cambus Transit 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 2 nd 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 DNH 1License Length (time had license): <2 years_____ (do not hire) <3 years w/o permit _____ (do not hire) years_____ (w/permit, 0 pts) 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 StudyYes_____ (4 points) No_____ (0 points) 4Other UI job:Yes_____ (do not hire) No, or will quit _____ (2 pts) 5Active CDLClass 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 Up Scheduled Follow Up Ride Along #1 –2 weeks after final drive Ride Along #2 –30 days after 1 st ride along Spot Check #1 –30 days after 2 nd ride along Spot Check #2 –If still issues after 1 st check Formal Evaluation –Within 1 st six months New Cambus Driver

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

Strategies Identified Prior to Review

Pedestrian Safety Plan Implemented

Pedestrian Safety Plan, cont.

Recording of Driver Performance at Intersections

Recommendations of Reviewer Bob Bourne Consulting Develop a Safety Culture –Will take time & continual effort Move towards complying with FTA required Safety Plan –FTA Sec Elements Work 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 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?