News & Events
Press Release - September 19 2006 - World-Leading 'On-Board Simulator' Technology For State Transit
The technology includes
- An 'on-board simulator' laptop computer that acts as a driver tracking device;
- Four monitoring cameras on the front and sides of the bus to film the driver in real time; and
- A software program that compiles reports on the driver's performance during the training.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport John Watkins said the technology was a new direction for bus safety and would be a vital tool in State Transit's comprehensive $1 million annual program on training for its bus operators.
"The technology measures if a driver brakes too heavily, accelerates too aggressively or corners harshly - it records all the 'events' and a detailed analysis of the trip is compiled," Mr Waktins said.
"Over two days, each bus operator completes a one day classroom theory component and then puts this into practice out on the road and that's where the technology comes in.
"The driver can then watch their actions on replay - a bit like going to the video referee for a second look - to see what the may have done well or what in hindsight they would do differently next time.
"State Transit runs more than 16,000 services in Sydney each week day and carries more than 600,000 passengers in Sydney and Newcastle a day.
"Passenger safety and the safety of other motorists are the highest priority - this new technology is the future - and central to our plans of continually helping bus operators improve their driving skills.
"Our bus drivers' daily challenges are constantly changing with more hazards, busy roads, and unpredictable environments like school zones and shopping centres.
"That's why it's critical we support them with the latest training and development available."
Mr Watkins said the new technology was being phased in and more than 1300 of State Transit's 3000 bus operators had already started the new training program.
"The results so far have been excellent - drivers' actions are recorded on film and reports are generated on their strengths and weaknesses," Mr Watkins said.
"Providing support to bus drivers is an important aspect of the job - this program gives them the skills they need to provide such a critical frontline service.
"The Iemma Government is also taking our bus fleet in a new direction with more than 5000 new clean diesel and CNG buses for State Transit with a $250 million investment.
"But it's not just about investing new buses - we're also doing a lot of hard work to back our bus operators with the best training available so they keep improving their skills."
The technology is developed by Vigil Systems, an Australian company that has pioneered this type of training device with State Transit and Brisbane Transport and is now working with State Transit to export it to the world.