Walk through Muni history at Kirkland bus yard

San Francisco tourists and residents who want to learn more about Muni’s past should head to the Kirkland bus yard near Fisherman’s Wharf.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency put up banners along the Kirkland bus yard metal fence, showcasing some of Muni’s bus and light rail vehicles from different generations.

Visitors can view the banners on Powell between North Point and Beach streets. The bus yard is the smallest and oldest in The City, according to the SFMTA.

The timeline starts off with of an opening day photo of the San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) in 1912. The banner reads:

“The first Muni line started on Geary Street at Kearny, at exactly 12:30 pm, on December 28, 1912.”

In April 2012, the transit agency celebrated Muni’s centennial by reintroducing the Muni’s first streetcar, and on Dec. 28, the transit agency gave passengers a free ride on Muni all day.

Further along the timeline, Muni transit enthusiasts, San Francisco natives and current residents, will see more familiar vehicles such as the orange Boeing light rail vehicles, the Electric Transit, Inc. trolley coaches (seen currently on routes like on the 1-California and 6-Haight/Parnassus) and the Breda light rail vehicles.

And finally, a banner that looks into the near distant future that shows Muni’s new light rail vehicle.

Those visiting can get to the bus yard by taking one of historic streetcar lines (E-Embarcadero or F-Market/Wharves) or take one of the Powell cable car lines.

Jerold Chinn

Jerold serves as a reporter and San Francisco Bureau Chief for SFBay covering transportation and occasionally City Hall and the Mayor's Office in San Francisco. His work on transportation has been recognized by the San Francisco Press Club. Born and raised in San Francisco, he graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in journalism. Jerold previously wrote for the San Francisco Public Press, a nonprofit, noncommercial news organization. When not reporting, you can find Jerold taking Muni to check out new places to eat in the city.