TO's falling asleep at the console
So, I boarded a Richmond-bound train this morning at Hayward and sat at my favorite quad in the front car of the consist, and had a clear view of the TO as he was not blocking the window with any sort of covering. Immediately after departing Hayward, I noticed the TO begin to bob his head back and forth as if he was gearing up to pass out. His chin hits his chest and stays there for a good 30 seconds (I can see his eyelids closed in the mirror) until we hit the L-line merge and then he wakes up. Similarly, at San Leandro and Coliseum, he wakes up just in time to bring the train into the station and release the train and passes out again.
I know the train is in ATO, but I am still worried enough to call BART police while at Bay Fair and ask them for advice. They had two A-line supervisors board the train at Fruitvale, walk into the cab until Lake Merritt where they exited the cab and train leaving the TO at the helm. Surprised that they didn't switch out the TO, I off-boarded and decided to wait for the next train.
Comments??? Suggestions???
Hmm, BayFair, San Leandro,
Hmm, BayFair, San Leandro, Coliseum, Fruitvale Stations. Say a good 10 miles of track and three or four stations? I'm sure BART Police notified the Operating Center's supervisor who made a radio welfare check.
Thanks for reporting this to the police for immediate response. I'm surprised a police officer wasn't dispatched to intercept the train prior to arriving at Fruitvale. You did the right thing.
Take pictures if you have a
Take pictures if you have a camera phone or video or do what you did.
When I wrote about this about
When I wrote about this about a month back and took some video, some people were still skeptical that the TO on the train I was riding on was not paying attention.
But I'm glad I'm not the only one who has seen it. Thanks for reporting it.
Hey everyone. Long time no
Hey everyone. Long time no chat. I agree with you. A Train Operator should have their full attention on their assignment as anything could happen. Propulsion Cut-Off Failure, Brake Failure, Medical Emergency. Heck, Fire for crying out loud! There could be smoke coming out of the Transbay Tube just before the train goes inside. An easy catch.
Okay back to reality. The overall point is sleeping on the job is a No-No, especially when it comes to public safety.