A San Francisco train operator allegedly fell asleep while operating a city transit train, prompting safety concerns and an internal investigation by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).
Witnesses say the train appeared to slow abruptly before lurching forward again, leading passengers to fear a potential crash. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Officials are now reviewing video footage and operator schedules to determine if fatigue, long shifts, or other factors played a role.
SFMTA said in a statement that operator safety and passenger protection remain their “top priorities,” adding that disciplinary action or policy changes could follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
This incident adds to growing concerns about overworked public transit operators and the need for stronger fatigue management programs across major U.S. cities.