Drowsy driver lets train overrun platform by 60 meters in Saitama

are humans really needed to drive something on a rail? when will these be automated?

I sometimes take the Yokohama Seaside line, and that's completely automated. I haven't heard of or experienced any trouble using it.

You know what... I'll cut Japanese trains a little slack. Why, be cause overall they do an amazing job... day in and day out. Yes, certain lines, mainly the Chuo in Tokyo are constantly late during rush hour, but overall, they get things done.

But, why was he drowsy? This is an important question! Was it from overwork? Was it from over-drinking? This has happened a handful of times in recent months. Train drivers have a huge responsibility and hold the lives of thousands in their hands. I hope the labor ministry starts an enquiry into these mishaps and finds out why it keeps happening. If it's from not enough rest periods between shifts it needs to be addressed. If it's from drivers shirking their responsibilities they should be fired.

Well, it was a mistake and lucky nobody was hurt. I've never had a problem with the trains. First time I've heard of this.

You know what... I'll cut Japanese trains a little slack. Why, be cause overall they do an amazing job... day in and day out. Yes, certain lines, mainly the Chuo in Tokyo are constantly late during rush hour, but overall, they get things done.

excellent comment and so true. Just wait though, the usual know-it-all crew will be on here soon telling us all how the driver was bullied by JR, JR's training is bad, it's Abe fault the driver was drowsy, or some other made up "fact".

are humans really needed to drive something on a rail? when will these be automated?

Eventually but gain trust of the public will take much much longer.

Dango bong

are humans really needed to drive something on a rail? when will these be automated?

Yup! Let's automate everything and wonder later why there are lot's of people who are out of jobs and blame the immigration.

Say whatever you want to say but Japanese trains are still the best compare to other countries.

Anyone can make a mistake.

As Disilllusioned says though, they should investigate to see if it is a systematic problem like tiredness or having to work when ill that supercedes any issues with the individual driver.

Once I was an on express train and it accidentally slowed down almost to a halt at a station it wasn't supposed to stop at.

I think the automated robo trains are generally on elevated lines without a lot of junctions and light signals, not to mention without any crossings for cars or people.

Also they are lower speed trains.

Yup! Let's automate everything and wonder later why there are lot's of people who are out of jobs and blame the immigration.

Oh yeah, stupid me. We should always be trying to to hold back progress so low skilled people can have jobs where they fall asleep and put people's lives in danger. Silly me.

On the positive side, at least we know that the drivers are not coked up on stimulant drugs.

Out of interest do these trains have reverse. If so then the train stations need to have automated gates to stop people falling onto the tracks.

Yurikamome is automated and while not the best train (size and comfort), it seemed reliable. The stations have the full glass partition separating the train from the platform. Probably because a robo-driver wouldn't do well with jumpers.

Regarding sleepy drivers, this reminded me of the train accident in Osaka that killed and injured a lot of people. The driver was kept up late with some company partying. He overshot a station and lost time backing up. Trying to make up for the lost time and keep the train schedule, he failed to slow down on a turn and derailed the train into an apartment building.

Thankfully, it was just a small overshooting here, but the train driver need to be alert. Or, turn to robot drivers.

Out of interest do these trains have reverse. If so then the train stations need to have automated gates to stop people falling onto the tracks.

Reverse, Yes.

Gates are more likely in the city, but they aren't everywhere. I like stations with gates. Doesn't fully stop jumpers like a full partition, and those are rare. However, it does stop kids, drunks, cell phone zombies, and other avoidable accidents. I'm not clumsy or anything, but it can be a little nervy standing or walking around a station without gates, especially with children.

"Regarding sleepy drivers, this reminded me of the train accident in Osaka that killed and injured a lot of people. The driver was kept up late with some company partying. He overshot a station and lost time backing up. Trying to make up for the lost time and keep the train schedule, he failed to slow down on a turn and derailed the train into an apartment building."

I saw a documentary on PBS about it or a very simular one. I do not remember the guy being accused of partying the night before, but for what ever reason he was trying to make up for lost time and went too fast at abend and derailed it.

They say the train companies are very strict and even if late by a few seconds you can get it written into a book and I guess be fired over it with repeated lateness. So the young man tried to make up some time since he had been late at the stop previously and that occured. Too much pressure to be perfect.

"Gates are more likely in the city, but they aren't everywhere. I like stations with gates. Doesn't fully stop jumpers like a full partition, and those are rare. However, it does stop kids, drunks, cell phone zombies, and other avoidable accidents. I'm not clumsy or anything, but it can be a little nervy standing or walking around a station without gates, especially with children."

I am more worried about people bumping into each other and the domino affect is triggered and a few go off the platform. In my brief time there I had always thought that was an issue, but I never saw anyone fall thankfully.

The issue here is why was the driver drowsy. Is it overwork, medications, or is the driver ill or drunk.