Car No. 952 came from New Orleans to San Francisco in 1998 by arrangement between Mayors Willie Brown and Marc Morial. The occasion was the world premier of Andre Previn’s opera of Williams’ novel. While the original intention of the mayors was to convey title of No. 952 to San Francisco, Louisiana state historic preservation officials required that the car be leased instead.

Car No. 952 has proved extremely popular with San Franciscans and visitors, bringing a bit of the flavor of the Crescent City to the City by the Bay, and serving as an ambassador on wheels for New Orleans, with displays inside the car celebrating streetcars in New Orleans literature. But unless circumstances change, it does not appear that Muni will be able to acquire title to this car. Spurred by the desire for a ‘Desire’ that Muni could own outright, Market Street Railway canvassed rail museums with New Orleans streetcars that had once served lines like Desire and Canal Streets, and found the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Riverside County willing to sell their car No. 913—identical to No. 952—in very good and unaltered condition.

Car No. 913 was purchased for $200,000 appropriated by the San Francisco Municipal Railway Improvement Corp. (SFMRIC). It ran onto the shipping trailer under its own power. Tragically, the very day it arrived in San Francisco, its former New Orleans home was being pummeled by Hurricane Katrina.

1923
Cars No. 913 and 952 are built for New Orleans Public Service, Inc. (NOPSI) by the Perley Thomas Car Company. Many cars from this order of 73 still operate in New Orleans today.

1964
After 40 years of New Orleans service on lines including Desire, Canal, and St. Charles, both cars, along with many others, are declared surplus by NOPSI when the Canal Street line closes. Car No. 913 goes to Orange Empire Railway Museum in Southern California; No. 952 goes to a hotel complex in Chattanooga TN.

1984
No. 952 was reacquired by New Orleans for new Riverfront line, painted red. Retired in 1997 when replica cars built for line.

1998
No. 952 was leased to Muni, repainted in traditional olive livery, and is an immediate success with the public on the F-line.

2005
No. 913 was purchased by San Francisco for restoration. Car No. 952 operated on the F-line carrying banners soliciting Katrina relief donations.

Market Street Railway’s goal
Complete restoration of car No. 913 as soon as feasible, then operate it in revenue service as part of the core vintage collection operating plan. Continue operating car No. 952 in its current condition at least until No. 913 is in service, and then evaluate its future.