The Fight to Save the Cable Cars | HISTORY

[@AlextheHistorian]

DUNEDIN: yes folks, I accidentally mispronounced the name. Many thanks for the kind folks who have commented on my video this past year, helping to correct that. Cheers!

[@taniajohnson9138]

Adam The Woo recently posted an SF cable car video, so hopefully some folks who watch that will see my comment.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@lindasolis7117]

Not on KZbin much (well, actually I watch a lot, but not active on my account), but I did share this cool story on my Facebook page. I have lots of friends who love Disneyland and history- hope you get some new fans!

[@AlanTownUSA]

All of your hard work shows Alex. After I finished watching it, I said "This is one of the best documentaries I have seen." I really learned a lot of things I didn't know about the cable cars and San Francisco, It was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@kurtpena5462]

My friend works in the cable car shop. Muni must constantly fabricate new running gear for these cars. They fabricate all of these parts by hand. And they must fix all of the pulley systems in the field. What a thrill it must be to maintain the last fleet of cable cars!

[@scottpecora371]

The glorious cable cars are living moving history anyone can enjoy for the price of a ticket. While in San Francisco many years ago, I was able to take my mentally disabled daughter, who was 8 years old, on the cable car. Watching the squeal of delight on her face while the operator even shared with her how it sort of worked as he would reef back on the different handles making it goes and she would squeal in fascination. Ten years later, we would lose my precious daughter, who was an eternal child, but I still have the image in my mind of that spring day riding the cable cars with her. God Bless you, Friedel, and all those you stood firmly against to save history from the narrow-minded greed of some!

[@trippg3261]

Riding the Cable cars is one of the most exciting and fun experiences in the City. My 70+ year old grandma rode one and even stood on the side rails and swung her hands out. The joy in her face was clearly visible! This is a true national treasure. If you are ever in the City Ride it! Its a unique way to explore the city and forget the seats ride on the sides! Let the wind through your hair!

[@benkanobe7500]

Alex, as a 64 year old native of California all I can say is FANTASTIC JOB! From Disneyland to The Queen and now the Cable Cars.... I hope Hollywood recognizes you someday. Outstanding!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Oh wow, thanks Ben!

[@kdm71291]

Wait....he did one on Disneyland?! As a Disney Geek, as well as enjoying the cable Cars etc. during my visit in 2012 and historical things in general, I'll have to check that out!

[@AlextheHistorian]

I have a whole series based on Disneyland and it's attractions. Enjoy!

[@krail5500]

My father was a cable car Gripman. My mom met him on the car and they fell in love. He used to do his special bell ring for her when he passed her building. There is an amazing picture with him at the controls and she's standing behind him. He eventually was Assistant Superintendent of the cable car barn. Very cool history.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Awesome!

[@dogman15]

Was it a special rhythm, like "shave and a haircut"?

[@krail5500]

@@dogman15 it was 1 or 2 minutes long. He did it in the Cable Car Bell Ringing Competition around 1987-88.

[@paulgracey4697]

In 1961 I began a year of U.S. Navy training at Treasure Island that gave me my appreciation of the ingenuity of the cable cars, and taught me that 9.5 mph was indeed "rapid transit" in its day. At that time the Muni fares were the same on all forms of their public transit and a day pass on Sunday (the only day I had free at that time)was 50 cents. Not only did I use the cable cars along with the electric busses that also climbed those hills effortlessly, I and other passengers could aid the grip-men as they turned the cars at each end. I note that the 1906 Market street footage you use does show that there were a few electric street cars (trolley cars) in service prior to the earthquake. I also learned some time later that Chicago and New York had cable pulled streetcars around that time too. Contemporary footage in NYC shows street cars sans trolley poles that had to be cable pulled, mixed with the true electric trams. It was the emergence of the electric overhead trolley system (Frank J. Sprague's, a distant relative of mine) that ended most of them where possible. And even allowed the trolley busses you did not show this time, that replaced cable cars on some of the steeper runs up and down those hills.

