On September 24, 2025, riders on San Francisco’s N Judah Muni train experienced a terrifying event that could have ended in tragedy. A new video that has now gone viral shows the train operator asleep at the controls while the train reached speeds of nearly 50 mph, far above the safe limit. Passengers screamed as they were violently jolted. Some were thrown from their seats. One station was missed entirely before the train finally came to a stop.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) has confirmed that “operator fatigue” was to blame. No mechanical failure. No braking issue. A human being behind the wheel was pushed to the edge, and the riders paid the price.

This is not just a one-time error. This is a systemic safety failure. If operator fatigue can put an entire train of people at risk, then the system itself needs urgent reform.

We call on the SFMTA and Director of Transportation Julie Kirschbaum to take the following immediate steps:

• Implement scheduling changes that prioritize operator rest and safety
• Accelerate hiring of transit operators to reduce chronic understaffing
• Establish an independent oversight board to monitor safety violations
• Ensure that any fatigue-related incidents are publicly reported

Transit operators deserve a safe working environment. Riders deserve to get where they’re going without fear. The SFMTA must stop treating fatigue as an internal personnel matter and start treating it as a public safety crisis.

No more close calls. No more excuses. Real safety means protecting workers and passengers alike.

Add your name to demand urgent action before someone gets seriously hurt — or worse.

Photo: KTVU