San Francisco streets filled with chiming music from Muni cable car bell 'ring-off'

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The musical talents of San Francisco's cable car gripmen shined during a MUNI-scheduled ring off on Saturday, a tradition that dates back decades.

The bells chiming are a sound many city residents haven't heard around in a while, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Muni's cable cars haven't run since March, and many miss the sights and sounds of the moving landmarks.

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In July, officials said that they doubt service would return for the historic vehicles until there is a COVID-19 vaccine, to keep operators safe.

While there is still no concrete timetable for the vehicles to return to normal operations, a few cable cars have been stationed at the Powell Street turnaround on weekdays for photos and educational purposes.

The San Francisco cable car system was created in 1873 as a high-tech alternative to climbing the city's hills, instead of using horse-drawn carriages.