Drunks on the Platform

In my 38 years of life I have had an adult beverage. There have been times where my consumption has been excessive (in my younger years) to the point where I was severely intoxicated. I probably did some stupid things (driving) that would have definitely been in violation of the law.

I have never been intoxicated to the point where I fell down. Sure I might sway when standing and slur my speech, maybe get a bit “giddy” (or do women only get giddy?) and even weaved when I walked. But I have never fallen down. Let alone fallen off of something.

This brings me to my point. How does someone ride BART in this condition? One would like to think that station agents monitor the fare gates and spot potential troublemakers and accidents waiting to happen. I know there are many fare gates that are not monitored and I understand that.

While I can’t go into full details it just makes me wonder how does someone fall off the platform and into the track way, an action that could be deadly, especially at stations like MacArthur and Daly City where multiple platforms are in use on a regular basis.

Thankfully BART personnel were quick on the scene before this incident happened, as this individual was reported by a Train Operator as “laying face down on the platform.” But moments later he was in the track way. How? Why? Regardless, BART Police were quick on the scene and the situation was quickly and SAFELY resolved.