Passenger safety
Getting on and off safely
From stop to departure without accidents at the doors
Most passenger accidents do not happen out on the road, but at the bus stop — while boarding and alighting, or when a bus moves off before everyone is seated. The guide covers the calm, fixed routine at every stop: come to a complete stop, secure the bus, keep an eye on vulnerable passengers and only drive off when everyone is off and the doors are closed.
Pull right in to the kerb
Pull the bus in close and parallel to the platform or kerb, so steps and gaps between bus and pavement are as small as possible. A small step makes a big difference for elderly people, children and people with walking difficulties.
Stop completely and secure the bus
Bring the bus to a complete stop and apply the parking brake before you open the doors. Never open the doors while the bus is rolling, and never close the door on a passenger who is still getting on or off.
Lower the bus if it has kneeling
If the bus has a kneeling function, lower it towards the kerb so the boarding height is as low as possible. This is often quicker and safer than helping people up a high step.
Keep an eye on the most vulnerable passengers
Pay particular attention to children, older people, those with walking difficulties and passengers with pushchairs or luggage. Give them time, and never rush them — pressured boarding times are a main cause of falls and people getting trapped in the doors.
Take an extra second rather than risk a fall — the time costs nothing compared with an accident.
Position standing passengers and luggage safely
Make sure standing passengers are holding a grab rail, that the standing capacity is not exceeded, and that prams, luggage and loose items are placed so they do not block the aisle or the emergency exits. The number of standing places is binding and is stated in the registration certificate.
Never exceed the registered number of passengers — it is set in the registration certificate, not an estimate.
Wait for a complete stop before anyone stands up
Ask passengers to remain seated until the bus has stopped. An emergency stop with people on their way up the aisle causes serious falls — especially for older people. Drive smoothly and with anticipation so you avoid hard braking.
Check mirrors and blind spots before departure
Before you pull away from the stop, check mirrors and blind spots for passengers, cyclists and pedestrians alongside the bus. Make sure everyone is safely off and the doors are fully closed before you move off.
Pull away smoothly from the stop
Pull away gently and move out into traffic once there is safe room. Gentle acceleration protects both standing passengers and those who have not yet found a seat.
Source
Based on the bus template «Checklist: passenger safety», the bus article «Passenger safety & evacuation» and Færdselsstyrelsen's disability awareness training.