Cable cars are viewed by most people in this city as sort of a cheesy thing for tourists to do, sort of like Fisherman's Wharf. I agree that the Powell and Hyde lines that run back and forth from downtown to Fisherman's Wharf are impractical for residents because there is always a long wait. However, the California line, that runs from Van Ness down to Montomery or so in the financial district, is a practical line if you live somewhere in the area because there is never a wait. It's a relaxing ride and way more fun and less ghetto than the bus. Of course it is $5 each way, unless you have the Muni bus pass and then it is free.