METRO’s third annual survey finds that despite the growth in problems and lack of training, many agencies are not exploring a switch to all-electrical components. Revamped for 2013, the survey also includes information on fleet size and propulsion most often maintained, as well as amount of training and sources used to deliver that much needed education.

While accidents continue to occur because a driver was tired or fell asleep, many in the industry believe revamping federal hours of service regulations is not the answer. An operator’s best course of action is to properly train drivers and manage risks when scheduling trips. Even then, however, the onus remains on the driver to rest.

Using grant money from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), MBTA will convert the Oak Street railway into a “mock” train station to carry out drills, which will also be accessible to emergency responders from all surrounding cities and towns.

To improve customer service as well as decrease confrontations with passengers and driver assaults, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) teamed up with Philadelphia's Red Kite Project LLC to create a unique training program that focuses on the life experiences of the drivers.

Monroe, Mich.-based Lake Erie Transit (LET) rolled out a "buddy system" in October to help seniors and new riders acclimate to using the transit system. The program is similar to travel training, but with more personal service, Mark Jagodzinski, LET's GM, said.

Terry Moakley is past-president of the Association of Travel Instruction, www.travelinstruction.org. He is also a member of the United Spinal Association’s board of directors and currently chairs its VetsFirst Committee.

The company is adapting to become a one-stop shop of supply-chain solutions and training tools as the relationship between transit operators and vehicle manufacturer becomes more interactive.

Equipment provides a safe environment for drivers to learn good driving habits and correct unsafe ones. Use of simulators is also expected to save operators on fuel and training costs.

The mobile seat lab took several months to create and contains four stations, each equipped with several different seats.

Why do we allow ourselves to be distracted? Most often it's because we're impatient and lose focus on the road conditions around us. However, when we drive regularly (and some of us do it for a living), we also develop a trait called "muscle memory." Or in other words, our minds are simply driving on "auto pilot" and not actively concentrating on driving. The result is boredom.