WHAT MAKES BUS DRIVING STRESSFUL? A SURVEY OF SHEFFIELD BUS DRIVERS
This report presents the results of an inquiry, conducted among bus drivers in the English city of Sheffield, into what makes bus driving stressful. 75% of the questionnaires were completed and returned. Seven drivers also answered an occupational health questionnaire. The drivers' replies can be summarised as follows. Long spells behind the wheel were named by over 50% as a major stressor. Nearly 50% consider 'peak hour' schedules too fast, and nearly 20% find them unachievable. Lack of sleep is a problem for most drivers. 20% of drivers were most concerned about irregular meal times. Lack of consideration and cooperation from other road users upset a large proportion, but 22% of drivers are upset most by passengers. All drivers found it easy to communicate with other drivers, but 25% found it difficult to talk to managers. The report discusses the results of the survey in relation to bus drivers, bus schedules, road safety, long and irregularly timed duties, an ergonomic approach to time, sleep and tiredness, and social support. It was found that older bus drivers represent a 'survivor' population of workers who are relatively resilient to their job. Morale among the drivers was found to be good; almost all enjoyed their work and did not want to change it. Ten recommendations for improved working conditions are made.
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Corporate Authors:
TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS UNION (TGWU)
TRANSPORT HOUSE, PALACE STREET
VICTORIA, LONDON, United Kingdom SW1E 5JD - Publication Date: 1998
Language
- English
Media Info
- Features: References;
- Pagination: 61 p.
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Attitudes; Buses; Drivers; Driving; Ergonomics; Fatigue (Physiological condition); Health; Improvements; Interviewing; Occupations; Public transit; Stress (Psychology); Urban areas; Working conditions
- Uncontrolled Terms: Guidance
- Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
- ITRD Terms: 2267: Attitude (psychol); 1772: Driver; 1855: Driving (veh); 2029: Ergonomics; 2222: Fatigue (human); 9104: Guidance; 2144: Health; 9108: Improvement; 9147: Interview; 2271: Occupation; 744: Public transport; 2234: Stress (psychol); 8119: United Kingdom; 313: Urban area; 2261: Working conditions
- Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Public Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00765608
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
- Files: ITRD
- Created Date: Jul 1 1999 12:00AM