Fatigue factors affecting metropolitan bus drivers: A qualitative investigation

Biggs, Herbert C.; Dingsdag, Donald P.; Stenson, Nick · 2009 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.3233/wor-2009-0810

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Summary

This study addresses a significant gap in academic research regarding the specific fatigue antecedents of metropolitan bus drivers. Previous investigations often grouped urban transit operators with long-haul truck drivers, despite the distinct operational environments and risk profiles of the two groups. The authors note that urban bus crashes frequently occur on short routes at lower speeds, suggesting that factors like cargo loading or inverted sleep cycles relevant to long-haul driving are not applicable. Motivated by the high stress levels inherent in urban transit and the estimated economic cost of fatigue-related incidents, the research aimed to identify unique work and environmental factors contributing to driver fatigue from the drivers’ own perspectives. The researchers conducted a qualitative investigation involving five semi-structured focus groups with employees of a major Australian transit provider operating in Sydney and Newcastle. Participants included bus drivers, trainers, assessors, and customer service consultants, selected via a stratified sample to represent various roles and shift types. The five depots were chosen to represent different operational challenges, such as high-density traffic, regional locations, and extended commute times. Sessions lasted approximately 80 minutes and were recorded for thematic analysis. The study also incorporated guidance from subject matter experts, including union delegates and regulatory authorities, to contextualize the findings. The analysis identified nine key themes contributing to fatigue, with varying levels of prevalence across the depots. Factors cited by all five depots included lack of management support, ticketing and revenue protection duties, interactions with passengers, and poor cabin ergonomics. Four depots reported issues with tight route schedules and irregular shift patterns, while three cited extended shift cycles and interactions with other road users. Extended commute times were noted by two depots. Drivers perceived a strong causal link between job stress and fatigue, noting that inexperienced drivers were particularly vulnerable. Specific stressors included the cognitive drain of policing tickets, the physical discomfort of heat and poor seating, and the psychological pressure of maintaining rigid schedules amidst unpredictable traffic. The findings highlight that metropolitan bus driver fatigue is driven by a combination of structural scheduling issues and psychosocial stressors, distinct from those affecting long-haul drivers. The study concludes that managerial support plays a critical role in mitigating fatigue, as positive relationships with management reduced reported stress levels. The results imply that current industry practices, such as rigid timetables and the requirement for drivers to handle revenue protection, significantly impair safety and well-being. The authors recommend further quantitative research to refine these findings and suggest that interventions should address both the physical work environment and the organizational culture surrounding driver support.

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Topics

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• truck driver fatigue
• bus coach
• shift work driving

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: physiological data