To conduct a synthesis research project that collects information on the effectiveness of different techniques that transit agencies are using to help protect their bus operators and passengers. The intent of the project is to survey transit agencies that are using cameras, police, bus operator enclosures on their buses, or other techniques in order to discourage aggressive actions against bus operators. Other techniques being used by transit agencies to help protect their bus operators and passengers from harm will also be identified. The information collected will be shared with transit agencies around the country.

II. Project Abstract

Safety of operators and passengers is a primary concern of transit systems, and has become an increasingly important issue to transit bus operators. Many transit agencies have experienced incidents of assaults against their bus operators that have resulted in serious injuries or deaths. These incidents can also expose passengers to assault and injury. Even when there are less serious consequences, assaults on operators can lower their morale, increase absenteeism, and strain labor-management relations over whether or not the agencies are doing enough to protect their employees. 

There is also substantial cost to transit agencies in terms of lost availability of operators who rightfully go on workers compensation status. A number of transit agencies use different types of techniques to minimize the possibilities of assaults against their bus operators and passengers. Many use either uniformed or plain-clothes police officers or security guards on particularly troubling routes. At least one transit agency relies on a version of "Guardian Angels" to help maintain safety on buses. Digital cameras strategically placed inside buses are also being used to help discourage criminal assaults as well as other unwanted behavior such as graffiti and unwarranted claims of injuries from passengers (or alleged passengers). Perhaps the most visible effort to discourage assaults on operators is the provision of bus operator enclosures that separate the operators from anyone else on the bus, and protects the operator from attacks. However, while this method might provide the most protection to bus operators, it might negatively affect passenger relations and increase the image of a bus as a place where crime might be committed. 

This project intends to survey transit agencies that have employed these techniques to determine their level of success, cost effectiveness, and acceptance by both bus operators and passengers. The project will also try to identify other techniques transit systems are using to increase the chances of their bus operators avoiding dangerous situations, such as passenger relations training to avoid conflict. The effect "full wrap advertising" has on on-board activity and safety of passengers will also be explored. The project will be done in synthesis form.

Task 1 Literature Review 

This task will involve a review of all sources of information that may exist on the subject of providing protection for bus operators and passengers. This will include a review of the Transportation Research Information Services database (now online), issues of Passenger Transport over the past three years, proceedings of APTA conferences, and information that might be available from the Transportation Safety Institute. A search will also be conducted over the Internet for any other newspaper articles or reports that might be available through this source. Project managers will also contact commercial bus carriers (e.g., Greyhound) to identify any steps they have taken to enhance operator security.

Task 2 Developing the Peer Review Committee 

This project will benefit from a review committee that can help provide insight on the issues of protecting bus operators and passengers. They can provide recommendations on what transit agencies to contact, and will serve as reviewers of report drafts.

Task 3 Developing and Disseminating the Survey Instrument 

Approximately 50 transit surveys will be surveyed to obtain information on what techniques they are using to help protect their bus operators and passengers. The survey will be developed in hardcopy as well as electronic form. The survey will then be sent to the agencies. The project manager will attempt to personalize the appeal for information by contacting agencies in which he is familiar with key staff members from his membership in Leadership APTA and other APTA and TRB committees. Project staff will then follow up with these transit agencies to encourage completion of the survey.

Task 4 Completion of the Report 

Project staff will collect the information from the surveys and call transit agency representatives to clarify any material, if necessary. Request for digital photographs of equipment or personnel will be made. If appropriate, site visits will be made to transit agencies that have particularly interesting and effective techniques in place to get input from bus operators and passengers. Draft versions of the report will be shared with members of the peer committee for their review and comment prior to developing the final report.

IV. Project Schedule, Milestones

Project Start Date: March 1, 2000