Drive for safety
A partnership between Cranfield University and Arriva Passenger Services, sponsored by the ESRC and the Technology Strategy Board, improved bus driver training and safety awareness.
The research project led to the development of a simulator for new bus drivers, a psychometric driver assessment, and safety guidelines at bus depots. As a result the company's insurance claims were reduced by over £1 million, staff turnover was reduced from 24 per cent to 20 per cent, and absenteeism went down from 6.1 per cent to 4.5 per cent.
A spinout company is exploiting the commercial potential of the Bus Driver Risk Index, the psychometric assessment of bus drivers' reactions.