On other trips, through San Francisco, I never got around to riding a cable car.  This time, I tried one as a study in public transportation.  It's what people often say about public transit.  "Slow - one can walk faster."  "Crowded."  View out the window is blocked with people, however one does get a view of people. There is also a view of the historic ceiling. "Rickety hard benches." "Expensive." It costs $5 to go a few blocks.  Also there was a line before boarding. Still, people love the cable cars.  They are one of San Francisco's main attractions.  If all forms of public transit enjoyed this kind of unconditional love from the masses,  automobile culture would be dead. Can a Greyhound bus have the same charm?  Maybe. 2006 Trip Next

Photos by region, by subject, contact.