San Francisco’s N-Judah light rail line experienced a chaotic morning in September after a train operator reportedly fell asleep at the controls, causing the train to accelerate well beyond the safe speed limit through a tight curve. The incident occurred just after sunrise on the 24th, catching passengers off guard as the train lurched through the turn.
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What Security Footage Showed
Footage of the incident, later reviewed by reporters, showed the operator appearing to doze off before the train reached roughly 50 mph in a zone intended for significantly slower speeds. Passengers were jostled and some items were knocked loose as the train continued past Duboce Avenue before coming to a stop near Walter Street. No serious injuries were reported.
SFMTA’s Response
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency called the operator’s conduct unacceptable and removed her from duty following the incident. Officials cited operator fatigue as a significant contributing factor and said the agency is conducting an internal review of the incident and its safety protocols.
What Happens Next
As of the latest update, SFMTA has not disclosed whether the operator will face formal disciplinary action, as the internal review remains ongoing. The agency has indicated that passengers affected by the incident may be contacted as part of the investigation. The episode has renewed attention on fatigue management for transit operators working early shifts.