Getting off the Ground with Bus Operator Simulator Training

1. Presentation to: BusCon 2012 Getting off the Ground with Bus Operator Simulator Training

2. ESTABLISH A TOTAL TRAINING SOLUTION Standardized Criterion Based Curriculum Enables you to predict the safety performance of student bus operators. Supplemental “Training Tool” Simulators allow you to expose the student to “real life” in a controlled environment where neither the public, nor equipment is placed at risk. An Effective “Train the Trainer” Program Make sure the depot “route familiarization” operators are knowledgeable regarding what the student was taught at the training center. “Keep everybody on the same page”. Corrective Action/Refresher Solutions Fix problems with effective remedies and reinforce with practical experience. Post Training Programs Establish a “Hire to Retire” philosophy that will serve the development needs of your operators throughout their careers.

3. INGRDIENTS FOR A SUCESSFUL SIMULATOR-BASED TRAINING PROGRAM • Standardized Criterion Based Curriculum Define how tasks must be performed, in what order, and to what standard. • Lead Instructor(s) Important to select strong, capable leads that will set the standard for the simulator-based training applications. • Dedicated, Knowledgeable, Confident Instructors Ensure that “the best of the best” are the ones administering the basic skills needed to advance in the training program. • “Buy In” and Support From Upper Management Without this support, the program will weaken, wither, and eventually die.

4. TRANSIT SIMULATORS MB-2000 Series MB-1500 Series The spatial layout of controls can be made to mimic your fleet. Different simulators serve different purposes – know what type you need to promote your training and safety objectives.

5. WHAT ROLE CAN A SIMULATOR PLAY? Where and when should you apply lessons using the simulator?

6. HOW TO UTILIZE THE SIMULATOR? • Basic Skill Development • Annual Refresher Programs • Corrective Actions / Remedial Tool • Accident Reconstruction • Return to Work

7. FOCUS APPLICATIONS TO REDUCE KNOWN RISKS • Emphasize the purpose and proper use of each mirror to accomplish critical training objectives. • Teach initial mirror set up, leaning technique to bring objects into view, scanning frequency, etc.

8. GET POSITIVE RESULTS QUICKLY TO BUILD CONFIDENCE. • Utilize your Simulator as a “Corrective Actions” tool to obtain immediate results. Know your #1 problem. • Have a standardized fix for your common collisions. • Allow operators to repeat their incorrect skill application, then… • Demonstrate the “Fix.” (Corrective Action) • Require the operator to practice the correct response through repetition to reinforce the desired behavior. • BE PREPARED FOR ALL COLLISION TYPES AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, KNOW YOUR AGENCIES TOP COLLISIONS!

9. EVALUATING EFFECTIVENESS Evaluate Impact of Pilot through a Controlled Study Students WITH Simulator Accidents* Rate 177 32 18.1% Students WITHOUT Simulator 709 226 31.9% 44% Accident rate reduction for Simulator trained Students * Accident numbers reflect all collisions and customer accidents occurring within the first 90 days after appointment to title

10. WHY SOME PROGRAMS LOSE STEAM? • Tend to stray from the initial training recommendations regarding “How to use it!” • Attempt to do too much with the simulator. Moved away from “training episodes” in favor of “training marathons.” • Instructors fail to engage with their students as they would while training on a live bus. They let the simulator do the work. • Change in Upper Management from supportive promoter to a non-supporter of this type of supplemental training. “Accountability” • Failure to develop a backup that is capable of taking over when the original (lead) instructor moves on.

11. HOW TO AVOID THIS FROM HAPPENING AT YOUR TRAINING DEPARTMENT • Incorporate your Simulator Training activities directly into your training manual. • Stay with what you were taught during your “Train the Trainer” sessions - make tweaks in small increments. • Always have a backup ready to step in and assume responsibility as the Lead Instructor. • Keep the training fresh and consistent. • Conduct a Pilot Program to measure results.

12. Consistency during Training Reinforcing “Rock & Roll” Tasks should be performed the same whether they are being learned on the simulator or live bus. Figure 1 This initial reference appears to present a clear path. But where is the pedestrian shown walking in Figure 1? This trainee must decide if it is safe to proceed with this right hand turn? By moving in the seat, this stationary pedestrian was brought into view.

13. BENEFITS • Mistakes become part of the learning process • Remedies to known hazards are learned early on during new hire development • Confidence can be gained on the simulator that carries over to the live bus • Incorporates multiple learning modalities • Lots of task repetition in short time frames • Improved safety performance • Lower loss runs

14. KEEP IN TOUCH • Use email lgmaiello@faac.com or dfabfour64@yahoo.com • Be involved with my monthly training blogs @ http://www.metro-magazine.com/Blog/Transit-Dispatches/List.aspx • APTA Bus Safety Committee • NTI Transit Trainer’s Workshop • Phone: (845) 705-0056 or email for any of your training needs, (live bus or simulator) curriculum development / review for new bus operator hires, public speaker functions etc…