BACKGROUND
Bus operators represent the largest employee group for public transit agencies that provide bus services and for most multimodal transit agencies. Bus operators play a major role in the delivery of public transit, interface daily with customers, and significantly affect the quality of transit service and consumer satisfaction. Consequently, comprehensive and effective bus operator workforce management is essential for transit agencies.
Training and mentoring bus operators, especially new hires, are critical to the safety of passengers, pedestrians, motorized vehicles and their occupants, and the operators of non-motorized vehicles, including bicycles and scooters. Many methods for training, re-training, and mentoring bus operators exist that vary in effectiveness, cost, and appropriateness for different communities. Transit agencies need an up-to-date resource that addresses training and mentoring methods as elements of effective bus operator work force management.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive, evidenced-based guide for bus operator workforce management from pre-employment through retirement. The guide should present best practices and innovative practices that enhance and sustain public transit and support bus operators who provide fixed-route, flexible-route, and on-demand services.
STATUS
The research was completed fall 2022. The TCRP Report 240 has been released and is available here.
