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SFMTA Cites Operator Fatigue in 50 MPH N‑Judah Scare, Places Driver on Non‑Driving Duty

The transit agency now attributes the incident to fatigue, saying equipment functioned properly.

Overview

  • On Sept. 24, a two‑car N‑Judah train exited the Sunset Tunnel at about 50 mph, skipped the Duboce/Noe stop and halted near Walter Street, tossing riders and leading to at least one reported concussion.
  • Onboard video shows the operator appearing to nod off before the jolt; after stopping, she apologized and told passengers the train "wouldn't stop."
  • SFMTA has closed its investigation, concluded the cause was operator fatigue, and placed the operator on nondriving status under internal protocols and the labor contract.
  • Agency inspections found the braking system, trackway and related infrastructure performed as designed, and the train did not derail; typical speeds on that stretch are about 8–10 mph.
  • SFMTA says it reinforced fatigue training and is working with Siemens on location‑based speed‑limiting software, and its director noted the operator had driven 58 hours in the preceding two weeks.