Particle.news
Download on the App Store

SFMTA Blames Operator Fatigue for 50 MPH N‑Judah Jolt, Pulls Driver From Service

Investigators blamed fatigue, not equipment failure.

Overview

  • The transit agency said its investigation is complete and placed the operator on non-driving status in line with internal protocols.
  • Security footage shows the operator appearing to nod off as the train exited the Sunset Tunnel near Duboce Park during the Sept. 24 morning commute.
  • The two-car train reached about 50 mph at the curve, far above typical speeds of roughly 8–10 mph in that area, and it skipped the Duboce Avenue/Noe Street stop.
  • Several riders were thrown off balance, with at least one passenger reporting treatment for a concussion, before the train halted past Walter Street without derailing.
  • Inspections found no mechanical faults and the braking system worked as designed; SFMTA has reinforced fatigue-awareness training and is working with Siemens on location-specific speed-limiting software.