[@djplong]

Really good video hitting all the important highlights of the cable cars. When I was growing up, I spent several years in San Francisco (1966-1970) and it's always been the home of my heart. Loved the cable cars and pestered my mother every chance we had to ride on them. I recently went back to SF for the first time in nearly 50 years to run in a half marathon. The cable cars actually served their original purpose of getting people where they needed to go, in my case, as my hotel was near the end of one of the lines and, because of BART and MUNI, I didn't have to rent a car for my trip. You made the comment about how pricey a ride on the cable cars can be - and if you buy a one-way ticket, that's true - it's now $8. What a lot of people DON'T know is that you can buy a 1-day pass for all of MUNI's trains, buses AND THE CABLE CARS for only $13 (they have the "Clipper Card" and a mobile app, depending on how you want to pay/implement). I was there for a weekend and paid $31 for a 3-day pass (note, this does not include BART as SF MUNI doesn't operate that service). So you can get a day pass for less than the cost of a round-trip on the cable cars.

[@waynecampbell7609]

What a fantastic video. It's interesting that both the cable cars and San Francisco Bay itself were saved by women who took up the cause. In the case of the bay, they were disparaged as a bunch of "uppity housewives", but they ended up establishing the first costal protection agency in the world and stopped the destruction of an enormous resource. So thanks to Sylvia McLaughlin, Esther Guilck and Kay Kerr, and Friedel Klussmann.

[@00pinkman00]

I can not imagine a San Francisco without cable cars. It would be as devastating as removing the Lincoln Memorial or Statue of Liberty. Who are we without our history? On visits to San Francisco my late wife and I were no more off the airplane then onto a cable car. I suspect many others hold the fondest memories regarding these iconic treasures.

[@MattGrossChannel]

I recall going on an amazing romantic date to Fisherman's Wharf. It was a 5 star Italian Seafood candlelit dinner followed by a cable car ride. And then I returned to my penthouse apartment on the corner of O'Farrell and Larkin dizzy with happiness. The cable car ride is what made the date extra special.

[@flyingmyles]

What a humbling tribute to the magnificent San Francisco Cable Cars. Friedel Klussmann is a true Heroine and the city owes her a lot!

[@everettfryman1024]

Thank you Alex for this absolutely triumphant presentation on a beloved public icon. I’m very happy that you’re expertise in the production of history videos are finding a new outlet and I sincerely hope this video receives millions of views.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks so much Everett!

[@jasonsummers7129]

This documentary is of high quality. It should be shown at the cable car museum. Lived in the Bay Area for 2 years 2018-20. Miss it terribly.

[@8avexp]

I rode on the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines in June of 1981, before the system was rebuilt. I even saw a Rice-a-Roni ad on one car.

[@Ericland_Entertainment_Inc]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE cable cars!! I've always wanted to ride one, and I have a few model cable cars around somewhere. So much history in these little cars that ride a cable

[@AlextheHistorian]

So cool! I love the Cable Cars too!

[@mangotail6808]

If i was able to travel to US, i would absolutally love to ride a cable myself, their so unique

[@paulrowan1501]

Well done, Alex, nicely done. I started riding the cable cars in the early 1960s. Nothing beat a heavily loaded cable car heading down a steep hill with the smell of burning pine brakes in the cool air, the conductor yanking on the lever on the rear platform! And the distinctive sound of the bell clanging rhythmically- the City still holds an annual bell-ringing contest to showcase the best gripman talent! Some gripmen were identifiable by their particular ringing "call". I have a book titled "Maybelle The Cable Car", published in 1952 by Virginia Lee Burton, another avid cable car enthusiast. Written as a children's book, it chronicles the battle led by Frieda Klussman (to whom she dedicated the book) against the uncaring City Fathers and the mean stinky Muni busses, and the vote to save the cable cars. It's a hoot! Hats off also to Dianne Feinstein, whose campaign to restore the two remaining lines (the Powell and the California) by raising $60 million in donations was not without opposition.

