New driver simulator an investment in safety for Region of Waterloo

Grand River Transit (GRT) bus operators can practice driving skills in a safe and controlled environment with a new driver simulator at the Strasburg Road facility in the Region of Waterloo, Ontario.

“The simulator enhances the effectiveness of our Operator Training Program by helping develop and test the basic skills needed to drive a GRT bus safely,” said Director of Transit Services Peter Zinck. “While on-road training continues to take place, the simulator allows operators to experience realistic hazards such as distracted drivers, adverse road conditions, cyclists and pedestrians and review the outcomes of their actions.”

In order to create a realistic virtual environment, the simulator was constructed using actual bus parts. The software is programmed using real bus and roadway dimensions and vehicle turning dynamics. It records data related to the operators speed, space management, visual scanning frequency and response times in order to identify areas where they can improve – making it not only an investment in the safety program but in community safety as a whole.