A short segment near the northern end of the line runs one block west of Fillmore on Steiner.

Streetcar service on the line started in July 1895, running from 16th and Folsom Streets to Fillmore and Broadway.

[3] Thus the line was uniquely equipped with a funicular-style mechanism between Broadway and Green whereby a descending streetcar would provide counterweight for an ascending car by coupling both to a shared cable.

[7] This section limited frequency and scheduling on the entire route as it required two passing cars to meet up at the appropriate points for the mechanism to operate.

The funicular segment was replaced with shuttle buses in 1941,[6] diverting from the route a block to the west to avoid the steep grade.