Cable cars...they're fun...if you can get on one!

One of San Francisco's more popular tourist items are their cable cars. They're a neat form of transportation because you can ride them in three ways: sitting (if you're lucky to get a seat), standing or hanging on the side. A cable runs under the street at a continuous 9 mph, and the cable car operator uses a lever/brake pedal to clamp onto the cable or release it, and to stop the car.
I was fortunate enough to ride right behind the operator and was able to watch as he operated the car along the route. It's definately a unique and fun way to get around.

VISITOR'S TIP: Do not board the cable cars at the end of their lines (the turnabouts, where they turn the car around). Lines are LONG there. Instead, go one or two stops up and wait for a car going in the direction you want and board there. It will save you a lot of headache!