[@ericnelson8422]

Oh Alex! As a native San Franciscan, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this outstanding documentary about our beloved Cable Cars! Rock on my friend, ROCK ON!!❤

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Eric! It was so much fun to make and I've wanted to do this video for years!

[@karinbinnie1862]

As a native San Franciscan growing up in the 50s and 60s I was always frustrated that we females weren't allowed to hang off the sides but were required to sit inside. It was explained to me that in the past there had been a problem as the cars crested the hill and the breeze from the bay caught their skirts and hats. As the women grabbed for them, they fell off the car. And yes, we proper females wore hats and gloves. After the hippies came, things changed. I took my 2 year old grandson riding on the bench so he could see out the front window. I have several cars on my Christmas tree. I ran a gold cord through the open top to hang them. And my children have them on their trees too. You can never have too many cable cars. Thanks for the great memories.

[@jetsons101]

Alex you made another GEM.... Wish we had someone like Friedel Klussmann to save some of the Pacific Electric "Red Cars" here. R.I.P. Friedel for your work in saving a American Icon. I still have my ticket from my first ride in 1974. Thanks to Alex for his fine work......

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Mike! I'm so glad you liked the video!

[@stephenphillip5656]

I visited SanFransisco as a 🇬🇧 tourist some years ago & on my "to see/do" list were: Golden Gate Bridge ✅ Alcatraz ✅ Lombard Street ✅ But *absolutely* must see: The cable cars ✅✅! Iconic is a much-used term but totally appropriate here. Thank you & "chapeau" for your tireless efforts to save the cable cars, Ms Friedel Klussmann & the good citizens of S F. (I'll be back....!)

[@trentr9762]

this is a lovely story, thanks kindly for bringing it to light!

[@peteryeoman8813]

That was wonderful.thank you so much for posting it.brought a tear to my eye

[@madelinelipscomb3453]

Absolutely LOVE this video Alex! Came for the Disney, stayed for the fascinating expansion into other histories like the Queen Mary and now cable cars! Thanks!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@hawkeye284]

Great job Alex! Your vid brought back fond memories for me as a kid growing up in SF in the 70s. I would hop on a cable car after school with friends to hang out at Fisherman's Wharf. Back then, it cost a nickel for minors to ride the cable car but most of the time the conductor would just let us kids ride for free and didn't hassle us. Hanging off the side at the front of the cable car was always a thrill, especially going up or down a hill. Keep up the great work!

[@californiamade5608]

Wow this is an amazing video. It was suggested. But I will most definitely be subscribing. You deserve it! Thank you for this great video!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@DrKO2453]

What a wonderful story. Thank you for this!

[@timwolfers7880]

On my first visit to SF in 1968, the TV ad for Rice-a-roni called it "the San Francisco treat", and there was an ad poster on the cable cars in the commercials. And yes on our visit, the cable cars did have those poster ads on them!

[@mikeifyouplease]

Such a beautiful and moving homage to San Francisco's historic and moving national icon. Kudos to you Friedel Klussmann, where ever you are!!

[@zacharyspinks6207]

This is Such an Amazing Video, Cheers to You.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@michaelmeyers4917]

I have been watching your channel since the early days, doing the history of Disneyland. Your skills of documentary story telling have kept improving. This episode is a first class result. Very nice!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Wow, thank you!

[@pomonr]

Alex, We enjoy your Disney videos however as a SF native you nailed this one. Fantastic! The footage was amazing and your really did our city justice with this one. Great B roll footage too. The history of our cable car system is simple amazing when you really dive into it as you did. Thank you buddy! I hope you can come to SF someday and visit the Powerhouse. It’s really something amazing to behold in person.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Rob! I love San Francisco, I plan to cover MUCH MORE of its history. Though I've visited the city a hundred times, I have never visited the cable car powerhouse, but I fully intend to!

[@MiaCollinsNeighborhood]

I’m from Oakland, so you can tell I know San Francisco very well!

