Bus Shuttles Substitute Powell and Mason Cable Cars

Starting May 2, for about 10 days

In support of the Cable Car Gearbox Rehabilitation Project, Muni will run bus shuttles for the Powell and Mason cable car lines between the turntable at Powell & Market and the Mason northern terminal at Bay & Taylor. Bus service will begin Thursday, May 2 at 5:30 a.m. and continue during regular service hours for about 10 days or until the work is completed.

During this time, the California Cable Cars will operate as usual to ride through the hills of the Financial District and hit the top of Nob Hill. The Hyde Line will run partial service between Powell & Washington and Hyde & Beach ending up close to Ghirardelli Square where you can shop or eat.

Bus shuttles will follow the Powell and Mason lines and pick up passengers at the curb at cable car stops.

Regular bus fare will apply $2.75 for cash fare or $2.50 if paid by MuniMobile or Clipper Card. Regular cable car fares of $7 for adult and youth and $3 for seniors and people with disabilities are required for transfers from bus to cable car.

Maximizing the shutdown opportunity, we will perform track and infrastructure maintenance work at various locations along the Powell and Mason cable car lines during this time. Most of the work will occur during daytime hours, however some night work is required to ensure public safety at the intersections of Powell and Clay, Powell and Ellis, Mason and Jackson and Mason and Jackson. We will do our best to keep the noise down.

During work hours, streets will remain open, however temporary lane closures are expected. Parking restrictions will apply where necessary for construction and bus staging.

The purpose of the project is to overhaul and refurbish the five gearboxes that have been in service since 1984 in order to keep the world famous cable cars running properly on the streets of San Francisco.

The project started in fall 2017. So far, we have successfully rehabbed gearboxes that propel the California and Mason cable cars, along with a spare gearbox. Work on the Hyde Line is planned for later this year.

Thank you for your understanding and patience while we work to improve the cable car system.

For more information, visit sfmta.com/cablecargearbox