News & Events
Press Release - April 26 2007 - Training Equals Retention - BUSRide Article
The Transit Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) found that approximately 60 percent of new hires come from a non-transit background. They usually require extensive skills training that can take anywhere from 10 to 60 days with an average of 32 days for most transit agencies. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics estimates the cost of replacing an adequate operator ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. With annual turnover at around 11 percent, transit agencies put training and retention at the top of the agenda. Few agencies actually take advantage of the wide range of available training technologies that can significantly reduce the time and cost of training and improve operator retention.
Video route training
A new bus operator faces extremely challenging entry-level conditions that include split shifts, variable work hours and a stressful environment of customer complaints, all while dealing with the pressure of learning and driving multiple routes. Video route training software can relieve some of the stress.
The driver management company Vigil Systems has developed its VigilVoyage video route training tool to assist bus operators prior to undertaking new routes, or to use as a refresher for operators on previously driven routes.
VigilVoyage links real digital video footage of routes with digital mapping, audio and text commentary to provide a rich learning environment that highlights unsafe conditions such as speed zones, blind spots, lane preferences and terminal interchanges. Video route training also improves hazard awareness and operator confidence.
Computer-based training
Computer-based training tools used in a classroom environment educate and test operators on different aspects of bus operation. Smith Systems has developed its Classroom Safety Series, which uses visual aids, leader guides and quizzes to reinforce operator learning.
While computer-based training programs serve as a base to inform operators of best practices, they do not always produce expected results and do not adequately prepare operators for real-world driving experiences. Computer-based training is best used in conjunction with practical vehicle-focused service training as part of a comprehensive training program.
Driver training simulators
Simulators in use at many transit agencies create realistic scenarios to train drivers to avoid accidents and react to situations without the risk of endangering lives or property. Instead of an actual encounter, operators in training experience a simulated hazardous situation. They can safely improve upon their ability to react to such a situation in the future.
Simulator training is not without its faults. Results from a TCRP study revealed their common problems. They require substantial maintenance and first-time users often experience simulator sickness. Simulators set up in fixed locations create logistical problems for transit systems with numerous depots and operators widely dispersed who must travel to a single location for training. Multiple simulator sites are a solution.
On-road training systems
While simulators attempt to replicate reality, they will never offer an experience as real as driving out on the road. However, a new on-road training system developed in Australia is captivating transit systems across North America.
The VigilVanguard system is a portable system in use by some of the world’s largest transit systems including Los Angeles Metro, Washington DC Metro, Toronto Transit Commission and Kowloon Motor Bus in Hong Kong.
The VigilVanguard system incorporates video, GPS and sensor technology as well as a Tablet PC to evaluate bus operator performance, and provide a moment-by-moment playback of a drive.
The system produces an automatic report and provides unbiased feedback on driving behavior to identify and correct the root cause of driving errors.
VigilVanguard accurately and objectively measures smoothness of operation, including braking, cornering and acceleration. It removes any doubt an operator may have as to the fairness of performance evaluations.
Like simulators, on-road training systems also significantly reduce training time, costs and risk. The major disadvantage is that on-road training systems cannot train operators in hazardous conditions that simulators safely replicate. Nonetheless, on-road training systems are a highly effective, real-world approach to training for a fraction of the price.
Vehicle technologies such as video surveillance systems, AVL systems and ‘black box’ systems provide information on the speed and location of vehicles, as well as video footage of accidents and other driving events. However, these technologies are predominantly driver-monitoring systems.
Training tools are in no way a quick-fix solution that guarantees driver retention, but they ease the transition of a new hire into a qualified and proficient bus operator.