TTC applauds the publication of TfL’s Bus Safety Strategy
and calls for similar action from fleet operators as research reveals almost half of passengers put themselves and others at risk of injury.
25th September 2023 – Driver training and risk management expert, TTC, is calling on bus and coach fleet operators to follow Transport for London’s (TfL’s) lead and implement a Safety Strategy to reduce passenger injuries. The appeal comes on the back of a new nationwide survey by TTC of frequent bus users which reveals that nearly half (49%) put themselves and fellow passengers at risk because they choose not to use handrails or bus straps for stability whilst in transit*. One in 10 of those surveyed claim they avoid using safety support because they fear they will catch Covid.
Amongst the recently published TfL Bus Safety Strategy aims is reducing passenger injuries, particularly due to slips, trips and falls. Employing technologies to address speeding and identifying driver fatigue, as well as measuring pedal application error, are also on TfL’s list of ambitions.
Jim Kirkwood, CEO of TTC (pictured) said, “The action points outlined in TfL’s Bus Safety Strategy will no doubt systematically help make transport safer, and we urge all bus and coach fleet operators to review and consider how they can adopt a similar approach. However, these are long term targets. Operators of larger vehicle fleets, including buses and coaches have the power to act sooner by ensuring that Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training is upheld. CPC training already includes passenger safety and distractions, driver fatigue and wellbeing, speed management, defensive driving, and vulnerable road user awareness.”
Last year, passengers completed over 3 billion bus journeys in England, a figure that remains lower than pre-Covid times but is steadily on the rise, demonstrating the scale of responsibility bus operators and their drivers have in keeping the UK’s roads safe. The good news is that 56% of bus passengers surveyed by TTC agree that in their experience, drivers manoeuvre with due care and attention. Nevertheless, as mobility changes and with more people using buses, operators need to help their drivers to understand how to safeguard passengers while on-board and constantly enhance driver effectiveness. In doing so, they are equipping their large vehicle fleet drivers with the vital skills to help both protect passengers and road users.
Spokesperson Jim Kirkwood, “It’s a significant move by TfL to implement a new Bus Safety Strategy, confirming its intention to both make transport safer by 2030 and support government’s Vision Zero target. Yet, bus, coach and HGV fleet operators who undertake appropriate and ongoing training now will be ensuring drivers are already safeguarding passengers and protecting road users, meeting their duty of care and corporate responsibility.”
*Independent survey of 300 local bus passengers across the UK, conducted by Maru Hub, 20th September 2023
