Even as Muni Metro riders contend with delays caused by a signal problem this morning, we just can’t let go of that N-Judah derailment from Monday. The likely cause? An “automatic rail failure”, they say.
Monday’s derailed train, was heading inbound at around 6:45 PM when it slid off the track right before the tunnel at Church and Duboce. Nobody was injured but service was disrupted for a few hours. Shuttles carried passengers to destinations along the N Judah and J Church line until 9:15.
Investigators say that the most likely culprit was the failure of the rail that is supposed to automatically direct trains into the tunnel. Muni spokesperson Paul Rose told the Ex that the agency is looking to address the problems at that intersection in the next two years.
Until that happens, a temporary fix of stabilized automated switches and lubed and cleaned parts will have to do. During the next few days, Muni officials will monitor how trustworthy the rail is and make necessary adjustments, they say.
Despite the fact that they have ruled out the driver as a cause of the problem, per protocol the driver is on non-driving status.
