[edge17]

Simple math? Assuming a fixed number of cars on the road, more lanes will increase the flow. The cable cars are novelty transportation for tourists that residents of the city don't actually use for commuting.

In case it's not clear, I'm refering to California st starting downtown and going all the way up the hill.

[SAI_Peregrinus]

Increasing flow often increases the number of cars on the road, particularly with dynamic routing apps, so the first assumption is invalid.

[edge17]

No problem, so what is your argument for utilizing a whole lane for a mode of transportation that consumes a significant public resource without providing much benefit?

[athrun]

100% agreed.

Car lanes in the city consume a significant public resource (space) and encourage negative externalities (noise, heat, air pollution, etc.). They should absolutely be replaced with more space efficient options: tram tracks & bike lanes.

[hot_gril]

Yeah but the cable cars only run in a limited area, basically the scenic hill you mentioned.

[edge17]

Not sure the point here. California St is a major artery in and out of downtown. All I'm saying is there is an opportunity for improving the quality of traffic but instead the public resource of an entire lane is wasted on a bespoke piece of transportation history that runs at a loss in excess of $40m/year