Surat, Gujarat: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is taking a major step to improve the safety of its public transport system by introducing simulator training for bus drivers. This comes after a number of accidents involving BRTS and city buses in recent times.
The new training program will utilize cutting-edge simulator machines that provide drivers with a realistic driving experience in a variety of conditions, including rain, fog, and night time. Drivers will need to score at least 80 out of 100 marks on the simulator test before being allowed to operate a bus on city streets.
The simulator machine is designed to replicate the interior of a real bus. Drivers will sit in the machine and navigate through virtual scenarios displayed on a screen. The simulator tracks the driver's performance in areas such as speed control, traffic signal adherence, braking, and acceleration. After completing the simulation, a detailed report is generated that highlights the driver's strengths and weaknesses.
Driver Sandeep Thakar is enthusiastic about the new training program. "The machine makes you feel like you're actually driving a bus," he said. "It's like being on the road with traffic signals and everything. You learn about using the accelerator properly, avoiding speeding, braking safely, using signals correctly, and even parking the bus."
The SMC believes that simulator training will significantly improve driver competency and reduce the number of accidents involving public buses. By providing drivers with a safe and controlled environment to practice their skills in various weather conditions, the program aims to make Surat's public transport system safer for everyone.
