The route operates between the Salesforce Transit Center and the Richmond District almost exclusively via Geary Boulevard.

[3][4] The route operates 24 hours with less frequent Owl service overnight as part of the All Nighter network.

The 38R Geary Rapid skips several stops along the route east of 33rd Avenue in order to provide a faster service through the corridor.

[6] San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) acquired the corridor as its first streetcar line, opening in 1912.

[9][10][5] During construction of the Salesforce Transit Center, the inbound terminus was moved to the Temporary Transbay Terminal.