Thanks to Muni, with support from our nonprofit, the very popular Hyde Ride returns for summer 2026.
As the specially made dash sign by our board member Val Lupiz (also an ace cable car gripman) explains, the Hyde Ride offers a single fare ($9) round trip from Aquatic Park (Beach & Hyde Streets) up the steepest hill in the cable car system, past the “Crookedest Street” (yes, we know Vermont Street on Potrero Hill is crookeder) through the alleé of big Ficus trees on Hyde, down Washington Street past the Cable Car Museum to Chinatown, and then back again. Twenty-five minutes of thrills and fun on this special service, then you’re back at the Wharf and its restaurants and shops, Ghirardelli Square, the Maritime Museum, and much more. The Hyde Ride also shortens the waiting line for those wanting to take the full Powell-Hyde line to reach the top of Nob Hill, Union Square, and Market Street.
This popular special cable car ride ran successfully in 2024, and returns on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 AM to 6 PM starting May 29 and continuing through October 4.
One of MSR’s roles is to provide volunteer docents who can help visitors understand the special nature of the ride, and assist both on and off the car. Below is a description of what our docents do. If you are interested, please contact Indigo Rosenberg at indigosfmsr@gmail.com. Even if you have just a few days to volunteer, your participation is welcome. We’ll provide training and a cool red MSR vest for you to wear when on duty. All you need is a good voice and willingness to be a friendly, helpful guide to our visitors.
OVERVIEW
The “Hyde Ride” is a special cable car program developed by Market Street Railway in partnership with MUNI. It has a number of goals:
- Highlighting MUNI’s unique vintage cable cars.
- Providing a tourist-friendly cable car ride to/from Aquatic Park at Hyde & Beach Streets via Russian Hill, making all regular stops – including Lombard Street, the Cable Car Museum, and Chinatown.
- Helping to clear the passenger queue at Hyde & Beach, shortening wait times during the busiest days of the summer season.
For the 2026 season, four cars will be in rotation:
- Sacramento-Clay “Big 19,” the oldest and largest operating cable car in the world (1883), and likely the oldest rail car of any type operating in public service anywhere.
- O’Farrell, Jones & Hyde Car 42, restored to its original 1907 appearance.
- California Street Car 53, dedicated to Tony Bennett, that operated on Hyde Street 1908-1954.
- California Street Car 55, restored to its 1956 MUNI green and cream livery, unique among Cal cars.
SCHEDULE
The plan as of this writing is for the Hyde Ride to operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Friday, May 29 through Sunday, October 4, 2026. The service will be suspended on July 4 (Independence Day), but will operate on Monday, September 7 (Labor Day). Operating hours are for departures from Aquatic Park (Hyde & Beach terminal) from approximately 11:00am to 6:00pm. The pull-out from the Cable Car Barn will be at about 10:45am, and passengers may board at Washington & Mason Streets heading to Hyde & Beach. The special car will pull in to the barn at Washington and Mason around 7:00pm and will carry passengers only to Chinatown. The route from Aquatic Park follows Hyde Street, turns left on Washington Street, left on Powell Street (Chinatown stop), left on Jackson Street, right on Hyde Street, and back to Hyde & Beach. THESE CARS DO NOT GO TO POWELL & MARKET.
THE DOCENT’S ROLE
Market Street Railway docents are an integral part of the Hyde Ride program. As this service is different from other departures from Hyde & Beach (different route and unique cars), it’s important that riders understand the changes – and opportunity – before they board. Riders waiting in the queue are mostly from out-of-town with many international visitors, whose first language may not be English. So the docent must be proficient in explaining things in a clear manner – emphasizing the key points. It can be helpful to talk in “bullets” rather than long sentences. But in all cases, it’s critical to be friendly, engaging, and enthusiastic. You will offer Market Street Railway’s new brochure, inspired by Muni’s historic “Tours of Discovery” brochure of 80 years ago, highlighting popular visitor destinations reachable by Muni (e.g. Golden Gate Bridge, The Presidio, Ocean Beach, Coit Tower, and more, plus all the attractions reachable by the F-Market & Wharves historic streetcars and the cable cars. The brochure promotes Muni’s all-day $15 passport as the best value for visitors who want more than just a single cable car ride.
The docent will initially be positioned at the “gate” used by riders to board, then welcome to ride the car – answering questions, helping with directions, explaining the history of the cable car system and the specific car running, etc. Once the car returns to Hyde & Beach, the docent will coordinate with the crew on the next trip and be ready to engage the next set of riders in the queue.
Most importantly, we want our docents to have fun, while you help cable car riders and remind San Franciscans how important it is to support Muni. You can help make the Hyde Ride a memorable experience for our visitors!
What the heck am I doing living in San Diego and not SF? I so wish I had maybe 5 or 6 days i could devote to being a docent for this event! Great event! Please continue to take care of Car 42!