1895 Market Street Railway Co. car No. 578-S sits proudly outside the gates of Market Street Railway's Pharr Division restoration yard during annual Open House festivities.

San Francisco streetcar No. 578-S may be the world’s oldest streetcar still on the active roster of an urban transit agency.

Built in 1895 by the same firm that later built the California Street cable cars, this historic treasure, a bouncy single–trucker was part of San Francisco’s first generation of electric streetcars. It survived the 1906 cataclysm and then dodged the scrapper’s torch by being converted into a work car.

In 1956, Muni crafts workers beautifully restored it to its original appearance as part of the 50th anniversary commemoration of the earthquake and fire. It was later put on 'permanent loan' to a rail museum, on the belief that Muni would not use it again. But the Historic Trolley Festivals led to its recall to active Muni service. Though operational, it is not currently used in revenue service. The outside seats were slightly shortened in 2004 to allow wheelchair accessibility. Plans have been discussed to fit it with a track brake used on many cars of this class.

1895—Built in San Francisco by Hammond Car Company for the original Market Street Railway Company. Operated primarily in Western Addition and Downtown.

Post 1906—Converted into a sand car (work equipment) for Geneva Division; acquired by Muni in 1944 as part of its purchase of Market Street Railway Company.

1956—Restored by Muni crafts workers for earthquake 50th anniversary service, later loaned to museum in Solano County.

1984—Recalled by Muni for Trolley Festival service; E-line demonstration on Embarcadero freight tracks in 1987.

1995—After F-line startup, used occasionally in special service, including 'preview' E-line service in 2001 (pictured at right).

2004—Seats in end section slightly shortened to accommodate wheelchairs.