On Camera: Green line driver dozes off while driving train

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com) – Video sent to FOX 25 by viewer Robert Clark shows an MBTA Green Line train driver apparently falling asleep while the train zips into a tunnel.

In the video, the driver can be seen slouching in his chair with his head down before the train enters the tunnel. Clark said the video was taken on an inbound D Line train from Newton at about 3 p.m.

"The afternoon rush in Boston…probably a bad time for a nap, especially when you're operating an MBTA train," Clark said.

An MBTA spokesperson said the driver, who has been with the authority for over 2 years, has been suspended and an investigation is ongoing. The spokesperson said the driver is facing serious disciplinary action, including termination.

The MBTA added that the operator in question was in the second car of the train and the operator in the first car was actually driving.

It is not the first time a rider has caught an MBTA operator asleep on the job. Last January, the MBTA even posted a memo in all the Green Line terminals reminding workers not to sleep on the job.

The MBTA said the department has an aggressive fatigue-awareness program that is required for all safety-sensitive employees.

When asked why employees keep falling asleep on the job, the MBTA responded only by saying they are continuously examining and improving their safety programs.

Full MBTA Statement:

"This employee is facing serious disciplinary action up to and including termination. While the investigation is being conducted, this employee has been suspended. Safety is always the MBTA's number one priority and egregious behavior will not be tolerated."

Cox Media Group