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MassDOT, in collaboration with the Transportation Research Board (TRB), invited us to contribute to their exhibit at the Annual Meeting (#TRBAM), held from January 5–8 in Washington, D.C. The exhibit, titled “Empathy at the Intersection,” was designed to offer the 14,000 attendees a rare opportunity: stepping away from traditional presentations and booths to step into the shoes of another roadway user. The goal? Foster empathy and understanding between diverse users of the transportation system.
One of the MassDOT team members had seen our work with virtual training, particularly our adaptable driving simulators and pre-trip VR experiences for Pierce Transit (PT) , Lewis County (LC), and King County Metro (KCM). They suggested we bring a similar experience to the exhibit. The idea was compelling: let participants try driving something outside their usual experience and gain newfound respect for bus drivers.
We loved the concept and, with empathy at the forefront of our design process, crafted two immersive experiences: a hybrid virtual driving simulator and a hands-on virtual reality learning session.
Driving a Bus: An Empathy-Building Challenge
On the opening evening of the show, our driving simulator quickly became a crowd favorite. Onlookers gathered, eager for their turn, and we realized that we weren’t just offering a demonstration, we were creating memorable, eye-opening experiences.
The driving simulator was no ordinary setup. To achieve our empathy goal, we had to adapt both hardware and software to make the experience travel-friendly, accessible to non-bus drivers, and focused on illustrating the challenges of the job. The result? A 7-minute demo that transported participants through four zones, each mimicking a real-world scenario that bus drivers must navigate with precision. These zones introduced skills that seasoned drivers take years to master, giving participants a firsthand glimpse of the unique challenges of bus operation.
From oversized steering wheels to unfamiliar controls, every detail was designed to spark questions like:
“Why are bus steering wheels so much larger?”
“Where are the indicators?”
“Why is turning so difficult?”
We even merged car-driving simulator hardware with bus-driving features to simplify the learning curve, ensuring participants could focus on the experience. By the end, they weren’t just thinking about the controls, they were thinking about the people behind them.
A Hands-On Journey Through Bus Driver Expertise
Our second experience delved into the expertise required to earn a Class-B CDL. This hands-on station included:
A Knowledge Quiz – Highlighting the depth of roadway knowledge bus drivers need.
AR Driver Cabin Exploration – Revealing the complexity of a bus driver’s workspace.
VR Wheel Well Training – A mixed-reality session where participants deconstructed and reconstructed a bus’s wheel well assembly.
The VR training session stood out as a highlight. This task, almost impossible to replicate in real-world training due to costs, risks, and logistical challenges, became approachable in our virtual setup. Participants completed it in under five minutes, gaining insights into tasks typically reserved for expert mechanics. The combination of technology and education was both practical and empowering.
More Than a Simulation: Creating Lasting Impressions
Running the exhibit for three days meant early mornings and long hours with little time for breaks. But seeing participants’ faces light up as they engaged with our experiences made it all worthwhile. Each smile, question, and “aha” moment reinforced the value of what we were doing, not just showcasing technology but fostering empathy and connection.
Attendees left their thoughts on a reflection board, tended by our fantastic volunteers, and the comments spoke volumes. Participants expressed newfound appreciation for the challenges bus drivers face, a deeper respect for the skills involved, and gratitude for the opportunity to see the road from a new perspective.
Final Thoughts
“Empathy at the Intersection” wasn’t just a title, it was a mission brought to life. By turning a driving simulator into an empathy emulator, we helped bridge the gap between road users, creating a shared understanding that will hopefully ripple far beyond the walls of the conference.
To all who stopped by to participate, reflect, and share their thoughts: thank you. And to our incredible partners at MassDOT and TRB, we’re proud to have been part of this memorable experience.
We'll leave final thoughts from our experiencers!
For more information:
MassDoT & Empathy Intersection = https://x.com/MassDOT
Drivers of Tomorrow (driver training product suite by MXT) = www.driversoftomorrow.com
MXT REALITY (creators of the experience) = www.mxtreality.com
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