Training for Bus Stop Announcement Testing

1. Training for Bus Stop Announcement Testing

2. Agenda • Background • Why are we here? • Testing parameters • What will be expected of you • Take a look at a bus.

3. Background • In 2002, the OHRC first told the transit sector, that lack of stop announcements on transit routes was a barrier for persons with a vision disability. • In July 2007, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario ordered the TTC to begin announcing all stops on buses and streetcars that summer. • The OHRC also contacted public transit authorities across the province, to ensure transit operators were aware of their obligations under Ontario’s Human Rights Code, OHRC policy and recent human rights case law.

4. Background • In 2009 the Commission learned that several transit providers are not meeting their commitments. The Commission is asking the Human Rights Tribunal to order Hamilton, Sudbury and Thunder Bay transit providers to begin calling all stops on all routes within 30 days. (July 2009) • In addition, the OHRC wants those transit providers to train their staff on the importance of making transit accessible, monitor progress and report publicly on measures they’ve taken.

5. Background • What is happening at GRT? GRT implemented a stop announcement policy in January 2009. A worker refused to announce bus stops citing health and safety concerns. To resolve the issue the announcement of stops was temporarily suspended and it was agreed that a job safety analysis would be carried out. Consultation between Union and Management brought in Human Factors North to help GRT define and assess potential safety issues regarding calling out bus stops.

6. Background • Human Factors North "is a Canadian consulting firm providing ergonomics expertise to design work and workplaces based on human characteristics." • www.hfn.ca

7. Testing Process • 12 operators for 3 hours each for a total of 36 testing hours. • Primarily Route 7 and some testing on Route 12 • Daytime data will be collected 3 PM to 6 PM • Nighttime data from 9 PM to 12 AM • Data collected during 3 round trips from the CST. • Experienced and inexperienced operators selected.

8. Testing Process • On each trip the operator will be asked either to : • Make no stop calls, • Call major stops only, • Call out all stops. This order will be varied by operator. The researcher will let the operator know.

9. Testing Process • At midpoints and endpoints, operators will be asked 6 questions in order to determine their mental workload. • Operators will also be asked to identify non-driving tasks that increased their workload during the trip.

10. Testing Process • Operators will also be asked to provide additional feedback on safety concerns regarding the experience of calling out stops. • All information will be anonymous. • Operator names will not be recorded.

11. Testing Process • A researcher will be accompanying each driver to make observations on: • Driver Workload • Glances to stop name sheet • Stops not called • Mirror glances

12. Testing Process • Two video cameras installed at the front of bus. • Aimed towards operator to measure the number and duration of glances toward the stop call sheet. • Aimed towards road ahead.

13. Testing Process • All video footage will be confidential. • Passenger faces will not be captured. • Will assist in verifying information the researcher recorded. • Will measure time spent looking away from forward view while in motion.

14. Calling Out Stops • Procedures for calling out bus stops. • Discuss: • Flow chart • GRT Guide

15. Calling out Stops • Speak EZ system 2710 and 2715 • Push button by signal switches. Push and talk. Delay before voice is heard through speakers. • Microphone and volume control moved 2721 and 2722 • Need to turn on microphone. Speak directly into microphone.

16. Questions? • Visit bus with Speak Easy installed.