A San Francisco Muni driver's shocking display of inattention behind the wheel has left commuters shaken and authorities scrambling for answers. A recent video, released by the SFMTA in response to a public records request, shows the operator appearing to nod off at the controls while navigating a two-car North Judah light rail train through a curve at over 50 miles per hour.
The footage, captured on September 24 during the morning rush hour, reveals a packed train speeding along when suddenly the driver's head falls back, her eyes glassy and unresponsive. The motion is so severe that several passengers are jolted awake, some of whom lose their balance and fall onto the floor as the train whizzes by.
When questioned about the incident, the operator seemed remarkably calm, telling a colleague "that's not on me" before being taken off duty pending further investigation. However, officials claim that operator fatigue is to blame for the alarming event, with an internal probe now complete and a full inspection of the train's braking system confirming it performed as designed.
Further inspections revealed no mechanical or infrastructure issues, sparking questions about how this incident could have occurred in the first place. The investigation's findings may be attributed to a combination of factors, including inadequate training on recognizing signs of fatigue and an apparently lax approach to addressing these concerns among operators.
As part of its response to this disturbing incident, the SFMTA is now working with Siemens to develop new software that would limit speeds in specific locations and reinforcing existing training for drivers. The agency has also committed to increased accountability and oversight to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The footage, captured on September 24 during the morning rush hour, reveals a packed train speeding along when suddenly the driver's head falls back, her eyes glassy and unresponsive. The motion is so severe that several passengers are jolted awake, some of whom lose their balance and fall onto the floor as the train whizzes by.
When questioned about the incident, the operator seemed remarkably calm, telling a colleague "that's not on me" before being taken off duty pending further investigation. However, officials claim that operator fatigue is to blame for the alarming event, with an internal probe now complete and a full inspection of the train's braking system confirming it performed as designed.
Further inspections revealed no mechanical or infrastructure issues, sparking questions about how this incident could have occurred in the first place. The investigation's findings may be attributed to a combination of factors, including inadequate training on recognizing signs of fatigue and an apparently lax approach to addressing these concerns among operators.
As part of its response to this disturbing incident, the SFMTA is now working with Siemens to develop new software that would limit speeds in specific locations and reinforcing existing training for drivers. The agency has also committed to increased accountability and oversight to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
... like how can you fall asleep at the wheel, right? it's one thing to be tired but another to be asleep behind the wheel with people's lives at risk 
. i'm all for improving training and making sure drivers get the rest they need, but what about checking in on each other while driving? maybe some kind of buddy system or something. and yeah, new software sounds good too, but shouldn't it have been implemented already to prevent this from happening? anyway, glad the agency is taking responsibility and making changes 
how hard is it 2 stay awake while drivin a train? some1 needs 2 get fired ASAP, that kinda behavior is not only reckless but also super scary for passengers. 
and yeah, training is key 
but c'mon SFMTA, how many warnings r they gonna give out before someone gets hurt? 
and btw, who lets a driver just 'cause they're calm take off duty after somethin like this? 
oh man, this video is insane! like, how can you be driving a train at 50mph and just zone out? 
so, they're working with Siemens to develop software that limits speeds in specific areas? 
that's not a bad idea. and reinforcing existing training for drivers is also a good start...
but what really gets me is how this happened in the first place. 
anyway, hope the new software and training programs help prevent something like this from happening again...
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this San Francisco Muni driver's negligence. It's not just about the operator being tired, it's about how they can be so nonchalant about putting 500+ lives at risk while behind the wheel 
.
This investigation highlights a systemic issue that goes beyond just one driver. The SFMTA needs to take a closer look at its culture and ensure that operators feel supported and held accountable, not just disciplined 
.
anyhoo I feel for those passengers who got jolted awake, it's not fun being in a situation like that... the SFMTA's taking steps to improve training tho, which is great 
let's hope this new software helps prevent more incidents and operators are held accountable 
I'm glad no one got hurt seriously, but still super shaken by that video. And yikes, the operator's attitude after it all was so not cool - "that's not on me"? Are u kidding me?! 
I mean, who wouldn't want to slow down on those crazy curves? 
Just hope it gets implemented ASAP so we don't have another close call like this. Fingers crossed everything gets sorted out soon! 
I mean, come on... this is just crazy! A driver falling asleep at the wheel? It's like something out of a bad movie. I'm glad no one was seriously hurt, but what if someone had passed away or been injured due to that driver's negligence?