The Safer Public Bus Transportation project is implemented in partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI) with the aim of reducing road crash deaths and injuries involving public buses in India by adopting multi-level evidence-based interventions. Through this initiative, WRI and UL collaborate with the bus transit agencies for developing solutions to address specific safety concerns and measuring the impact on crash reduction.
Public transportation plays a key role in daily life in India, including public busses. With this awareness, UL and the World Resources Institute (WRI) launched a project focused on improving the safety of bus fleets in India in order to address a road safety crisis. With a fleet of over 140,000 buses that carry nearly 70 million passengers every day, the significance of improving safety of public buses in India can never be overemphasized.
This initiative was designed to improve methods of crash data collection and analysis driver training practices and safety of buses through retrofitting safety devices and accessories. To this end, the partnership focused on achieving two objectives:
• to develop small-scale focused interventions that can demonstrate change and
• to eventually scale-up these interventions to achieve lasting and far-reaching impact.
Based on the results of an initial study with two city bus transportation agencies, the partnership focus includes solutions in the crash data collection form, a retro-fitment of rear-view mirrors and train-the-trainer program for the bus drivers.
1. Crash data collection form was overhauled, digitized, and made bilingual for ease of access and comprehension respectively. This new form enabled in performing 63 analyses easily that were key to developing safety solutions.
2. A twin mirror, which allows a wide-angle view was installed on the passenger side (left hand side) of the bus. A main mirror was installed on the driver side (right hand side) of the bus. It was observed that none of the 48 BMTC buses that had been installed with the standard-sized mirrors reported any involvement in fatal crashes since the installation.
3. The train-the-trainer program was conducted for driver trainers to educate them on the necessary measures to be taken to avoid accidents. As a part of this focused intervention, the frequency of training was increased, and the training curriculum was modified to include nine key concepts of road safety. Further, a customized training manual with the best practices was designed to equip the trainers to conduct road safety trainings effectively.
Where Safer Public Bus Transportation (WRI) works
Core Programs
Related Resources
Watch this space
We’re creating great new resources for Safer Public Bus Transportation (WRI). Check here soon to explore them.
Related Themes
Engineering
With safety as the core concept and the motivational factor behind our work, UL’s expertise in high-level engineering enables crucial…
With safety as the core concept and the motivational factor behind our work, UL’s expertise in high-level engineering enables crucial contributions towards ensuring the safety and welfare of the world’s growing population. From technological change and urban growth to increasingly devastating extreme weather, the planet is changing at an incredible rate. Considering the scope and scale of these problems, engineering must make crucial contributions to solving safety problems and ensuring the safety and welfare of the world’s population.
Environmental Health and Sustainability
Environmental health and sustainability are directly connected to human health and safety. Hazards to environmental health such as air, water,…
Environmental health and sustainability are directly connected to human health and safety. Hazards to environmental health such as air, water, and chemical pollution equally impact human health. Environmental education is therefore a central part of our activities.
Human Health and Wellbeing
We make considerable efforts to protect ourselves from a variety of hazards. Moreover, the concept of safety is evolving, and…
We make considerable efforts to protect ourselves from a variety of hazards. Moreover, the concept of safety is evolving, and therefore the need to address these threats through science and discovery is expanding. The 21st century opened new areas of focus on human health and wellbeing as many scientists, engineers and researchers explore the effects of our surroundings - what we eat, breathe, touch and drink - and how they may affect our bodies.
Resilience
Extreme weather events are increasingly more costly and more dangerous to human life and critical infrastructure. Engineering resilience is key…
Extreme weather events are increasingly more costly and more dangerous to human life and critical infrastructure. Engineering resilience is key to ensure safe and robust cities and communities. Education across a spectrum of audiences is crucial for long-term resilience.
Road Safety and Transportation
Nearly 1.3 million people are killed, with an additional 20 to 50 million remaining critically injured or permanently disabled, from…
Nearly 1.3 million people are killed, with an additional 20 to 50 million remaining critically injured or permanently disabled, from road crashes every year. With growing urbanization worldwide and the ever-increasing demand for road transportation, Road Safety and Transportation involves diverse stakeholders to improve safety outcomes. Education and Outreach adopts evidence-based, multi-level interventions that focus on preventive strategies which enable large-scale impact.