TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, General Manager
SUBJECT: Operator Safety
BRIEFING ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving a report on operator safety.
Body
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no current direct fiscal impacts related to this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
AC Transit is committed to the safe operation of our network of coaches, which includes the personal safety of transit riders, employees, and the public at large. One critical safety element is managing the safety of operators. Coach operators are the District's first responders for any incident involving their vehicles and their passengers. As such, the District has taken proactive steps to ensure ongoing measures are in place that support a robust safety program districtwide.
A collaboration between the Safety, Transportation and Maintenance Departments led to the creation of a pilot program to test some operator protective doors. Staff actively sought the input of ATU Local 192 during the review of prototypes for the pilot. ATU equally played a central role in the door's installation and review of its efficacy for Operators. The door is designed to minimize or avert potential safety issues for Operators. Staff launched the pilot onboard coaches 1532 and 1582. Both coaches are also outfitted with a pilot real-time video monitor. The monitors are specifically positioned, above the Operator, for visibility to each onboarding passenger. Additionally, the Safety and Protective Services staff is facilitating enhanced conflict resolution training during New Bus Operator classes, and for all transportation Road Supervisors.
BUS BARRIER AND MONITOR PILOT TESTING
Onboard Closed-Circuit TV Monitor (CCTV)
CCTV monitors have been installed onboard three vehicles. The 10" monitor, mounted on the upper left panel of the operator compartment area, is visible to all passengers boarding the coach. It displays a real-time image of some recordings by the onb...
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