NEW MELBOURNE BUS DRIVER-CABIN SCREENS FOR PEACE OF MIND

Fabian CotterOctober 8, 2020, 6:55 amOctober 8, 2020

TRANSDEV MELBOURNE has installed safety screens in 15 new buses ‘fully enclosing’ the driver cabins as part of its ongoing commitment to improving driver safety, the company announced recently.

The new “fully enclosed” cabins* were installed in the 15 buses delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s largest bus renewal order for 25 years and follow a successful trial period in consultation with Transdev drivers, the Department of Transport and the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU), Transdev confirms.

Based on feedback received during the trial period, the new enclosed driver cabins feature a more robust design to minimise rattles and squeaks, anti-glare film on the glass to improve visibility of internal and external mirrors, and a stronger door-locking mechanism, the company explains.

“Everybody has the right to feel safe when they come to work and these new screens which fully enclose the driver’s cabin provide our front-line staff with additional peace of mind as they travel on the public transport network,” said Loretta Lynch, managing director Transdev Melbourne.

“Our drivers’ experience driving buses on the network every day make them subject matter experts and they have played a vital role in the final design.

“We have used their suggestions and feedback and collaborated closely with key stakeholders to ensure the new design incorporates safety, practicality, and comfort,” Lynch added.

DRIVER ADJUSTMENT

The new design also features a cut-out in the screen to allow for a full-size windscreen blind that can be adjusted from the driver’s seat, and a drink holder and storage in the driver’s door, says Transdev.

The design enhancements for the ‘fully enclosed’ driver’s cabin were funded by Transdev as it continues to work with the Victorian Department of Transport on further improvements to its bus fleet to ensure the safety of its drivers and passengers.