San Francisco streetcars to return in May, cable cars back in fall
San Francisco will revive its historic streetcar F Line in May and its cable cars this fall — with the latter representing a turnaround from prior suggestions that return of the city’s signature transit system was in doubt because of cost and declining revenues. The San Francisco Examiner reports the F line, which uses vintage streetcars, will operate eight hours a day, seven days a week, between Castro and Fisherman’s Wharf beginning in mid-May. The Powell/Hyde cable car line will also return seven days a week for eight hours a day in the fall; its return will be later because retraining of operators will be required, along with recertification by the California Public Utilities Commission. Funding for the cable cars remains to be determined; the system operated at a $46 million deficit in 2019. The cable cars were shut down in March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with San Francisco Muni officials saying they were unlikely to return until a coronavirus vaccine became available.
Masks still required on Texas public transit despite governor’s order
Mask use will continue to be required for public transit users in Texas, even though Gov. Greg Abbott is lifting the state mask mandate effective March 10 and will allow all businesses to operate at 100% of normal capacity. KTBC-TV reports Austin transit agency Capital Metro said it will continue to require mask use for employees and passengers, in keeping with a federal order requiring masks in public transportation. The Houston Chronicle reported Houston Metro will also maintain its mask rule. Similar rules will remain in place elsewhere in the state.
Salisbury, N.C., council okays station platform project
The Salisbury, N.C., city council has approved an agreement with the state Department of Transportation for a $19.75 million project to add a second platform to the city’s train station, served by the Amtrak’s Crescent, Carolinian, and Piedmont. The Salisbury Post reports the project also includes right-of-way acquisition which will allow expansion freight and passenger service at the station site. Most of the project’s funding will come from NCDOT, with the city responsible for $780,000. The project is expected to be completed in 2024.
