WMATA: Metrobus Drivers Getting Extra Training

WASHINGTON, DC — WMATA has been buried in a huge mess with its rail system plagued by smoke and fire problems and general safety issues, but Metro customers have been complaining a lot lately about the performance of its bus system -- leading to questions about whether the bus system is suffering under the same problems as the rail service and if drivers also need better training. But don't worry, WMATA is at least aware of concerns about its bus drivers, and just recently started putting them through some extra training.

In response to a recommendation from the Federal Transit Administration last year -- the same organization that slammed WMATA's rail system in a recent report -- Metro started putting its veteran bus drivers through expanded training on July 1.

"Based on FTA recommendations, Metro expanded its Annual Bus Operator Refresher Training course for veteran bus operators from 1 day to 3 days," Metro spokesperson Richard Jordan told Patch.com. "In the course, bus operators review proper operating procedures, emergency and security awareness, severe weather operation, customer service and employee safety reporting activities. There is a written exam and an operator skills assessment that operators must pass to complete the course."

Metrobus operators already go through 10 weeks of "extensive classroom and driver training," Jordan added. "This includes operations, defensive driving, customer service and emergency response among others."

Metrobus riders have been complaining frequently this summer about poor driver etiquette, constant lateness and routine flouting of basic Metro rules, among other concerns.

Image via WMATA