San Francisco — A San Francisco Muni light rail operator appeared to fall asleep at the controls during a morning commute, causing a packed N-Judah train to accelerate unexpectedly and jolt passengers as it exited the Sunset Tunnel near Duboce Park.
The incident occurred on September 24 as the two-car train was headed inbound toward downtown. Surveillance footage showed the operator’s eyes closed and head tilted moments before the train surged forward at an excessive speed of 50 miles per hour—far above the recommended limit of 8 to 10 mph for that section of track.
Passengers were thrown from their seats and into the walls of the train as it navigated a curve. The train bypassed its designated stop at Duboce Avenue and Noe Street before coming to a halt just past Walter Street.
“I thought we were going to crash,” said one commuter. “People were screaming. I grabbed the pole and held on as tight as I could.”
Another passenger described the moment as terrifying. “It felt like the train just took off. I saw someone fall sideways into the wall. Everyone was panicking.”
After the train stopped, the operator reportedly told passengers, “I’m sorry, relax, relax, relax — it wouldn’t stop. We didn’t crash.”
Transit officials later attributed the incident to operator fatigue and confirmed that the individual had been placed on nondriving status pending further review. Several passengers were jostled and fell due to the sudden motion.
The agency stated that safety remains its top priority and that it is reviewing internal protocols related to operator wellness and fatigue management.
The episode has drawn comparisons to similar incidents in other cities, including a New York subway overshoot and a Chicago Blue Line crash, both linked to operator fatigue. Transit safety experts say these cases highlight the need for stricter monitoring and better support systems for operators working long or irregular shifts.
No injuries were reported, and service on the N-Judah line resumed shortly afterward.
