Technology That Empowers Safer, More Inclusive Driving

Enhancing Safety for Bus Drivers with ITS Technology from Trapeze

It is a frequently overlooked fact that women are the backbone of the world’s public transport systems. Not only are they the dominant users, accounting for more than half of all trips globally according to UITP; they are also increasingly delivering services. 

But while safety in public transport is an understandably important topic, is there a tendency to overlook that of drivers? 

Growth and Challenges in Relation to Female Drivers 

 Globally, bus driver safety is known to be a major issue. In the United States, assaults on transit workers have tripled in the past 15 years, while in the UK a 2024 survey by Unite the Union showed that 82 per cent of bus drivers experienced abuse in the previous year.  

Such statistics are deeply concerning on many levels but especially so given the trend towards increasing numbers of female bus drivers. 

Across the world, many public transport agencies are actively working to increase the representation of women in front-line operational roles. Successful initiatives include targeted recruitment, structured support programmes and inclusive workplace reforms. In Santiago, the Directorio de Transporte Público Metropolitano (DTPM) has seen significant progress, reporting in 2024 that 11.2% of drivers are now female – a 111% increase in under three years. 

In the United Kingdom, Transport for London’s Women in Bus and Coach initiative is tackling long-standing barriers through flexible working, inclusive recruitment, mentorship and improved depot facilities. While women still represent less than 10% of London’s bus drivers, the initiative is gaining momentum. Similarly, in Singapore, government leaders and operators such as SBS Transit are using targeted outreach and improved working conditions to attract more women, with the number of female drivers doubling since 2010.

With such progressive support, it is reasonable to expect that in the future women won’t only be the primary users of public transport, they will be delivering them, too. As this shift gains pace, it becomes even more critical to ensure the right safety technologies are in place to support and protect all drivers, especially those entering what has traditionally been a male-dominated environment. 

Sadly, we know that women drivers face even greater challenges when it comes to safety: one anonymous response from the Unite the Union survey commented: “Being a female, I find it challenging to drive late evenings on weekends when folk are drunk. They can stand, stare at you, or start to try to touch or to have a conversation by telling you how beautiful you are etc, which makes me feel very uncomfortable.” 

Technology to Support Driver Safety 

While there are obvious cultural and societal developments which need to take place to address the kinds of behaviour described above, there are also several technology solutions already available which have been proven to support improved safety within buses. Some of those available within Trapeze’s ITS solution include: 

• • ‘Discreet Emergency Alerts (Code Red): Drivers can activate a hidden emergency button if they feel threatened or unsafe. The alert quietly notifies the control centre, and in some cities, police are also informed and given the bus’s live location. The system is designed to be discreet: passengers are unaware, while the driver sees a silent confirmation that help is on the way. This feature offers vital reassurance, especially for women drivers working alone or during off-peak hours. 

• • Live CCTV Monitoring: Onboard and roadside cameras are connected to the operations centre, enabling real-time viewing if something seems wrong such as an unexpected stop or route deviation. During emergencies, the control team can immediately access live footage to understand the situation. This visibility helps drivers feel supported and ensures a fast, informed response when it’s needed most. 

“Riyadh’s transport network is supported by over 1,400 cameras installed at roadside locations, bus stops, and interchanges as well as live cameras on every bus, enabling comprehensive monitoring and enhancing safety for both drivers and passengers” 

• • Instant Voice Support: Drivers are connected by a covert audio to the operations team, who can offer guidance or reassurance in real time. The system is designed to be able to pick up the audio from a wider distance, allowing the control centre to hear the full context of any conversations ongoing. In urgent situations, the controllers can also make announcements to passengers. This connection helps drivers manage incidents calmly and confidently, knowing they’re not alone.

• • Incident Recording for Follow-Up: If an alert is triggered, onboard cameras automatically record the event. Footage can be reviewed later if required to support investigations, protecting drivers, and promoting accountability. For drivers, it’s a layer of protection that helps ensure their version of events is backed by evidence.
    

• • Safe Driving Alerts: The system monitors speed, alerting drivers and notifying the control centre if they go too fast. Repeated incidents are logged to support training or coaching. This helps create a culture of safe driving while giving drivers real-time feedback and support to stay within safe limits. 

• • Restricted Area and Hazard Zone Alerts: The system automatically warns drivers when approaching areas that may pose a risk, such as low bridges, narrow roads, or difficult turns. It can also flag known ‘problem zones’ based on previous incidents or safety concerns. These alerts provide timely, location-based guidance that helps prevent accidents and avoid high-risk areas. For female drivers especially, this added layer of situational awareness supports confidence and personal safety, creating a more reassuring and inclusive driving experience. 

Conclusion

The growing representation of women in public transport marks a critical and welcome shift toward a more inclusive industry. As agencies work to accelerate this progress, it is essential they also invest in the tools and technologies that ensure all drivers, especially women, who often face greater safety risks, are fully protected and supported in their roles. 

For public transport authorities working to increase the number of women behind the wheel, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) can be a powerful enabler. When thoughtfully applied, these technologies help address key safety and inclusion challenges for female drivers, while also contributing to a safer, more supportive working environment for all drivers. 

From on-board CCTV, panic buttons and protective driver screens to real-time monitoring and depot security systems, ITS tools are already making a meaningful impact on driver wellbeing. They help foster a culture of safety, visibility and rapid response that is essential to attracting and retaining a more diverse workforce. 

At Trapeze, we are proud to deliver many of these capabilities today through our ITS and workforce solutions, and we are continually innovating to ensure our technology supports a safe, inclusive and empowering driver experience for everyone. 

If driver diversity is part of your strategy, let’s talk about how ITS can help make it a reality. We’d be happy to share how agencies around the world are using technology to create safer, more inclusive environments and how you can do the same in your city or region. Ready to turn strategy into action? Contact us today to explore how ITS can support your goals and help build a more inclusive future for drivers and passengers alike.