Saturday’s reopening of the Muni Metro subway stations is more of a welcome convenience than a cause for some big party. But it will also bring the return of the F-Market historic streetcars. And that was enough of a cause for celebration that the SFMTA busted out the big one Friday morning, the roofless, Christmas light-bedecked, wooden-seated rail vessel known as the Boat Tram, which returned to the rails for a renewed maiden voyage from Market Street to Pier 39.
Got F’d up this morning. Checked out the announcement of the return of the historic F-Line to service in San Francisco. Ride these old-timey streetcars from the Castro to Fisherman’s Wharf. Maybe you’ll even see the boat tram. 👀 @onlyinsf pic.twitter.com/YUmIdUs4go
— Charles Rubinoff (@CharlesRubinoff) May 14, 2021
A small assemblage of transit fans chanted “Boat! Boat! Boat!,” while motorists honked their car horns, and the Boat Tram sounded off with its sorely missed, vintage toot-toot.
Boat Boi is back!!!
— Peter Hartlaub (@peterhartlaub) May 14, 2021
We love you @boattramsf!!#TotalSF @sfmta_muni pic.twitter.com/b3pzPh626K
The ceremony was streamed over Instagram Live, to an online crowd of dozens, but has not been posted for on-demand viewing.
It was mostly just speechifying anyway, from Mayor Breed, SFMTA director Jeffrey Tumlin, and a few higher-ups from the Muni brass.
Thanks @LondonBreed for joining us on @boattramsf today! pic.twitter.com/5zf4aOsKZY
— Jeffrey Tumlin (@jeffreytumlin) May 14, 2021
The Boat Tram does not run on a regular basis. This particular vessel is dusted off only for special events, like Muni Heritage Weekend, typically held in August or December.
@boattramsf and #car1058 arrive at #pier39 on 5/14 as part of the “reopening” of @sfmta_muni #fmarket on 5/15. Come out to #fishermanswharf on #sfmuni starting tomorrow! #sanfrancisco #thereopening https://t.co/1qwgFs0q4K pic.twitter.com/ZZ92BQaILj
— Scenes of SF MUNI (@talesoftherails) May 14, 2021
Of course, the return of Muni Metro service likely means the return of Muni meltdowns. Mayor Breed acknowledged as much in her speech, saying, “Please enjoy it and be patient with us as we continue our path to recovery.”
Heading into the weekend be like... @boattramsf pic.twitter.com/YQcjmb9C8s
— Paul Valdez 🚲🏳️🌈 (@paulvaldezsf) May 14, 2021
The Boat Tram seemed determined to follow that advice, as its destination sign read “Nowhere in Particular.”
You can see a full list of the May 15 Muni service reopenings at SFMTA.com.