BUS OPERATOR WORKSTATION EVALUATION AND DESIGN GUIDELINES

Due to the special requirements of the transit bus operator function, the environment can be a very difficult place to work, especially for large males and small females. This work addresses the design of bus operator workstations such that they fit or accommodate people from the 5th percentile female to the 95th percentile male per SAE J833. The motivation of the work presented is to reduce injuries and workers' compensation claims. While attempting to maintain the amount of adjustment at a minimum to contain costs, adjustment was included in many components like the instrument panels, seat and steering wheel. The controls were grouped in the instrument panels by their function, such that those used often are grouped together and those dealing with passenger pick-up and delivery are placed in a right-hand instrument panel. Ingress/egress of the operator, often necessary to assist passengers such as those using wheelchairs, is facilitated through movement of the components like the seat and steering column. A jury evaluation of over one hundred subjects was conducted in a static mockup. The jury evaluation showed that the workstation accommodates the above population range and provides the range of component location adjustment required for a population ranging from the small female to the large male. Also, a scientific approach using the neutral seating reference point (NSRP) was used to determine ranges of design variables. Next, the program JACK (trademark) was used to validate the design specifications. In addition, a study was conducted to determine which seat would be the "best" to use in terms of an objective vibration comparison. Finally, the design specifications were implemented into a prototype consisting of a retrofitted 1973 GMC bus. Twenty-four bus operators were used in evaluating the prototype by driving the vehicle through various maneuvers. From the joint measurements, component measurements, and operator comments, it was found that the workstation was suitable. The small female operators felt some decrease in comfort during the driving session; however, it is felt this was due to the seat. The medium and large operators did not feel a measurable decrease in comfort.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6343
• Corporate Authors:

  Transit Cooperative Research Program

  Transportation Research Board, 2101 Constitution Avenue, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20418

  Pennsylvania State University, University Park

  Pennsylvania Transportation Institute, Transportation Research Building
  University Park, PA  United States  16802
• Publication Date: 1997-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 706 p.
• Serial:
  • TCRP Web Document
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adjustment factors; Bus drivers; Comfort; Design; Drivers; Ergonomics; Females; Instrument panels; Males; Performance evaluations; Prototypes; Seats; Specifications; Steering wheels; Validation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Workstations
• Old TRIS Terms: Adjustments; Female drivers; Male drivers
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00740754
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: TCRP Project F-4, Final Report
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Sep 26 1997 12:00AM