Well-designed bus operator workstations and barriers can decrease driver risks of low back pain and slowed response time. Improving the health and safety of bus operators’ physical environment makes the job more appealing and drivers more productive. TRB hosted a webinar on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern that discussed how to mitigate the health and safety risks that are present for bus drivers. Presenters shared strategies for addressing these risks and highlighted effective approaches to improve the design and management of bus operator workstations.
This webinar was based on TCRP Research Report 247: Assessing Lifecycle and Human Costs of Bus Operator Workstation Design and Components and TCRP Research Report 249: Bus Operator Barrier Design: Guidelines and Considerations.
This webinar was sponsored by TRB’s Transit Cooperative Research Program.
The slides are available. 
 
Webinar agenda and presenters

• Assessing lifecycle and human costs of bus operator workstation design and components – Matt Parkinson, The Pennsylvania State University
• Bus operator barrier design: Guidelines and considerations – Andrew Krum, Virginia Tech Transportation Institute
• Question and answer session moderated by Mariela Garcia-Colberg, Transportation Research Board

The first 40 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 20 minutes were reserved for audience questions.
 
Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, participants can:

• Identify workstation features that would improve operator health, well-being, and performance
• Understand how human performance impacts the safe and efficient operation of the vehicle
• Apply practical, evidence-based guidance on designing bus operator barriers to protect the health and safety of bus operators and the traveling public

 
American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits
This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credit. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.