San Francisco – A video obtained by the advocacy group NorCal Bodycam and shared with ABC7 Bay Area appears to show a Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) train operator falling asleep just before a collision involving two empty Muni trains on the morning of July 31. The impact occurred near the intersection of 47th Avenue and Wawona Street, north of the San Francisco Zoo.
Fire officials confirmed that both trains were empty of passengers at the time of the crash, and no injuries were reported. The rear train struck the front train, shattering window glass and causing minor damage to the cars.
Agency response
In a statement, the SFMTA described the incident as “unacceptable” and noted that a formal investigation is ongoing. The agency said vehicle and infrastructure issues have been ruled out, and the initial determination points to operator error caused by fatigue.
The SFMTA also referenced a prior incident in September when a Muni operator appeared to doze off as the train accelerated to 50 mph. That event, which occurred during a busy morning commute, resulted in passengers being jolted forward and some being thrown from their seats. The agency’s investigation of that September event likewise concluded that operator fatigue was the cause, prompting an immediate fatigue‑awareness education campaign for its workforce.
Background on operator fatigue
Operator fatigue has become a recurring safety concern for transit agencies nationwide. Long shifts, irregular schedules, and the demanding nature of operating heavy rail equipment can contribute to reduced alertness. While the SFMTA has not disclosed specific work‑hour policies, it has indicated that it will continue to evaluate staffing and scheduling practices to mitigate fatigue risks.
Community members and transit riders have expressed concern about the safety of the Muni system, especially given the city’s reliance on public transportation for daily commuting. Local officials have called for transparent reporting and swift corrective actions to restore confidence in the system.
Next steps
The SFMTA’s investigation remains open, and the agency has pledged to release a full report once the analysis is complete. In the meantime, the transit authority continues to monitor its operators for signs of fatigue and is reviewing training protocols to ensure that similar incidents are prevented.
Residents who witnessed the crash or have information about the operator’s schedule are encouraged to contact the SFMTA’s safety hotline.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
