Sleeping San Francisco Muni Driver Causes Train Chaos and Screams
On September 24, an alarming incident occurred involving a San Francisco Muni light rail train. Passengers experienced chaos as the operator dozed off, causing the train to travel at dangerous speeds. Video footage captured the frightening moments, where riders screamed and were jolted from their seats as the train accelerated.
Passenger Experience During Train Incident
At approximately 8:37 a.m., a two-car N Judah light rail train was making its way toward downtown San Francisco. As it exited the Sunset Tunnel, the footage revealed the driver dropping his head, seemingly asleep. The train, instead of maintaining a safe speed, reached approximately 50 mph while navigating a curve, far exceeding the average operating speed of 8 to 10 mph.
Passengers React to Chaos
The passengers aboard the train were visibly panicked. Many yelled as the vehicle rocked violently. Some riders slid from their seats, while others were thrown against the sides due to the sudden movements.
Investigation and Findings
- The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) confirmed that the train did not derail but experienced “a series of unexpected jolting movements.”
- Investigators determined that operator fatigue was the primary cause of the incident.
- A full inspection of the train’s braking system confirmed it was functioning correctly during the ride.
- Inspections of the train’s trackways revealed no mechanical or systemic errors.
SFMTA’s Commitment to Safety
In the aftermath, SFMTA expressed their commitment to passenger safety. Julie Kirschbaum, the agency’s Director of Transportation, stated, “We know this was a frightening experience for our riders, and we take that very seriously.” The agency emphasized the importance of accountability following this unacceptable incident.
Future Safety Measures
SFMTA is collaborating with Siemens, the manufacturer of Muni’s light rail vehicles, to develop software aimed at limiting speeds in specific areas. This proactive step is part of their ongoing effort to enhance safety for all passengers.
Following the incident, the operator was placed on non-driving status as per the agency’s internal protocols. Upon waking during the ride, the operator can be heard apologizing to passengers, saying, “I’m sorry, it wouldn’t stop. It just wouldn’t stop.”
The SFMTA maintains that the incident resulted solely from operator fatigue and not from any train malfunction. They expressed their dedication to preventing similar occurrences in the future.
