Every two years, in the Netherlands, a survey is held on the issue of social safety among employees in public transit. This year, the questionnaire was distributed to all public transportation companies and 32% of the colleagues at the Transdev subsidiaries, Connexxion and Hermes, took part in the survey.
In addition to the regular questions asked every two years, the survey this year contained questions about the impact of COVID-19 on daily work. Survey results indicate that COVID-19 has had an impact on the feeling of safety. The number of passenger incidents experienced has increased, even though far fewer passengers were transported. Also, almost all colleagues (93%), experienced that passengers do not always follow the COVID-19 prevention measures.
That safety is a very important condition for doing one’s job well is a fact, and that is why the average score of 7.3 for social safety perceived by Transdev employees is very positive. This despite the strange year and all the restrictions by COVID-19 and 38% of the colleagues within Transdev (Connexxion & Hermes) indicating that COVID-19 lead to an unsafe feeling. However, the average score of 7.3 given by Transdev employees for safety at work was higher than the national average (6.7).
In cooperation with various departments, but especially with the Work Councils, colleagues from Service & Safety, Maintenance Departments and the Operational Control Center, Transdev Netherlands made a strong effort to create the safest possible working environment. Some initiatives included strategically placing stickers with the new onboard rules, by rearranging boarding and disembarking vehicles and by immediately intervening when someone forgot to follow the rules.
Other examples were placing separation barriers for the drivers, closing off the first rows of seats, activating silent notifications about passengers without facemasks or uncooperative passengers and extra Service & Safety staff presence on our vehicles.
Transdev Netherlands would like to express its appreciation to everyone who contributed to this work. Let’s keep up the good work and together continue to ensure a safe working environment.