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If you joined us at the Washington State Transit Association (WSTA) Conference, thank you! It was fantastic to connect with so many passionate professionals. For those who couldn’t make it, we’ve got you covered. This blog post is your inside look at our presentation, The 7 Steps to Superior Driver Training.
Our CEO, Jeff Rayner, teamed up with Sonya Byrd of Lewis County Transit to deliver an engaging session packed with practical insights and cutting-edge demonstrations.
Together, they explored how Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advanced driving simulators are transforming driver training—at Lewis County Transit and beyond.
This innovative approach is already making waves, from increasing pass rates to lowering training costs, and we’re thrilled to share the highlights with you. (reach out if you'd like to see the full presentation)
The Seven Steps to Superior Driver Training
The Importance of Innovation: The world is changing fast, and training methods need to keep pace. Embracing new technologies like VR and AR can make learning more interactive, engaging, and effective. Jeff and Sonya showed how these tools are reshaping traditional driver training, making it safer and more dynamic.
Increasing Pass Rates: By focusing on immersive and personalized training experiences, you can better prepare trainees for success. Tools like simulators allow drivers to practice real-world scenarios in a controlled environment, improving confidence and performance when it matters most.
Reducing Training Costs: Driver training can be resource-intensive, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to break the bank. We explored how AI-driven assessments and virtual platforms reduce material and labor costs while enhancing training quality.
Implementing Affordable Simulators: Advanced simulators are more accessible than ever before. They provide a realistic and customizable way to train drivers without the wear and tear on actual vehicles or the need for extensive road time.
Attracting New Drivers: The industry is facing a driver shortage, but innovative training programs can be a game-changer. Offering modern, tech-savvy training options appeals to younger recruits and positions transit organizations as forward-thinking employers.
Community Build Approach: Training is more effective when it reflects the needs of the community. By fostering collaboration between transit organizations, drivers, and local stakeholders, you create a tailored program that benefits everyone involved.
Do The IMPOSSIBLE!: The final step challenges transit organizations to think beyond traditional limitations. Whether it’s reaching new levels of safety, efficiency, or inclusivity, the right mindset and tools can make the impossible possible. Virtual training offers you and your trainees the ability to do things that you simply can't in the real world, examples include, putting your head inside the engine or wheel well, teleporting to the top of the bus to see the air supply system, hitting obstacles to learn the maneuverable dimensions of the bus, etc.
The Future of Driver Training Is Here
The response to our presentation was overwhelmingly positive, and it’s clear that these seven steps resonate with the needs of today’s transit leaders. By adopting a tech-forward, community-centered approach, we can revolutionize driver training and address key challenges like recruitment, retention, and safety.
If you’re curious to learn more about how these tools work or how to implement them in your organization, feel free to reach out. Together, we can drive the future of transit training forward—one step at a time.
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