New from the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI), is PassengerSafe, a new compliance standard to providepassenger transport operators with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to safer, more efficient and sustainable bus and coach fleets by passing a series of quality controls and tests.
Bus Éireann – the semi-State bus and coach company that facilitated more than 89 million journeys per year in Ireland prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, is the first passenger transport fleet operator to attain the PassengerSafe standard.
“The FTAI is committed to raising professionalism and compliance across Ireland’s road transport sector; following the success of our standards for commercial fleet operators, we are thrilled to launch a new scheme aimed specifically at passenger operators. Developed in partnership with FTAI’s members, PassengerSafe will raise operational standards and recognise excellence in passenger fleets. With its exceptional commitment to safe, efficient and sustainable operations, Bus Éireann is perfectly placed to become the first certified member of PassengerSafe,” explained Aidan Flynn, CEO of FTAI.
Allen Parker, Bus Éireann Chief Customer Officer added: “Safety is our number one priority, and I am delighted that Bus Éireann is the first bus and coach operator in Ireland to attain the PassengerSafe accreditation for best practise in transport operations and engineering, delivering a safe and reliable service for our customers. Bus Éireann is Ireland’s national bus company, with over 2,700 employees, and operates in excess of 1,000 vehicles. Weoperate to every corner of the country with city and town services, inter-city and inter-regional routes, rural stage carriage services and our extensive school transport network. This accreditation is a great achievement for the company and our employees, showing our commitment to making the company a safer, more efficient and sustainable bus and coach operator.”
A PassengerSafe auditor assesses applicants against several categories, including vehicle and equipment maintenance systems; safe working environment; vehicle standards; driver licensing and competence; road passenger transport operator licensing, as well as other key areas of health and safety.
PassengerSafe is open to all coach and bus operations with vehicles in excess of nine passenger seats, regardless of type or size of operation. For more information, please visit https://www.ftai.ie/passengersafe
