(KRON) – New video obtained by KRON4 News appears to show a San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency driver falling asleep behind the controls during a rough light rail ride in September.
The ordeal happened around 8:37 a.m. on Sept. 24, as the two-car train packed with passengers was exiting the Sunset Tunnel near Dubuche Park, the video shows. Suddenly, “the train experienced a series of unexpected jerking movements while navigating a curve at an excessive speed of 50 mph,” according to a Nov. 10 SFMTA press release.
“Several passengers were jostled and fell due to the sudden movement,” the SFMTA reported.
The video shows the train speeding through its planned stop at Duboce Street and Noe Street before coming to an abrupt stop in Duboce after Walter Street. The train did not derail.
In the video, the driver can be heard apologizing to the frightened passengers.
“I’m sorry,” the driver says in the video. “Relax, relax, relax… We’re not broken. Relax.”
Medical teams moved to the scene of the accident, and the governorate’s security services opened an investigation into the accident.
“SFMTA has completed its investigation, which confirms the error was a result of operator fatigue,” the SFMTA said. “The agency is handling the matter in accordance with internal protocols and the relevant contract, which includes placing the operator on non-driving status.”
The SFMTA said workers conducted a complete inspection of the train’s separators and confirmed the train was operating properly. Tracks and related infrastructure were also inspected and no issues were found.
“SFMTA has enhanced existing training on the importance of monitoring and appropriately reporting signs of fatigue with operators and other Muni employees,” the SFMTA said.
The agency is actively working with the manufacturer of new light rail vehicles on a program that could limit speeds along specific sections of track.
SFMTA Director of Transportation Julie Kirschbaum issued a statement Monday in response to the newly surfaced video.
“We know this was a scary experience for our riders, and we take that very seriously,” Kirschbaum said. “Safety is always our top priority. We are committed to accountability in response to this specific unacceptable incident and are taking all necessary steps to keep Muni safe and reliable for all riders and the public.”
KRON4 has reached out to the Transportation Workers Union for comment on the incident and is awaiting a response.