The cable car system forms part of the intermodal urban transport network operated by the San Francisco Municipal Railway, or Muni as it is better known. While the cable cars are used to a certain extent by commuters, their low speed, small service area, and premium fares for single rides make them primarily a tourist attraction. Unless you have a Muni pass, riding a cable car costs $5 except for seniors riding before 7am or after 9pm making it $1.
The first successful cable-operated street railway was the Clay Street Hill Railroad, which opened in 1873. The promoter of the line was Andrew Smith Hallidie, and the engineer was William Eppelsheimer. The line involved the use of grip cars, which carried the grip that engaged with the cable, towing trailer cars. The design was the first to use grips.
The line started regular service on September 1, 1873, and it was such a success that it became the model for other cable car transit systems in San Francisco and elsewhere. It was a financial success, and Hallidie's patents were enforced on other cable car promoters, making him a rich man.
Accounts differ as to exactly how involved Hallidie was in the
inception of the line, and to the exact date it first ran. See
the article Clay Street Hill Railroad for more information on
this subject.
A cable car or cable railway is a mass transit system using rail
cars that are propelled by a continuously moving cable running
at a constant speed. Individual cars stop and start by releasing
and gripping this cable as required. Cable cars are distinct from
funiculars, where the cars are permanently attached to the cable.