cambusTransit Driver Training-

Our Program & External Review

Brian McClatchey

Driver Training Overview• Hire & 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 Selection• Must 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 Sheet Maximum 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):  

<2 years_____ (do not hire) <3 years w/o permit _____ (do not hire)

2.0-2.4 years_____ (w/permit, 0 pts)

2.5-2.9 years_____ (w/permit, 2 pts) 3+ years_____ (4 pts)

2Semesters Left: 1 _____ (do not hire)  

2_____ (1 pt) 3_____ (2 pts) 3>_____ (4 pts)

3Work Study Yes_____ (4 points) No_____ (0 points)  

4Other UI job: Yes_____ (do not hire)  

No, or will quit _____ (2 pts)

5Active CDL Class B w/endorsements_____ (5 pts)  

Other CDL_____ (2 pts) None_____ (0 pts)

6Driving Record (#citations and accidents): 2 or more_____ (do not hire)  

0_____ (4 pts) 1_____ (2 pts)

7License suspendend or revoked in past 3 years  

Yes_____ (do not hire) No_____ (0 pts)

8Availability over breaks:

Winter break: Yes_____ (1 pt) No_____ (0 pts)  

Summer: Yes_____ (2 pts) No_____ (0 pts)  

9Extracurricular Activities (that significantly affect availability):  

Yes_____ (0 pts) No_____ (2 pts)

10Work Experience:  

No previous work experience listed _____ (do not hire)

Driving experience of at least one year + customer service _____ (4 pts)

Responsible position(s) involving customer service _____ (2 pts)

Limited or minimally applicable experience _____ (1 pt)

Provided significantly incorrect or false information on the application (Do Not Hire):  

               

NOTES:                

               

One of few Cambus applicants with actual bus driving experience

To Be Hired• Successfully 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 Session• Personnel 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 Iowa

cambus 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 Trainer

• Obtain 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 Up• Ride Along #1

– 2 weeks after final drive

• Ride Along #2– 30 days after 1st ride along

• Spot Check #1– 30 days after 2nd ride along

• Spot Check #2– If still issues after 1st check

• Formal Evaluation– Within 1st six months

New Cambus Driver

Driver Evaluation

OPERATOR: DATE: ROUTE: TIME: BUS #: TOTAL DEDUCTIONS: DEFENSIVE DRIVING traffic observance - 3 pedestrian observance - 3 anticipates situations - 3 following distance - 2 weather compensation - 3 distractions - 3 steering wheel usage - 2 exterior mirrors - 2 signaling - 3 hazard lights - 2 horn - 2 speed (5mph) - 2 speed (+5mph) - 4 eating and drinking - 2 positioning in lane - 2 off-tracking - 2 sub total

Procedure Adherence class “A” work rules - 4 class “B” work rules - 2 general procedures - 2 ADA - 2 hazards at stops - 2 ahead of schedule - 3 behind schedule - 1 R/R tracks - 3 overloading - 3 radio usage - 2 lane usage - 2 adverse route conditions - 3 passenger stops - 2 sub total

Right Turns lane usage - 3 speed - 3 mirror usage - 2 steering wheel mvmts. - 2 lane approach - 2 too wide - 3 too shallow - 3 sub total

Smoothness recoil - 2 pace - 2 acceleration - 2 deceleration - 3 curves - 3 rough areas and holes - 2 sub total

Left Turns lane usage - 3 speed - 3 mirror usage - 2 steering wheel mvmts. - 2 lane approach - 2 too wide - 3 too shallow - 3 sub total

Courtesy class “B” work rules - 2 passenger stability - 3 interior mirrors - 2 latecomers - 1 polite and professional - 3 helps passengers - 2 sub total

TOTAL SCORE __________ Please read the written comments carefully and use them to improve upon your driving habits. If you have any questions concerning this evaluation please feel free to contact the training assistant who performed your evaluation or the Training Supervisor..............Thank you

COMMENT/SUGGESTION

From your Cambus Training and Safety Department

The purpose of this form is to give you feedback and information on your driving abilities. The intent is to provide assistance, not to discipline. We encourage you to speak with a trainer or the supervisor regarding any questions, comments or concerns you may have.

Date: Route: Driver: Comments: Training Assistant

Our External Review• Why 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 842,837

