SAFETY BULLETINS

TB 47 Avoid Curbs Leaving Center Street Operators pulling from Center Street's South gate often drive off the curb and into the storm drain when trying to avoid oncoming traffic. This training bulletin creates an awareness of the potential damage caused to the side panel and how operators can avoid it.------------------ TB 46 Pre-Trip Inspections This training bulletin reminds operators of the importance of completing an inspection on every bus they drive during the course of their day as well as the relevant SOP’s.---------------------- TB 45 BusSafe Day This training bulletin notified operators of impending law enforcement and homeland security sweeps of buses along their routes, a request to be cooperative and a reminder of the H-O-T principles.------------------------ TB 44 Bus on a Wire (Center St) Installation of a pole support wire at the back of Center Garage Maintenance facility has created a hazard for buses navigating around it. This training bulletin addresses the problem by showing operators what the support wire looks like and what has been done to help them avoid hitting it.------------------------- TB 43 NOT PUBLISHED TB 42 NOT PUBLISHED TB 41 NOT PUBLISHED TB 40 Right Side Hazards at Shared Bus Stops Servicing any bus stop can be difficult, but shared bus stops pose extra challenges. This training bulletin address the many problems associated with them and gives constructive solutions to help operators avoid accidents.-------------- TB 39 NOT PUBLISHED TB 38 Returning to Unattended Bus Operators must always be safe when returning to an unattended bus. TB 38 addresses this issue as well as the new policies and procedures that require operators scan aroundand on their bus before moving.--------------

 What does being a professional mean?
Being safe! Always putting safety first is the hallmark of a being a professional driver.
Where does safety start?
In the yard! Conducting a pre-trip inspection is mandatory and is the safest way to start your day. Since a pretrip includes inspecting for security items, it not only ensures that your bus is safe for you and your customers, it also ensures that it is secure from intentional harm.
Performing Pretrip inspections – SOPs B201 & B202
SOPs B201 and B202 talk about performing pre-trip inspections at the garage and
following a road relief. It lists all of the items that should be checked as part of
your vehicle inspection. (Please see reverse side)
Are we in this together?
Yes! We are in this together and each of us must do our part. Skipping a pretrip can result in operational issues later for you, your relief, or the customers. Each of us working together as professionals dedicated to safety can build a strong positive image and ensure that problems are found before the bus leaves the yard

With practice pretrip inspections can be performed quickly and efficiently. They include the following checks:
Exterior
 Front Lights
 Lights and Reflectors:
 Hub/Axle Seals
 Rear Brake Lights
 Mud Flaps
 Lug Nuts
 Tires
 Rims
 Fuel Tank
 Lift or ramp
 Exterior panels secure
 Mirrors
Interior
 Doors Secure
 Emergency roof exit sealed
 Emergency window exits sealed
 Passenger Entry Clear/doors work
 Check Seats
 Securement devices
 Ammeter/Voltmeter
 Oil Pressure warning light
 Horn
 Operator’s Seat
 Parking Brake
 Safety/Emergency Equipment
 Seat Belt
 Steering Play
 Windshield
 Wipers
 Reflective Triangle
 Wheel Chock
Don’t forget to check that the seat alarm is working and, as you inspect both the interior and exterior, check for potential HOT items.
Please contact your garage trainer if you would like additional information.
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Line 70 operators have been observed backing into the secondary layover zone on Jackson Street in downtown Milwaukie. Many operators are backing up without following the procedures outlined in SOP B810. See page 2 for this SOP.
Backing into the line 70 layover zone should never be attempted due to safety issues with pedestrians and traffic at this location.
When pulling into the secondary layover zone, scan left-right-left and angle toward the rear of the zone while avoiding contact with the curb bump out. Counter steer to the left and straighten out as the front of the bus approaches the curb line. Check clearance on the right side to avoid rubbing the tires on the curb and to maneuver the outside mirror safely past the tree located mid way in the bus zone. Stop with the front bumper over the stop bar. When properly parked the right rear duals will be about three (3) feet from the curb. TriMet has confirmed with the City of Milwaukie that parking with the rear duals that far from the curb is allowed due to the limited length available for the bus zone, the overall width of the street and the width of traffic lanes.
Lane widths:
o 18’ westbound at the bus stop
o 16’ eastbound at the bus stop
o 52’ mid block – curb to curb - where line 70 layovers are located
The pictures on the following page show a bus properly parked in the secondary line 70 layover zone.
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Intersections are the most dangerous locations on any route and some traffic signals seem to have a mind of their own. This document explores the inherent problems associated with traffic signals and the best ways to stay safe as you approach and pass through them.
Here are some critical skills that you can use:
Step 1: Identify and respond to stale lights Aim high to scan the signal ahead of you as early as possible. Did you see it
turn green or the “Don’t walk” start to flash? Curves: Watch for and read the signs of clusters of vehicles coming toward you. Tightly grouped clusters indicate the light may have recently turned green. Learn how countdown numbers or flashing hands behave and use them to your advantage.
TIP: Signals on the Portland Mall (5th & 6th Aves) are timed and will change behavior depending on the time of day or when trains pass through. Signal timing at other intersections such as the approach to Couch couplet will adjust the length of green to allow for heavier traffic flow without increasing the seconds on the countdown timer.
Step 2: Aim high to get information about potential intersection and far side hazards. Scan ahead to see that the intersection is clear and for sufficient room on the far side.
TIP: Avoid assuming vehicles will clear before space is available. (eg, vehicle turning right waits for a pedestrian in the crosswalk)
Step 3: Scan sidewalk to sidewalk Scan sidewalk to sidewalk to get information on hazards approaching from the sides such as motorists pulling out, cyclists or pedestrians.
TIP: Developing a steady rhythm of scanning all of these areas will provide more time for responding to the errors of others.
Step 4: Scan mirrors - Mirrors are an integral part of scanning and should never be ignored. Scan mirrors prior to the decision point allowing time to scan ahead.
TIP: Being proactive is more than just Aiming high. It is getting the big picture and looking into mirrors for hazards behind you.
o Do you know who is following you through the upcoming intersection?
o How close are they to you?
o Are you aware of the vision barrier your bus creates for that vehicle?
Step 5: Maintain Following distance Maintain four or more seconds following distance. Remember that Distance = time = options
TIP: Avoid being distracted by the vehicle in front of you; keep your eyes moving to scan and get the big picture.
Step 6: Use a decision point – Know when you cannot safely and smoothly stop When approaching controlled or uncontrolled intersections, operators must use a decision point. Travel at a safe speed (see step 7) which is below the posted limit but not so slow as to prevent your bus from clearing the intersection prior to the signal turning red.
TIP: Decision points are never for same for each intersection. The slower you go, the closer to the intersection the decision point will be. The heavier the load, the farther from the intersection the decision point will be.
Step 7: Speed control/Brake usage Keep speed 5 to 10 mph below posted limit, but not so slow that the bus will fail to clear the intersection prior to the signal turning red. Cover the brake as you enter the intersection, do not accelerate until at least ¾ of the way through.
TIP: Braking early will help to avoid braking through the decision point and reduce weight transfer if a stop should be necessary.
Step 8: Evaluate relevant/non-relevant objects Keep your eyes moving to observe hazards that can or might affect the path of your bus. (pedestrians, bicyclists, etc) Make a mental note of hazards that do not. (parked cars, trees & poles, etc)
TIP: Non-relevant hazards can quickly become relevant and vice versa. Avoid focusing on any hazard for more than two seconds. Keep your eyes moving!
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