They are fun to ride and it's amazing to think that they are still running after so long.  The charge is $3 for each ride.

However, they are a pathetic excuse for public transit.  They are a novelty--slow, small and expensive.  But San Francisco passes them off as the only way to navigate this area of town which can be frustrating if you aren't interested in a leisurely ride.

All that said, at least once, brave the crowds and the snail's pace and enjoy this piece of living history.