[@ArtamStudio]

Funny how two of the things City Fathers most wanted to destroy *_in the name of progress_* are what now makes SF iconic: cable cars and Victorian houses. (oh and of course a certain orange bridge.) With the decline of stevedoring, tourism became SF's most profitable "industry" until tech booms No. 1 and No. 2, and it's still incredibly profitable. Those who run the city still want to destroy "old things" in the name of progress, but there are more safeguards in place. The load no longer needs to be carried by a single person, but thank goodness Friedel Klussmann lived at the right place at the right time. The California Street cable car is still occasionally ridden by residents and commuters for practical purposes. Great job!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@huntrrams]

Thank you for this video! As seen in the video, I recommend first time visitors to SF to check out the free Cable Car museum. Really interesting seeing how the cables of the cable cars are controlled and the history behind them.

[@tomklock568]

Great job Alex! I am so glad they are still in use today. Thanks for the great historical background!

[@hiridavidfeign]

Fantastic. I learned so much. You're a national treasure dude. Thanks.

[@hiridavidfeign]

This is extraordinary. I learned so much. Definitely gonna share it. I'm so proud of you even though we've never met. I'd love to see you be able to write professionally. You deserve all the best.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you so much!

[@Hal10034]

That was great! The story of Frieda Klussman brought a lump to my throat. Just one minor point: If I recall correctly, I bought a weekly MUNI pass when I visited SF. It included the cable cars, so it wasn't expensive at all. I also saw a few non-tourists using the cars, although tourists were the vast majority of the ridership.

[@doncoletta2091]

What a treat. I just Watched Adam the Woo’s channel today and he covered the launch of the Cable cars in San Francisco again. Another great topic Alex. What a talent.

[@ScanFan_Ed]

Alex, thank you so much for such wonderful videos! I always enjoy them and look forward to the next release. I hope you are doing well! By the way, I hope somehow you end up back in Southern CA and that I can meet you at Disney sometime! 👍

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Another excellent video. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you, from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@maisler1]

That was really good! There’s so much history in the Bay Area, honestly Alcatraz could be it’s own series

[@ExpeditionSteve]

Another great video Alex!!! Always like learning something new from your videos!!! Thank you for keeping the history alive for us to enjoy!

[@NA-bk6gb]

I found your channel searching for quality Disneyland content. You have always been one of the best. Your skills and content keep getting better. And it’s amazing to see your interests and passions project through your presentation and quality content.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you Andrew! I appreciate the kind words

[@dennisdaily8700]

What a lovely documentary. Great writing and audio. And, the narrator is top notch.

[@thomaslevy2119]

Most people don't know it, but Denver, Colorado also had a cable car system for a short time. It was replaced by electric streetcars and the streetcars were later replaced by buses. A couple of decades ago, the buses on some routes were replaced by the new light rail system. What comes around, goes around.

[@michaeltaylor1603]

Alex, I crossed this off my bucket list back in 1998. I even got to clang the bell after the trip. My friend filmed me. I love roller coasters. I image the 1st timers thought we would "race" down the hills as they exclaimed in unison "Wooooo!" as we approached the crest and descended in a controlled speed . The operators are "INDEED" highly skilled. NASA even figured out a detection system to warn operators when "not" to grip the cable where there is a splice.

[@Ozymandias1]

I went on the cable car in 1991 and it was lots of fun. Not as much fun though as the taxi which brought us to the hotel, the driver thought he was Steve McQueen in Bullit and drove down the hills at a fast pace, briefly launching the taxi into the air at each intersection. I loved it but my mom was terrified. Good times!

[@SuperLisona]

What a great video! To be honest, prior to watching this magnificent material, I thought that the cable cars were regular trams with fancy looks, but now I can see that this is a distinct and exceptional piece of technology. I wish the SF cable car/tram system all the best, due to the fact that it makes this city's public transportation system so outstanding compared to most of the US major cities, and I hope that one day it'll expand, sprawl through city, and that overall US urban planning will shift towards buildings cities for pedestrians, usual people like women with children, disabled, etc. like in the UK, Germany or France.

[@RaymondHng]

The San Francisco cable cars are not trams. The streetcar/light rail vehicles that cannot climb the steep hills are the tram system.

