How does a cable-car mechanism work?
•A cable runs continuously in a channel between the tracks,
which are located just below the street. The cable is controlled at
a central station, and usually moves about 9 miles (14-5
kilometers) per hour. On the underside of each cable car is an
attachment called a "grip." When the car operator pulls a lever,
the grip latches onto the moving cable and is pulled along. When
the operator releases the lever, the grip disconnects from the
cable. The car comes to a halt when the operator applies the
brakes. Also called an endless ropeway