Rennes Bus Drivers Face New Challenges: Training Intensifies to Prioritize Safety & Inclusivity
Rennes, France – The daily rhythm of public transportation in Rennes is undergoing a quiet revolution. While driving a bus might seem straightforward, the reality for Keolis Rennes drivers is far more nuanced. A recent 20 Minutes report highlights the escalating demands placed on these essential workers, from navigating congested city streets to managing passenger expectations and ensuring inclusivity for all riders. This breaking news underscores a growing trend in urban transportation: the need for highly skilled, adaptable, and empathetic bus operators.
Beyond the Wheel: The Complex World of a Modern Bus Driver
Fabrice, a bus driver for Keolis Rennes’ Star network, which serves approximately 200,000 passengers daily, emphasizes that simply knowing how to drive isn’t enough anymore. “Driving, we all love it. This is why we choose this job. But that’s not everything,” he says. The environment has become increasingly demanding over the past four to five years, with passengers exhibiting less tolerance for even minor disruptions. Keolis is responding with regular, intensive training programs designed to equip drivers with the skills to handle these challenges.
Trainer Jildaz Delin stresses the importance of “flexible driving, smoothly.” Drivers are routinely coached on techniques to avoid abrupt braking and tight turns, reflecting a shift towards prioritizing passenger comfort and safety. But the training extends far beyond technical skills. Drivers are now also receiving instruction in conflict resolution, learning to de-escalate tense situations with diplomacy and prudence – a crucial skill during peak hours when buses are packed.
The Human Factor: Managing Expectations & Ensuring Accessibility
The pressures aren’t limited to passenger interactions. Drivers must constantly anticipate the movements of pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, making safety the paramount concern. Keolis explicitly instructs drivers to prioritize safety over strict adherence to schedules. “The schedules are given as an indication,” Delin explains. “We do not put pressure on the timing to our drivers.” This commitment to safety is reflected in the network’s 76.7% punctuality rate, one of the best in France.
However, the reality isn’t always perfect. Drivers acknowledge that occasional lapses in courtesy can occur, but the vast majority strive to provide safe and reliable transportation. This dedication is reinforced by ongoing training, and a growing awareness of the need to cater to all passengers, including those with disabilities.
A Powerful Lesson in Empathy: Training with the Handicap Collective 35
This week, Keolis drivers participated in a particularly impactful training session with the Handicap Collective 35. Yves, an 87-year-old visually impaired retiree, and Nadège, a wheelchair user of twenty years, shared their experiences and offered invaluable insights into the challenges faced by passengers with disabilities. Their message was clear: assume nothing, offer assistance respectfully, and remember that autonomy is vital.
The session highlighted the often-invisible barriers faced by people with disabilities, such as difficulty identifying approaching buses or hearing stop announcements. Drivers also discussed the frustrations associated with malfunctioning accessibility equipment, like wheelchair ramps, and the impatience of other passengers when these features are deployed. New pictograms are being integrated into the Rennes metro system to further enhance accessibility.
Evergreen Insight: The focus on accessibility in Rennes reflects a broader global trend towards inclusive transportation. Cities worldwide are investing in accessible infrastructure and training programs to ensure that public transportation is available to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities. This isn’t just a matter of compliance; it’s a matter of social equity and creating vibrant, inclusive communities.
The training concluded with drivers returning to their routes, armed with a renewed understanding of the complexities of their role and a commitment to providing safe, comfortable, and inclusive transportation for all. The challenges are real, but the dedication of the Keolis Rennes drivers, coupled with ongoing investment in training and accessibility, promises a smoother ride for everyone.
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