Women in Bus and Coach and Transport for London initiative has visited eight garages while National Express West Midlands launches seating trial

 
With a shortage of bus drivers in the industry, a review into the bus cab design is vital

 
The Women in Bus and Coach and Transport for London Inclusive Bus Cab Design national roadshow has visited eight garages to date: four in London, two in Scotland, and two in the North West of England. More are planned for the coming months.

TRL researchers have now met with over 75 professional women bus drivers at these garages to gather feedback and recommendations on various cab features, improving the comfort and functionality of cab designs and making future cab designs more inclusive.

The study follows suggestions that traditionally cabs have been designed around an average-sized man, leading to some people being put off choosing bus driving as a career because the cab environment does not physically meet their workplace needs. With a shortage of bus drivers in the industry, a review into the bus cab design is vital in order to appeal to as many different people as possible to consider bus driving as a career.

To support this mission, bus operator National Express West Midlands has launched a new seating trial aimed at improving bus driver comfort, safety and inclusivity. Chapman Seating, based in West Bromwich, has designed and manufactured new seats that are now being trialled for the first time, with input from National Express bus drivers, engineers and Union representatives.

Seating improvements include integrated cushion suspension, ventilation and heating options, a wider width, and easily adjustable visual settings for improved driver comfort. The seats have also been designed to minimise the time and cost associated with any repairs required, meaning driver comfort is more easily and quickly maintained.

The six-month trial, which started at the end of October is expected to see up to 200 drivers from National Express West Midlands’ West Bromwich depot experiencing the new seats on a single decker Alexander Dennis E200 and a double decker Alexander Dennis E400 Platinum.

We recognise how important it is to build working environments that are safe, welcoming and comfortable for anybody that works in or is considering a career in transport

Jenny Tocknell, head of operations and safety assurance for National Express, said: “We recognise how important it is to build working environments that are safe, welcoming and comfortable for anybody that works in or is considering a career in transport and we are proud to play a part in this trial.

“Our drivers spend a large part of their day in the cab so it’s been a pleasure to work with them and our engineers, alongside Chapman Seating, to design a new driver seat that improves the level of comfort and inclusivity while out on the road.

“This is just the first step in our collective pledge and we’re excited about working with Women in Transport and Women in Bus and Coach to continue making our industry even more inclusive for current and future colleagues in the West Midlands and across the UK.”

 
This article appears in the latest issue of Passenger Transport.

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