Optibus announced the launch of the Optibus Driver App, a mobile app and web tool designed to improve communication between drivers and the depot.

Integrated with Optibus Operations, the Driver App was designed in partnership with drivers, for drivers, offering a single space for digitizing and centralizing depot-driver communications and work information.

Optibus Identifies Driver Challenges

In their research and interviews with bus drivers to explore how to improve job satisfaction, Optibus identified two key driver challenges that are immediately addressable using digital solutions: depot communication and job-related information.

Driver-depot communication

The lack of a single, centralized form of communication with the depot is a major point of frustration for drivers. Pre-shift information, including start time and vehicle location, is scattered.

Last-minute changes often are not communicated in a timely manner, creating a stressful and disruptive work environment. Drivers want to feel that their time is valued and that their voice is heard, especially when it comes to sharing insights into services and accounting for their shift preferences in work schedules. All this communication should occur on one platform that everyone knows to check for updates. 

Access to key documents

Drivers find the limited access to documents a major inconvenience. While many industries have digitized work documents and centralized them on a single cloud platform, bus drivers feel they must contend with outdated practices, such as physical paperwork, inconvenient extra trips to access documents available only at the depot, and documentation that is lost or disorganized. 

Optibus Driver App Features

Optibus’ Driver App was designed to help public transportation operators (PTOs) and public transportation agencies (PTAs) address these issues and improve driver retention and recruitment.

Leveraging cloud-native technology, the Driver App provides a virtual space that connects drivers, depots, and documents - from anywhere - and enables communication about service changes, HR requests, and driver work preferences.

The Optibus Driver App gives dispatchers, allocators, and depots a range of abilities, including:

• Help drivers prepare better for their shift

• Alert drivers in real-time

• Create lifestyle rosters

• Digitize and centralize information

• Enable remote sign-ons

• Balance driver needs with operational goals

• Integrate the app into operational processes

• Make data-driven decisions

“The Driver App marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower the people who power public transportation. By putting innovation in the hands of drivers, the Driver App helps create an excellent driver work experience and ensures a strong workforce for passengers. We are excited to see the positive impact that this technology will have on drivers and depots worldwide," said Amos Haggiag, CEO/co-founder of Optibus.