cambus

Transit Driver Training-Our Program & External Review

Brian McClatchey

Driver Training OverviewHire & train approx. 80 new drivers per year.All are college student employees.All are hired & trained by fellow employees that are students.Nearly all have no bus or large vehicle driving experience (the farm students go to ISU).Must be trained to obtain a Class B CDL.Must be trained to safely operate vehicles in a congested service area with heavy ridership.

Driver SelectionMust be a UI student.Must be at least 18 years of age.Must meet UI safe driver standards.No more than 2 accidents/citations in last 3 years.License (includes permit) for at least 3 years.Must commit to 3 semesters of employment.Prefer at least 2nd semester freshman.Developed an applicant scoring form.A more objective way to score applicants based on required and desired qualifications.

Applicant Scoring Form

Cambus Driver Application Scoring SheetMaximum score=32

Total Score:Do Not Hire:If do not hire, indicate item(s) failed: __________

Applicant Name:Date of Application:Date Application Scored: _________________Status:New Hire_____Rehire_____Year:Score or DNH1License Length (time had license):

One of few Cambus applicants with actual bus driving experience

To Be HiredSuccessfully interview with Personnel Supervisor.Complete a pre-employment drug test, I-9 form and obtain a CDL permit.Schedule to attend a driver orientation session.

Driver Orientation SessionPersonnel Supervisor outlines the employee expectations and reviews the employee manual.Training & Safety Supervisor outlines the training program and schedules the initial phases.Prospective employees decide if they can or want to full-fill the expectations of the position (approx. 80% complete the training process).

The Univeristy of Iowacambus Training Manual

Cambus Driver Training Program

Cambus Driver Training Program, cont.Attend driver orientation session.Attend Bus Driving 101 classroom training.Initial Training: out of service training with a Trainer (minimum of 10 hours over 2-3 days).On Routes: in service training with supervising drivers (minimum of 35 hours with drivers submitting evaluations).Operations Training: meet with a dispatcher, Maintenance Supervisor & T&S Supervisor.CDL Prep: with a Trainer.

Cambus Driver Training Program, cont.CDL Review: with a TrainerObtain CDL License: by IDOT Motor Vehicle division.Final Drive: perform in service driving while being evaluated by the T&S Supervisor.Quiz & Videos: pass employee quiz and watch required training videos.Become a Driver: after approval by the T&S Supervisor.

Cambus Driver Training Program, cont.

New Driver Follow UpScheduled Follow UpRide Along #12 weeks after final driveRide Along #230 days after 1st ride alongSpot Check #130 days after 2nd ride alongSpot Check #2If still issues after 1st checkFormal EvaluationWithin 1st six months

New Cambus Driver

Our External ReviewWhy the review?A spike in accidents with pedestrians. Was cause for external as well as internal concern. Had 3 incidents in 2 years, with one resulting in serious injury.Changes in UI Risk Mgt. insurance billing which significantly increased rates.A start toward complying with new FTA Safety & Security regulations.A review by an outside professional had never been conducted.

Accident Loss Data FY 13Vehicle Miles 842,837Miles/At Fault Accident- 70,236

Strategies Identified Prior to Review

Pedestrian Safety Plan Implemented

Pedestrian Safety Plan, cont.

Pedestrian Safety Plan, cont.

Recording of Driver Performance at Intersections

Recommendations of ReviewerBob Bourne ConsultingDevelop a Safety CultureWill take time & continual effortMove towards complying with FTA required Safety PlanFTA Sec. 5329 ElementsWork with a Safety Review to access areas that may need work

Sample Safety Review - example

Recommendations of Reviewer, cont.Expand out-of-service driving time.Expand training manual.Include more SOPsUse resources from other transit systems or orgs. such TSI.Expand training staff.Improve the train-the-trainer program.Expand accident data collection/evaluation.

Recommendations of Reviewer, cont.Better document the trainee performance in the training process.Expand the use of mini-videos.Correlate driving experience to accident rate.Evaluate the need for bus stop modifications.Further develop Dispatcher training.Develop a Supervisor training program.

And several other more specific items.

Summary of ReviewDoing a good overall job, better than many.Accident history is not excessive, but need to improve data.Emphasis on Safety Culture.Training needs to be expanded, but are fortunate that use of college students allows for reduced training time.Manuals are adequate, but could be improved & more comprehensive.

A Cambus Driver of the Month

Trainers at the State Fair

A Bus at Slater Hall

and a bus out of service

Thanks for coming.

Questions?