San Francisco-Ca Public-Transport

San Francisco-Ca Public-Transport information

Buses

MUNI, San Francisco's municipal transit agency, operates more than 30 bus lines (many of them electric buses) and the Metro subway service to all areas of the city. MUNI maps are available at drug stores, bookstores and the Hallidie Plaza Info Center at Powell and Market. Maps are also displayed at many bus stops and in the metro stations. MUNI has night owl service on some lines, making it possible to get around 24 hours a day. For complete route, schedule, and fare information, call Tel: +1 (1)415-673-MUNI. Fares are USD1.50 for all buses and streetcars, 50 cents for students, disabled, and seniors, and children under 5 ride free. Discount MUNI passports, good for unlimited rides on cable cars, streetcars and buses, are USD11 for one day, USD18 for three days, or USD24 for seven consecutive days. Various businesses, including the MUNI kiosk at Powell and Market, sell the passports. Tel: +1 (1)415-673-6864.

F-Streetcars

A colourful fleet of vintage streetcars from all over the world runs along the surface of Market Street, and continues along the Embarcadero all the way to Fisherman's Wharf. The line starts at Castro and Market streets and culminates at Jones and Beach streets. The line operates from 06h00-midnight daily, and costs USD1.50 per journey. MUNI passes and transfers are accepted on the F-line.

Trains

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system is a fast, comfortable, and convenient subway system linking San Francisco with the East Bay. BART services Oakland, Berkeley, and points further east as well as Daly City, Colma and other points south. Unlike MUNI, BART service ends around midnight. In San Francisco, BART trains run underground along Market Street. Tel: +1 (1)510-465-2278. Caltrain connects San Francisco with points south of the city, including San Jose. Tel: 800-660-4287 from within the city.

Ferries

Golden Gate Transit, which operates bus and ferry service between San Francisco and Marin County and parts of Sonoma, also runs buses to Sausalito, Mill Valley, Tiburon, and Santa Rosa, among other towns. Ferries, which depart from the ferry building at the foot of Market Street, head to Larkspur and Sausalito. For information call Tel: +1 (1)415-455-2000. The Blue & Gold Fleet services Alcatraz, Angel Island, Tiburon, and offers tours of the Sonoma-Napa wine region and trips to Muir Woods. One-hour Bay cruises depart from Pier 39. Tel: +1 (1)415-773-1188. The Red & White Fleet also offers cruises from Pier 43-and-a-half. Call Tel: +1 (1)415-673-2900. The Alameda/Oakland Ferry departs daily from Pier 39 and from the Ferry Building on Market Street, heading to Alameda and Jack London Square in Oakland. Tel: +1 (1)510-522-3300.

Cable Cars

The historic cable cars, introduced to the city more than 125 years ago, run up and down some of San Francisco's steepest hills at speeds of just around 10mph. There are three lines that operate from 06h30 to around midnight. The Powell-Hyde line goes from Powell and Market over Nob Hill and Russian Hill to Hyde and Beach streets in Fisherman's Wharf. The Powell-Mason line heads out from Powell and Market over Nob Hill and through North Beach to Bay and Taylor at Fisherman's Wharf. The California Street line starts from California and Market in the Financial District, and goes through Chinatown, over Nob Hill to Van Ness Avenue. The California Street line is the least crowded, but not quite as scenic. The wait for the Fisherman's Wharf cars can be extremely long at either end of the line. The most fun is hanging off the side, holding onto the poles, but the ride can be quite chilly, especially during summer when the fog rolls in.

Driving

A valid national driver's licence is all that is needed to drive in the USA but you should ensure you carry this and your passport/ID with you at all times you are driving a car. It is compulsory to wear a seatbelt at all times. Driving is on the right hand side. All road signs and speed restrictions are posted in miles. The speed limit is 55-65mph (88-104km per hour) on highways, 35-40mph (56km per hour-64km per hour) in built up areas, and 15-25mph (24-40km per hour) in residential areas. Driving in San Francisco can be tricky for many reasons. The hills offer a challenge, there are numerous one-way streets, some of the main thoroughfares prohibit left turns and the other drivers in San Francisco often forego the use of turn signals. The only real reason to rent a car is to get out of the city for a day excursion. However if you do rent a car there are some things you should consider. It is extremely difficult to park on the streets - most parking is by permit. What pay parking there is tends to be extremely expensive - you can expect charges of between USD15-20 per day. San Francisco Police department tends to tow away cars that are illegally parked, and a hefty fine, plus plenty of effort is required to regain your automobile. Due to the steep streets of the city, when parking on San Francisco's steep streets it is the law to "curb your wheels", to prevent cars from running away down the hill in event of a brake failure. If facing uphill you should turn your wheels as if pulling out into the street. Facing downhill turn them towards the kerb. You should note the coloured kerb system in operation, which advises you of parking restrictions. Red means no stopping at any time. Yellow means that commercial vehicles may stop for a limited time. Blue zones are for disabled badge holders. Note that a green kerb does not mean that parking is allowed, but that parking is limited to ten minutes. Note that street cleaning is in operation every 2-3 days, usually between 03h00-05h00 in the morning, and some streets between 09h00-12h00. Street signs will indicate when this is scheduled in each area of the city. Parking is prohibited at these times. Remember that cable cars and pedestrians have right of way in all circumstances in San Francisco. All accidents have to be attended by a police car and if you are bumped you should proceed to the next available public parking place where you can obtain police assistance. SFPD advises you not to leave your vehicle.

Rent a Car

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Taxis

Taxis in San Francisco are notoriously scarce. Thankfully public transport choices are so varied that you will rarely need to catch a cab (the complete opposite to LA, funnily enough). If you do need a cab though, don't rely on catching one on the street from a rank - you may be in for a long wait. Instead, get your hotel or restaurant to call a taxi for you well in advance.

Train

Two major railway stations serve the city, central station serving Nanjing and Suzhou bound trains and South station, which is the terminus for Hangzhou trains. Both are accessible by metro line 1 and Pearl line. Central station is huge and slightly confusing, while South station has recently been refurbished with the city's largest underground car park (taxis from there add a CNY2 surcharge for use of the car park).