SPT News
Bus drivers are put through their paces during an emergency role play situation.
Emergency training for bus drivers
July 2, 2009 NewsIt's a condition of all new Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) contracts that drivers are trained to safely evacuate bus passengers in the event of an emergency.
SPT's Research Officer, Michael Ferrie, is responsible for raising awareness of drivers' responsibilities in such a situation.
At a recent Disability Awareness training course held at the Subway's Broomloan depot, 10 DRT bus drivers experienced a frighteningly realistic scenario designed to help them get passengers safely off a bus in an emergency.
The scenario involved role play and delegates were briefed on their various roles.
Folowing the exercise, Michael pinpointed a number of important learning outcomes.
He said: "Drivers of the SPT's DRT services need to stay calm and take charge of an emergency situation like this.
"This course is about giving them practical experience in a supportive learning environment and they handled the situation quite well.
"They know how many passengers are on board and need to try to get everyone off in an orderly manner."
The drivers agreed they had learned a lot from the bus evacuation training.
The practical exercises gave them useful experience and they felt better prepared for a real life roadside emergency situation.
