Introduction
Public transportation systems owe their riders and staff members a duty of care to ensure their safety while in transit. James’s (2017) review of the public transit system in Albuquerque, New Mexico, ABQ Ride, uncovered an alarming lack of safety measures. The report emphasized an employee’s assertion that they would not allow their family to travel the bus owing to safety concerns. These sorts of worries not only hurt the transportation system’s reputation but may also cut into the system’s bottom line. Transit agencies must ensure passenger service safety and reliability by prioritizing safety measures such as routine maintenance, security regulations, and personnel training.
The Role of OSHA in Transit Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety and health in the United States. Even though OSHA does not have any transit safety standards, it can help with the problem at ABQ Ride. The OSH Act’s General Duty Clause states that employers must ensure their facilities are free of known hazards that might cause workers severe physical harm or death (Christin, 2017). The allegations made by the ABQ Ride worker may prompt OSHA to look into the company and determine whether it violates any safety regulations. In addition, OSHA might advise ABQ Ride to enhance its safety rules and procedures by sharing information on industry standards and best practices.
Improving Safety at ABQ Ride
The safety director of ABQ Ride, who has heard the concerns, can choose from a number of options to resolve them. It is essential to begin by thoroughly analyzing the current safety rules and procedures to determine which parts need to be modified. Employees, passengers, and transportation safety specialists may all provide insights that might be useful to consider in this evaluation. According to Hayes (2017), allowing workers a voice in resolving workplace problems may create a more pleasant atmosphere and increase feelings of ownership. The safety director must, therefore, take immediate action to solve the issue.
Any company that wants to flourish must prioritize staff education and development. As a transportation operator, ABQ Ride has a responsibility to ensure the well-being of its drivers and riders. Maintaining a secure workplace requires thorough personnel training in safety protocols, emergency procedures, and dispute resolution.
Employees can get theoretical knowledge from classroom training but need work experience to benefit genuinely. Employees may learn the repercussions of their actions and how to handle real-world circumstances by combining safety education with practical experience. Employees can be better prepared for a disaster by participating in exercises replicating potential circumstances.
Ceccato (2017) stresses the significance of this strategy, arguing that it improves the efficiency of safety precautions. Employees with enough training can better prevent accidents and respond appropriately to emergencies, making the workplace safer for everyone. In conclusion, ABQ Ride’s ability to provide a secure and reliable service depends heavily on the training and education of its staff.
Furthermore, ABQ Ride could benefit from enhancing the security of its passengers and staff through the use of cutting-edge technology and changes in infrastructure. Some ways to improve transit safety include installing real-time monitoring systems, surveillance cameras, and modern transportation. Ceccato (2017) argues that technological progress may help make public transportation safer, especially for marginalized people like women.
Reduced reaction times and better disaster preparedness are two benefits that might result from using real-time monitoring systems. Having surveillance cameras set up helps prevent crimes from happening and offers proof to the police if a crime does occur. Passenger safety and convenience may benefit from upgraded automobiles with the latest safety technology. ABQ Ride can provide a better service to its riders and staff by incorporating these technologies, which will increase the safety and reliability of its transportation systems.
Costs and Benefits
While enhancing ABQ Ride’s safety procedures may result in some added expenditures, those savings should be more than they can pay for themselves over time. More users mean more money for the transportation system, so safety improvements are a win-win. In addition, improved customer service and lower staff turnover are possible outcomes of a more secure workplace. Riders will have a more favorable impression of ABQ Ride if they know the agency is concerned about their safety.
Investing in safety measures can help minimize the likelihood of accidents and legal responsibilities, which might save the transit agency money in the long run by avoiding expensive litigation and damages. Damage to property, medical bills, and legal fees can quickly increase when an accident occurs. Taking preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of accidents allows ABQ Ride to save money and keep its good name.
Conclusion
Transit safety is critical for public transportation agencies such as ABQ Ride. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) may provide a hand in ensuring all safety regulations are followed. In contrast, the ABQ Ride safety director can implement new measures to foster a more cautious company culture.
ABQ Ride can provide a better, more secure, and moreeffective transportation system for its staff and riders by listening to and acting on their issues. A safer transit system has valuable benefits, but ensuring its security demands ongoing work and investment. This means that ABQ Ride and other public transportation services need to prioritize transit safety above all else.
References
James, C. (2017). ABQ Ride employee: “I wouldn’t allow my family to ride the bus.”KOB 4. Web.
Christin, W. (2017) When All Else Fails: Terminating the Employment Relationship. Chapter 1.
Hayes, T. (2017) Struggling to Resolve Workplace Conflict? Here Are Some Tips. ALM Media Properties, LLC. Web.
Ceccato, V. (2017). Women’s transit safety: Making connections and defining future directions in research and practice. Crime Prevention and Community Safety, 19, 276-287. Web.