mike found his favorite streetcar – PCC Car 1059.
Over the years, the public came to know Mike and his distinctive Boston accent as “Mr. Boston.” He proudly took to the name, even handing out baseball-style trading cards featuring fun stats about himself.
Mr. Boston produced fun trading cards like this one and handed them out to passengers and colleagues.
His warmth and consummate professionalism won him SF Transit Riders’ Transit Operator of the Year award in 2020. “Mike was a role model in customer service and in respect for his colleagues,” said Jeffrey Tumlin, SFMTA director of transportation. “He was known for handing out Mr. Boston baseball-style trading cards, one of which I still carry in my bag every day.”
When his illness recurred, Mike could no longer operate streetcars. He continued his public service in a new role at Muni: public affairs officer in the chief of staff’s office. Mike took to his job with gusto, bringing his trademark warmth and wit to our internal communications.
Mike also encouraged his fellow operators to try new things. “You won't know if you never try,” he said. ”Instructor? Management? Who knows ... don't sell yourself short. There is plenty of opportunity at Muni.”
Mike was planning last year’s Muni Heritage Weekend when the end suddenly came. “Mike gave his all to this agency,” Tumlin said. “We are deeply proud to honor his legacy with the MBTA streetcar he loved so much.”
The plaque installed inside the historic streetcar now dedicated to Mike Delia.
In his honor, Car 1059, the “T” PCC, now will always be Mr. Boston’s.
Thank you, Mike, for everything.