- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
- December 2007
- November 2007
- October 2007
- September 2007
- August 2007
- July 2007
- June 2007
- May 2007
- April 2007
Comments (3)
Print
Save/ShareLeonard Oats, a driver on San Francisco's cable car lines, has been riding the rails along Hyde Street for the past decade. Oats is also the multi-year champion of the cable car bell ringing contest, which draws crowds to Union Square every summer. Drivers are judged on rhythm, originality, and style—and there's even a category for amateurs. Try your hand at ringing an iconic cable car bell on Thursday, June 17, at the 48th annual contest.
What are your favorite parts of the job?
The challenge of driving the car on the hills; getting to meet people from all over the world; and everyday getting to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean. It's a great view and a beautiful city. I love it.
What's the best stretch of your route?
Lombard Street is by far your best view all the way down. You can see Coit Tower, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Treasure Island, the Bay Bridge, and Berkeley.
Where's the best seat?
When you're going down to the water on Hyde Street, the right side is the best if you want to see it all. On the left side, all you see is the Golden Gate Bridge. But remember, when you sit down, there might be people in front of you, so try to get on early.
What's the best way to avoid the lines?
The secret is, unless you absolutely have to have a seat, you can walk one block up from the turnarounds (like the one at Powell and Market streets, or the one at Bay street and Fisherman's Wharf) and get on there, where it's less crowded. That's what the locals do. [Editor's note: Very few locals actually take cable cars—they offer scenic views but are not very efficient.]
Should people tip the driver?
You certain don't have to, but we can accept tips. Just make it clear that you're offering a tip and not the fare.
What mistakes or faux pas do people make?
People make a lot of mistakes. First, you should pay the conductor in the back and not the driver in the front—I'm trying to drive! A lot of people think the cable cars are like a ride at Disneyland, but it's not. You have to be safe. When you get on, take off your backpack and put it by your feet. Otherwise, if it's sticking out of the car, it can get stuck on something and pull you right off. Believe me, it's happened. I think folks see people leaning out of the cars in the movies, but it can be dangerous. Locals do ride by "hanging off", but that just means they stand on the side.
What are the best sites for visitors to see?
A lot of people really like Alcatraz. I haven't gone, but my wife has, and she said it is scary. I was a sheriff before this and worked in a jail, so I don't really need to see another prison. But I do really enjoy the ferry trip over to Tiburon, where you can see the city from the water. I also like going to Twin Peaks, one of the highest points in the city. A lot of tourists don't know about it because it's a little bit tough to get to. But there are some city bus tours that go up there now, or you if you've rented a car, it's worth a stop.
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.
Most tourist pay $5, each ride, on the Cable Cars.
You may buy a 1, 3, or, 7 day "Passport" which will bring your cost down to $1-$2 a ride. You buy it at the MUNI Kiosks, located near the Cable Car Turn-a-rounds.
Posted By John Stewart on May 13, 2010, 4:24 PM
There are no "drivers" on cable cars. He's called a "gripman" (even if it's a female). The grip is the mechanism that grabs and releases the moving cable that runs in the slot in the street between the tracks. The gripman also applies the brakes, sometimes assisted by the conductor.
Posted By JohnK on May 14, 2010, 8:34 AM
Muni Passports are good for unlimited rides on Muni, including cable cars.
WHERE TO BUY:
S.F. International Airport
@ Baggage Claim 1-Day, 3-Day, 7-Day
* 1-day Passport $9
* 3-day Passport $15
* 7-day Passport $20
Passports may be purchased online (direct MUNI link) - and may also be purchased in advance. For more information on Muni Passports, call Muni's Revenue Department at 415-923-6050.
BEST BUY! An alternative to a Passport is the CITY PASS. The San Francisco CityPass gets you into six famous San Francisco attractions, including the world famous Cable Cars. You have 9 days to visit each attraction (once) beginning the day you first use your CityPass, and you have 7 days to use the Cable Car and Muni Passport.
Posted By Sandy on May 15, 2010, 7:14 PM