[@DougForce]

Excellent review of the history behind the cable cars!

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@ericlevitt3769]

Alex, you keep surprising me, great video on a man interesting topic! The work you did on it really shows through. Very poetic and great use of tone and music ! Made me want to Learn more

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you so much! I'm glad to here you liked it!

[@kdm71291]

Good stuff....thanks for posting!

[@TheOriginalJphyper]

8:16 That footage isn't just "circa" 1906; it's from exactly 1906. Specifically, it was filmed on April 14, 1906, just four days before the Great San Francisco Earthquake.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Yeah I put "c. April 1906" so people knew it was filmed just prior to the earthquake.

[@MrMatavelhas]

Independently of its touristic value, the industrial archeological value of it, is invaluable! The amount of technology that needs preservation to keep it running is immense.

[@bodybuilderslave7125]

In 1982 the cable car system was taken down for over a year to replace hundred year old rails.

[@Dan-7550]

Another great video my friend. Looking forward to what ever you come up with next

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks 👍

[@Hogger280]

Excellent documentary, thank you for this piece of history done so lovingly.

[@exploreworld2466]

VERY BEAUTIFUL CITY OF SANFRANCISCO

[@GrowingUpGarden]

Great job Alex.

[@russellmancillas4464]

Very well done, thanks.

[@wildwomanofthewoods]

I love the photo of Friedel holding the cable car model in her hands...what a stunning woman!

[@halnwheels]

Thanks for this informative and fascinating video. I rode down to Fisherman's Wharf on the cable car back in the 70s and appreciated it then. The cable car system is as iconic as the hills of San Francisco itself. Once you break up the infrastructure of the cable system, there's no going back. I understand that sometimes there's a two hour wait to get on a cable car now. Killing off some of the lines was a self-fulfilling prophecy, creating these long lines. That's why it's mostly tourists now. If I ever find myself back there, I'll be sure to ride again.

[@someguy3431]

Surprisingly people still use them for their intended purpose rather than just a tourist attraction. I remember using one to get back to my car and workers were getting on and off downtown

[@miyakawaso]

Extremely well done.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@mattbrewster8051]

Thanks for this wonderful documentary! I'm so happy to see these marvels of "steampunk" technology still operating! Do the trolleys at Disney's California Adventure run on cables or a catenary?

[@AlextheHistorian]

The ones at California Adventure are caternary. The San Francisco Cable Cars are the only existing true "cable car" street cars in the entire world.

[@HeyItsTim]

Such a great watch Alex. Thank you for all your hard work on this. Will share..

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!!

[@Ron_Rhodes]

Another great video Alex.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Xaunaturalz]

Added to my F.B. newsfeed. Nice job Alex. Nice to see to you are expanding your history videos to other subjects. You'll never run out of history to research. 👍

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

I'm from Dunedin New Zealand (pronounced Dun-eden),its a travesty we lost our cable cars but there has been support to start rebuilding them and it looks like at least one line may be brought back. Thanks for a very informative video.

[@lindasolis7117]

Alex- wonderful job! I live in Northern CA and learned so many new things today from your fabulous video!! Thank you for this treat. Note: You have such a wonderful narration voice, did you ever think of getting voiceover work?

[@AlextheHistorian]

I did consider it, but its a very tough business to get into.

[@lindasolis7117]

@@AlextheHistorian Understand. I studied voice (opera) and theater in college, and know how terribly competitive it all is. Wish I had some connections for you!

[@Qaptaininsano]

This is such a well done video. I felt like I watched a really good professional documentary. I can tell how much work you put into these and it’s pretty incredible. Love the cable cars.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Wow, thank you!

[@Qaptaininsano]

@@AlextheHistorian thanks for the content! I love history and I love Disney and I’m one of those people who will always need to replay stuff because I miss it but with your content the pace is perfect. Like it’s interesting and has a good flow but you’re not rushing through it to the point where I rewind at all. I love the top tenz channel but I feel like I have to rewind constantly to digest.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks, I work really hard to make sure the videos have a good pace and flow nicely. And that the video tells a story, to keep interest.

