Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 16, 2009

Metrobus safety handbook being rewritten

Consultant updating 1989 book

Metro is updating, revising and expanding the scope of its official Metrobus employee handbook, which serves as the rulebook for employee standard operating procedures.

The guidebook outlines standard operating procedures; the wearing of personal protective equipment; how to operate vehicles safely; how to work safely in bus garages and general rules of the road. It includes sections on safety, professional conduct, discipline, passenger relations, accidents, fare collection, uniforms, vehicle operation, bus radios, reporting mechanical trouble, attendance, and passenger comfort such as how to adjust heating and air conditioning.

The book was last updated by staff in 1989, with many policies issued since then to supplement the booklet. Vehicles Safety International, Inc., of Laguna Niguel, CA, has been working on the revision since early June. The $90,000 project is expected to be complete by the end of fall.

“It’s a comprehensive review of all of our rules and regulations for individuals who are operating buses as well as for our service operations managers and other supervisors,” explained Milo Victoria, Chief Operating Officer for Bus. “We are aiming for this booklet to incorporate the highest possible operating standards.”

The revised book will also include restrictions on texting, cell phone use and use of other PDAs while working.

“It is designed to ensure the safety of our employees and customers through proper operational procedures,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “It is the definitive word on how to work safely.”

Media contact for this news release: Lisa Farbstein at 202-962-1051.
For all other inquiries, please call customer service at 202-637-7000.

News release issued at 5:47 pm, September 16, 2009.