SF: Driverless Muni Metro train takes off in tunnel [View all]

SAN FRANCISCO -- A Muni Metro train loaded with passengers pulled away from Castro Station without its operator Wednesday after the driver got out to fix a door and possibly forgot to set the emergency brake, agency officials said.

A rider brought the train to a halt in the tunnel between the Castro and Forest Hill stations by activating the emergency brake, Muni said.

Passengers were never in danger because the train was under automatic control, said John Haley, director of transit for the Municipal Railway. But the incident is under investigation, and the operator is on paid leave and is undergoing routine drug and alcohol testing, Haley said. The driver's name has not been released.

The incident happened on the KT-Ingleside/Third Street train about 10:15 a.m. As the outbound train was preparing to leave Castro Station, the operator noticed a "problem with one of his doors" and left the train to close it, Haley said. ........................(more)

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