[@neville132bbk]

Fascinating...... my wife and I were there briefly in Aug 2004 ...we decided against going on the cable cars because of the price. However, we did enjoy our noisy visit to the museum and power house. We also did a few runs on the wonderful trams and even a trolley bus. The very brief view down High St in Dunedin ( = "dunEEdin") would have been before mid 1957 when the Maryhill-Mornington cars ran their last.-- the DCC the City Council..with the same wisdom and forward thinking that destroyed a widespread and efficient trolley bus system in the early 80s ( about then )...same with the "progressive Wellington Council that closed a very modern trolley bus system only 3-4 years ago... Anyway... I just remember, at the age of 7, going with my grandmother on a pre-closing ride up to the top of High St... and my ice cream falling out of the cone onto the footpath....... A couple of cable cars and a depot are being restored these days.

[@TrunksWD]

Alex, that was another fantastic video. You deserve far more views and subscribers than you have. I've only been to San Francisco once and that was when I was a kid in the late 90's. The only thing I recall from that visit is riding the Cable Cars.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you so much!

[@bobbaranickstreehouse8848]

Nice job Alex! San Francisco has so much great history. Thanks for sharing this story. Bob

[@princessmarlena1359]

I remember the stories my Aunt Jessica and Uncle Roger used to tell me and my siblings, about how in 1947 they had foiled the plans to get rid of the Red Cars and Toontown in favor of a “Freeway”…unfortunately they only bought time, delaying the inevitable.

[@cooper7031]

The cable car is an important piece of San Francisco history! It must not be eliminated

[@ericfung5279]

One thing for sure, some of the cable cars are painted in the historical livery that they used to wear in the past. Not to mention that after the Cable Car rebuild (Between 1982 & 1984), Cable Car No. 3 remained in the Simplified Green & Cream livery that they used to wear between 1960 & 1982.

[@bcgrittner8076]

Well done, Alex.

[@scratchbuilder5952]

Great content

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks!

[@ginog5037]

Great video Alex, ever thought about doing a video on The Big Boy 4014?

[@AlextheHistorian]

No, it doesn't interest me

[@ginog5037]

@@AlextheHistorian It's only the biggest steam locomotive ever built. Which still rolls down the rails, now that's cool!

[@damianstellabott3613]

The cable car fares are high because the operation is legally required to be self sufficient. Part of getting them saved meant forgoing public subsidies even though they are operated by a city department.

[@Rubycon99]

I can't remember where I heard it, but I think there's even a benchpress requirement for cable car gripmen. It takes a lot of upper body strength.

[@screwdriver5181]

I just hope that I shall be able to visit one day. A truly remarkable system and history.

[@stanleybest8833]

Cable cars can be made more fleet and economical if new ones are built of aluminum and stainless steel. Keep the victorian form. Only a Gillig Phantom/Christina bus has extra provisions for weather.

[@joeneed1]

Amazing history, so glad for her vision!

[@WaltWalnuts]

This was great! Anymore SF history?

[@AlextheHistorian]

There will be a lot more to come!

[@ritaloy8338]

As someone who has ridden the Three Cable Car Lines of San Francisco, California Street, Powell & Mason, Powell & Hyde. I do enjoy seeing and riding them. Hopefully I will on my next visit to The City that I will ride them again. Thank you for making this informative video and gaining a new subscriber along the way.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@GeeBoggs]

@Alexthehistorian: One more well produced, interesting and informative documentary. This is the second of your work that I have watched. I am most impressed and truly enjoyed both. This was special as I am a former long-time San Franciscan. I didn't know the facts you uncovered and presented. Thank you. - Gee Boggs, Sonoma, CA

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thanks Gee! Glad you're enjoying the content!

