SUMMER IN THE CITY; STREETCARS OH SO PRETTY

Boat Tram from Blackpool now in San Francisco.  One of San Francisco’s most delightful imports isn’t French, Italian, or Japanese—it’s British. Straight out of the seaside resort town of Blackpool, England, this open-topped “boat tram” is a rolling reminder that public transit can be as joyful as it is functional.  

Lovingly restored and painted in creamy butterscotch and red, the vessel-like tram makes a seasonal appearance on the F-Market & Wharves line, which itself is a museum in motion. 

Operated by Muni, San Francisco’s transit agency, the F-line runs historic streetcars, trolleys, and trams sourced from around the world—each one preserved, repainted, and returned to daily service like an old actor given one more run on stage.  

This particular boat tram, with its cheerful bunting and unmistakable open-air design, draws a crowd. The car is especially popular during the warmer months, when Muni pulls out its rarities to handle the swell of summer riders. 

With a bit of luck and timing, you can spot this gem gliding along Market Street or heading toward Fisherman’s Wharf—an unexpected breeze in the fog.  

The F-line operates with frequent daily service and provides local stops between subway stations along Market Street. 

Most days, it features beautifully restored PCC streetcars from the 1940s and ’50s, but it’s the offbeat classics like this boat tram that turn heads and start conversations.  

To catch a ride is to momentarily drift—not just through the city, but through time.