Miles/At Fault Accident- 70,236

2013 Claimant hit cambus $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Closed2013 Claimant fell getting off cambus $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 Open 2013 Claimant twisted knee getting off bus $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 Open2013 Cambus rearended claimant. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $527.03 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $527.03 $0.00 $527.03 Closed2013 Cambus collided with car in const zone. $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $145.31 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $145.31 $0.00 $145.31 Closed 2013 Claimant struck Cambus while stopped $0.00 $2,006.62 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,006.62 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Closed2013 State struck driver side of claimant $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,163.55 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,163.55 $0.00 $3,163.55 Closed2013 Passenger tripped up cambus stairs $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $329.67 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $329.67 $329.67 Open2013 Claimant struck Cambus in roundabout $0.00 $817.99 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $817.99 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Closed2013 Cambus struck Fedex while turning. $0.00 $0.00 $1,250.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,250.00 $1,250.00 Open2013 Claimant hit state to avoid pedestrian $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Open2013 State hit claimant while turning $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,125.80 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,125.80 $0.00 $1,125.80 Closed2013 Cambus stopped, claimant hit nose $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $337.40 $0.00 $337.40 $0.00 $337.40 Closed2013 Cambus rear ended claimant $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $677.85 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $677.85 $0.00 $677.85 Closed2013 Cambus backed into parked claimant $0.00 $434.98 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $434.98 $0.00 $434.98 Closed2013 Claimant and cambus collided. $0.00 $0.00 $1,250.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,250.00 $1,250.00 Open 2013 Cambus struck stopped claimant $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,451.14 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,451.14 $0.00 $3,451.14 Closed2013 Cambus rear ended claimant $0.00 $0.00 $4,426.80 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,426.80 $4,426.80 Open2013 Cambus backed into parked claimant $0.00 $0.00 $1,250.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,250.00 $1,250.00 Open2013 Cambus struck claimant's stopped car $0.00 $0.00 $3,100.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $3,100.00 $3,100.00 Open2013 Cambus struck pedestrian $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $50,000.00 $50,000.00 Open

Total FY 2013 $0.00 $3,259.59 $11,276.80 $9,090.68 $60,329.67 $337.40 $2,824.61 $9,863.06 $71,606.47 $81,469.53

Date of Loss

FY DescriptionPhys Dam Reserve

Phys Dam Paid

Prop Dam Reserve

Prop Dam Paid

BI Reserve

BI PaidSubro

CollectedTotal Paid

on FileTotal O/S Reserve

Total Paid + O/S Reserve

Claim Status

Strategies Identified Prior to ReviewCambus Safety Strategies

Driver Monitoring: Have identified the significant locations where pedestrian issues/concernsexist. Performing on site monitoring of locations to document drivercompliance with procedures and to identify issues with specific employees.

Pedestrian procedures: Reviewing and updating current procedures.Will update training and will distribute to all employees.Will develop strategies to provide regular emphasis in the workplace.

New Driver Training: Have modified the driver evaluation process to include earlier and more frequent monitoring of new driver performance.

Safety Committee: Will re-institue a Cambus Safety Committee which will meet regularly.Will involve all levels of the organization, and maybe those external at times.Purpose is to identify issues and develop strategies for addressing issues.

Accident Data: Upgrading documentation and analysis for the purpose of better identifying issue areas.

Cambus Safety Review: Have identified a vendor(s) who can provide a review and assessment of the Cambus training program.

Federal Transit Administration: Will move forward with developing and implementing a program that willcomply with the new FTA requirements adopted in Map-21:Safety, Security and Emergency Preparedness Excellence - A Roadmap

Pedestrian Safety Plan Implemented

cambus

Pedestrian Safety

Crosswalk Procedures and

Identification of Pedestrian Conflict Locations

and the Required Driving Procedures

Note: The locations detailed are not all inclusive, but are intended to highlight areas of significant concern. This document will be continually updated over time. Drivers should always use caution in all pedestrian areas and

follow the procedures outlined within.

Pedestrian Safety Plan, cont.

Pedestrian Safety Plan, cont.

Recording of Driver Performance at Intersections

Cambus Date:Intersection Observation Checklist Name: Location:

Traffic Traffic Follow up

Cambus Bus Time Left Right No Light Observ Observ. Braking Turning Accel needed?

Sample # 24 Hr. Turn Turn Turn Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 0 - 5 a

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20Notes (and provide reason if "follow up needed"):

Turn/Direction Driving TechniquePedestriansSignal In Area? In CW? YROW?

Recommendations of ReviewerBob Bourne Consulting

• Develop a Safety Culture– Will take time & continual effort

• Move towards complying with FTA required Safety Plan– FTA Sec. 5329 Elements

• Work with a “Safety Review” to access areas that may need work

Sample Safety Review - exampleSample Safety Review Questions

May 15, 2013

FUNCTIONAL AREA 5: SAFETY MANAGEMENT AND TRAINING

# Question Yes No Response

2 Does the system have a formal safety plan?

3 Which staff is/are responsible for proactive safety/loss prevention initiatives?

4 Does the system have an emergency/disaster recovery plan?

5 Do you grade accidents according to their preventability?

6 Does the system compile and categorize accidents by type and location?

7 Is there a safety committee?

8 Is there an established protocol for handling accidents and medical emergencies?

9 Are drivers, dispatchers, and supervisors given training in how to respond to accidents/medical emergencies?

10 If yes, is the training specifically included in a driver’s manual/operations manual?

11 Are drivers given training and direction in how to respond to passenger incidents?

12 Do you have an accidents per mile goal (i.e. fewer than 2.7 accidents/100,000 miles)?

13 If yes, what is it?

14 Were there any fatalities or serious personal injury accidents in 2010?

15 Have there been any incidents; driver assaults, passenger incidents or criminal activity on buses in the previous year?

16 Are workers' compensation (employee injury) accidents investigated?

Recommendations of Reviewer, cont.

• Expand out-of-service driving time.• Expand training manual.

– Include more SOP’s– Use 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 Review• Doing 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?