Video footage shows a disturbing incident on the Muni Metro light rail in San Francisco, California recently. A train operator was caught sleeping on duty, leading to a sudden acceleration and violent shaking of the crowded train, narrowly avoiding a disastrous outcome. The incident caused passengers to scream in fear, with some even falling to the floor.
According to a report by KRON4 TV on November 11th, surveillance footage obtained by the TV station revealed that the incident occurred around 8:37 am on September 24th. At that time, the two-section train, filled with passengers, was exiting the Sunset Tunnel near Duboce Park.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) stated in a press release on November 10th that the train suddenly experienced “a series of unexpected violent shaking” while traveling at a speed of 50 miles per hour around a curve, causing multiple passengers to be knocked to the floor due to the abrupt jolts.
The train continued at high speed through Duboce Avenue and Noe Street before coming to a sudden stop near Walter Street. Fortunately, the train did not derail.
In the video footage, the operator is seen apologizing to the terrified passengers after stopping the train: “I’m sorry. Relax, relax, relax… We didn’t crash. Relax.”
Medical personnel arrived at the scene, and the SFMTA initiated an investigation into the incident.
The agency stated, “SFMTA has completed the investigation and determined that the accident was caused by operator fatigue. We are handling the matter in accordance with internal regulations and relevant contracts, including suspending the driving privileges of the operator.”
SFMTA confirmed that a comprehensive inspection of the train’s braking system was conducted, verifying that the train was functioning properly. The tracks and related infrastructure were also checked, with no issues found.
The agency mentioned that they have intensified training for operators and other staff, emphasizing the importance of recognizing signs of fatigue and promptly reporting them. They are actively collaborating with the manufacturer of the new light rail vehicles to develop software that can restrict speeds on specific sections of the tracks.
SFMTA’s Director of Transportation, Julie Kirschbaum, made a statement on November 10th regarding the newly exposed surveillance footage, saying, “We recognize that this was a terrifying experience for passengers, and we take it very seriously.”
She added, “Safety is always our top priority. We are committed to taking responsibility for this unacceptable incident and will take all necessary measures to ensure that the San Francisco Muni Metro is safe and reliable for all passengers and the public.”
San Francisco Muni Metro is a light rail transit system operated by SFMTA. According to their website, the system officially opened on February 18, 1980. As of 2024, it is the third busiest light rail system in the United States, operating 151 light rail vehicles (LRVs) with an average weekday ridership of 173,500 passengers.
A similar incident of a tram driver sleeping on duty occurred in Taiwan earlier this year in March.
According to reports by Central News Agency, in Kaohsiung, passengers on a light rail train noticed the train had been stationary for nearly 9 minutes after arriving at a station. Upon investigating, they found the driver asleep in the cabin.
Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation stated that the driver was feeling unwell, took medication, and became mentally impaired, leading to the incident. The driver has since been reminded to improve and will face further assessment and penalties.