Comments on: Light-rail vehicles collide at West Portal, dozens injured (w/updates + video)

By: Edmund

Edmund — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:20:12 +0000

More video footage found! From the camera mounted on the outbound side right above or near(?) the 2nd station agent’s booth.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/matierandross/detail?blogid=61&entry_id=44091

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By: jeff

jeff — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:22:26 +0000

@Driver: as of now, no, no one has substantiated the “Dead Man’s Lever” claim. i don’t disbelieve it; it’s just that i’d like some verification.

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By: Driver

Driver — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:59:51 +0000

Thanks for the great reporting. The video footage shows the speed prior to impact, which is far greater than I imagined. I do think it was considering standard operating procedure to turn off automatic controls going into the West Portal station, so the drivers could get 2 cars up to that platform. Now, that there’s been an accident I find it odd they want to blame this aspect of SOP on that action. I found the comment interesting left by another reader (under Muni’s new insurance policy…) about the dead man’s switch being rendered so inoperative that a “dead man” could literally still drive the Muni. I would think that would be the flaw in the whole plan if they overrode automatic controls. Did anyone else come forward to substantiate that information?

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By: Daishin Sunseri

Daishin Sunseri — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 20:39:37 +0000

It’s just MUNI in its normal dysfunctional mode of operation. MUNI is a joke and we all know it. When will it be fixed? I hope in my lifetime!

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By: Tongcheng

Tongcheng — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 17:58:42 +0000

There is always obsfucation and cover up when an operator is at fault. Have you heard what really happened int the DC Metro crash?? No, and we probably won’t.

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By: jeff

jeff — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:35:12 +0000

let’s hold off judging what happened until we know the facts, eh? there are any number of reasons this happened, and when we’re talking about an event in which this many people were hurt, we think its best to hold our collective breath. especially if the NTSB gets involved, we should have some answers soon. casting blame before we really know what happens is just a coping mechanism. let’s try to be civilized.

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By: free the Muni

free the Muni — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:06:02 +0000

This doesn’t surprise me. I was riding the 6 bus a month ago, and the bus driver was talking on her cell phone….

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