[@k.h.4698]

After Freida in 47, It was Dianne Feinstein (pronounced Fine-Stine) who saved the cable cars in 1980. She organized a campaign to rebuild the system from the ground up (i.e. grown-down), including modernized car barn. The goal was to reooen the system for the 1984 Democratic Convention to be held in June in San Francisco. To raise money, they even had a Save the Cable Cars Telethon. I remember they had guest stars like Tony Bennett and Patricia Neal, who irked telethon irganizers because she kept calling them trolley cars, like in Meet me. st in Louis. The over-the-top push to save the cable cars ultimately came from local San Franciscans and Bay Area natives who deserve the credit for saving the system.

[@RaymondHng]

_Dianne_

[@k.h.4698]

@@RaymondHng Damn auto-spoil (sic) . Noted and corrected, TY

[@xr6lad]

For years in Melbourne we still had a small stub track of cable car track with the slot still evident long after the network closed. Only recently was it tarmac over. Although Melbourne still has the worlds largest electric tram/trolley network of over 200 kms.

[@jenniferlevine5406]

Excellent documentary! Very interesting history. Thanks!

[@heene]

I want to go there one day and I expect them to be there when I go! Blackpool got rid of their vintage trams and the seafront isn't he same without them now.

[@Rubycon99]

We actually have one of your boat trams on the F Market line :) I don't see it out very often, but I rode it as a kid on the line's opening day back in 1995. I wish they made modern double deckers like Hong Kong when they modernized the Blackpool system. It would be so much more interesting if UK tram systems used those.

[@RaymondHng]

@@Rubycon99 We actually have two of the Blackpool trams: cars 228 & 233

[@cliffwoodbury5319]

This is such an amazing system and i don't know why it isn't used in other cities

[@AlextheHistorian]

Because its more expensive to run than busses. By a lot

[@ChrisJones-gx7fc]

The city of Dunedin, New Zealand also once had cable cars, and there’s a nonprofit group that has saved and restored a few of the old cars and has a long term goal of rebuilding one of the original lines.

[@ChrisJones-gx7fc]

Also, it’s pronounced duh-NEE-din. I spent a semester abroad there during college, and just like SF they have a lot of steep hills.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Yes I know how it's pronounced

[@ChrisJones-gx7fc]

@@AlextheHistorian ok, cause you said it like dune din in the video.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Yeah, it's an old video, and many have since commented their corrections to the pronunciation.

[@L-Taraval]

Very good history, Alex. However, there are a few corrections. There were several references to these as "streetcars" which these certainly are not. The large winding wheels, sheaves, are actually pronounced "shivs." Finally, you have the braking systems reversed. The foot pedal/brake operates the metal shoes that squeeze the wheels. The brake lever operates the wood blocks that press against the rails. #TalesOfTheRails

[@kevp9601]

I LOVE IT A LOT

[@johnkoho1245]

In the woods of PA os a trolley car grave yard. Quite the sight to see with dozens maybe even hundreds of Trolleys just in the middle of the woods.

[@thezedable]

Also forgot to mention that I’m a former cast member like you and can save that for a later conversation. Glad to have something in common

[@AlextheHistorian]

eventualy I could use your help with that one topic but that will be in the distant future

[@Asti.sayAhstee]

A most informative and entertaining documentary! I applaud you.

[@AlextheHistorian]

Thank you!

[@garryferrington811]

Who doesn't love the San Francisco cable cars?! They're wonderful!

[@sarahpalms5258]

OMG I laughed out loud at "these cable cars are socialism"

[@spikespa5208]

And a small cringe at the pronunciation of Mayor Feinstein's name.

[@manthanshah2543]

❤

[@RaymondHng]

@@spikespa5208 Feinstein is now a U.S. senator.

[@Sacto1654]

The biggest thing that saved the cable cars was the fact they were the *ONLY* form of public transit that could safely traverse the extremely steep Russian Hill and the steepest parts of Nob Hill. Attempts to run diesel buses up and down Russian Hill proved to be not practical, to say the least.

[@RaymondHng]

The electric trolleybuses are better suited for climbing the hills.

[@Sacto1654]

@@RaymondHng But nobody want to string up the overhead wires for operating the trolley buses up and down Nob and Russian Hill, which had a lot of very rich residents living on its at the time.