San Francisco did not approve the subway bond issue of 1937, which would have been instrumental in saving much more of the system(Geary, Mission St. lines). Ditto for the purchase of the Market Street Ry., which, had it taken place much earlier when the bustitution fad was not yet lethal, could have allowed for the necessary capital improvements and maintenance.

The carmen's union was a very big problem, insisting on 2-man operation until the end.