The San Francisco cable car system

The San Francisco cable car system

Author: AIU August 6, 2020 Duration: 22:53

The San Francisco cable car system is the world's last manually operated cable car system. An icon of San Francisco, the cable car system forms part of the intermodal urban transport network operated by the San Francisco Municipal Railway. Of the 23 lines established between 1873 and 1890, only three remain (one of which combines parts of two earlier lines): two routes from downtown near Union Square to Fisherman's Wharf, and a third route along California Street. While the cable cars are used to a certain extent by commuters, the vast majority of their seven million annual passengers are tourists, and as a result, the wait to get on can often reach two hours or more. They are among the most significant tourist attractions in the city, along with Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman's Wharf. The cable cars are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The cable cars are separate from San Francisco's heritage streetcars, which operate on Market Street and the Embarcadero, as well as from the more modern Muni Metro light rail system.


Ever find yourself wishing you had more time to catch up on the great stories you've missed? Movies and Books in Audio is here to bridge that gap, turning your commute, workout, or quiet evening into a journey through narrative. Hosted by AIU, this podcast sits at the unique intersection of literature and film, offering thoughtful audio essays and discussions that delve into the adaptations, themes, and artistic choices that define our favorite works. Rather than simple reviews, each episode unpacks a single story from both cinematic and literary perspectives, exploring how a tale transforms from page to screen or what a classic film can reveal about its source material. You'll hear about the subtle character details a movie might highlight, the passages from a book that resonate long after the credits roll, and the creative decisions behind bringing a narrative to life in different mediums. It’s for anyone who has ever loved a book and wondered about the film, or adored a movie and felt compelled to read the original text. This is a space for deep dives into storytelling itself, celebrating the arts in a format made for listening. Tune in to Movies and Books in Audio for a consistently engaging blend of analysis and appreciation, all designed to enrich your experience of the stories that move us.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 70

Movies and Books in Audio
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