SAN FRANCISCO — Muni Heritage Weekend returns Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19–20 with free rides on rare historic streetcars and buses, family activities and transit-history exhibits centered around the San Francisco Railway Museum and Embarcadero Plaza.
The event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at 77 Steuart Street, between Market and Mission. SFMTA says its event-day Heritage Fun Map will show boarding points, routes and participating vehicles in real time.
Are the historic Muni rides free?
Yes. The special historic streetcar and bus rides are free, with vehicles departing throughout the day from Embarcadero Plaza and the Railway Museum area.
SFMTA says streetcar and bus rides take about 45 minutes, although the exact route and vehicle can vary. Market Street Railway says rides leave every few minutes.
Can you board or get off at Pier 39?
Yes, when capacity allows. SFMTA says streetcar and bus passengers may board or exit at PIER 39, at Embarcadero and Stockton Street, if space is available.
That gives riders a second useful access point besides the Ferry Building/Railway Museum area, but boarding is not guaranteed if a heritage vehicle is full.
Which vehicles are expected?
Market Street Railway says expected streetcars include the open-top 1934 Blackpool “Boat Tram”, the 1896 “Dinky,” Municipal Railway Car 1 from 1912, a 1928 Melbourne tram and a Milan tram from the 1920s. Historic Muni motor coaches from several decades are also expected.
The operating lineup can change for mechanical or service reasons, so the live Fun Map is the best event-day source for what is actually running.
Are the cable cars free?
No. The free event rides are the special heritage streetcars and buses. Market Street Railway says rare heritage cable cars will also operate on the Hyde line, but regular cable-car fare applies to those rides.
A free cable-car photo opportunity is planned near the California Street cable-car terminal, where visitors can pose with the Tony Bennett “Halfway to the Stars” cable car.
What is happening Sunday?
SFMTA photographer Jeremy Menzies is scheduled to lead 30-minute photo walks at noon and 1 p.m. Sunday. The walks highlight locations featured in the agency's “Moving San Francisco” historical-photo exhibition.
The weekend program also includes the “Ride Them All” challenge, family activities, transit-history displays, community organizations and a Muni Store pop-up.
What changes on the 2 Sutter?
SFMTA's event travel notice says the 2 Sutter will use a minor reroute and temporary downtown terminal from 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days.
Inbound buses travel from Market and Beale via Beale, Howard and Main to a temporary terminal at Main Street & Howard Street. The regular stops at Market & Beale and Spear & Market are missed.
Outbound buses toward the Richmond begin from the temporary terminal and return to the regular route via Main, Mission and Steuart.
Where should you start?
Aim for the San Francisco Railway Museum / Embarcadero Plaza area at 77 Steuart Street rather than chasing an individual vintage vehicle. Embarcadero BART and Muni Metro are within walking distance, and the F Market streetcar serves the Ferry Building area.
What should East Bay visitors know Saturday night?
If you plan to stay in San Francisco into Saturday night, BART has a separate late-night service disruption: Transbay Tube single-tracking begins at 10 p.m. Sept. 19, with trains running less frequently and Red and Green Line service suspended.