Rapid transit ideas from a 1936 plan for San Francisco
This well-documented report outlines a vision for fast, underground subway routes to ease growing traffic. It explains how surface congestion could be reduced and city neighborhoods better connected to downtown, the bridges, and the peninsula.
The book covers three major routes, how mezzanine stations would work, and the importance of a transbay terminal. It discusses cost, financing, and the potential impact on nearby land values and city revenues.
- Market Street subway and a corresponding Market Street mezzanine design to improve pedestrian flow and vehicle lanes.
- Mission Street and Geary–Montgomery routes, with notes on routing, grades, and transfer opportunities.
- How construction would protect street traffic, utilities, and existing buildings during underground work.
Ideal for readers interested in early 20th‑century urban planning, public utilities strategy, and how cities envisioned rapid transit to support growth.A thoughtful glimpse into a historic approach to shaping San Francisco’s transportation future, with practical notes on costs, routes, and long‑term benefits for residents and businesses alike.