Tallinn’s largest PT company launches ambitious eco-driver behavioural change initiative
Making a direct impact on bus driving behaviour has become a key feature of the CIVITAS MIMOSA programme in Tallinn.
Over the last two years, the Tallinn Bus Company has renewed it’s total bus fleet of 335 with about 100 new buses. However, most drivers have yet to adapt their driving style according to the capabilities of the new engine technology. Technology alone cannot deliver. Personnel need specific training. Efficient bus driving behavour can directly reduce fuel consumption, maintenance costs, pollution control as well as increase quality of PT service, traffic safety. As part of the MIMOSA measure, Public Transport Operator TAK has equipped 10 buses with devices, which continuously monitor driver’s performance and analyse data from various sensors on the vehicle. The sensors measure hard acceleration, hard braking, high curve speed on pavement, fuel consumption and speed over the vehicle's limit. Furthermore, the status of the vehicle and all event symbols are also shown on the map and it is also possible to monitor a selected driver in real-time via GPS in the office. The Eco-driving training, devised by the Scania Driver Training Program is carried out during regular route service which can provide a challenging but important way to train bus drivers. Initial reports, concluded after some months of training, already show that the investment in eco-driving is paying off. Eco-driving is easy to learn and most interestingly, bus drivers are eager to improve their driving style after seeing their results and development after such a short time and comparing those with their colleagues.
Author: Anu Leisner
