SAFED Bus and Coach

Welcome to the website holding page for the new Department for Transport funded Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) Demonstration Programme for Bus and Coach Industries. The full website for this programme is currently under construction.

SAFED Bus & Coach is:

  • A one-day driver development course
  • For drivers of buses and coaches
  • Funded by the DfT until March 2010
  • Compliant with Driver CPC
  • Available through a network of national trainers
  • Suitable for in-house delivery

SAFED Bus & Coach can:

  • Reduce fuel costs Reduce CO2 emissions
  • Help to demonstrate Duty of Care
  • Improve passenger safety and comfort
  • Reduce the risk of accidents
  • Increase driver confidence in vehicle control
  • Reduce maintenance costs, vehicle downtime, driver stress and fatigue

This programme aims to further demonstrate the effectiveness of SAFED training that has been achieved in the HGV, Aggregate and Van sectors, in terms of improving safety and reducing fuel costs, by delivering the training to a new sector - drivers in the Bus and Coach industries.

It builds on the successful feasibility study carried out by AEA in 2006/07.

The study showed that SAFED can help participating Bus and Coach operators achieve significant long-term savings if SAFED techniques are consistently employed. The following on the day results were achieved:

  • The majority of drivers showed between a 5 and 15% fuel saving (with an average of 12%).
  • There was an average 40% reduction in gear changes.
  • There was a 60% reduction in safety related faults.

SAFED Bus and Coach will initially train 1,500 Bus and Coach drivers who will attend the 1-day course. To achieve this, a network of up to 200 trainers will be established. Both the trainer and the driver training will be funded by the DfT.

The SAFED Bus and Coach demonstration programme was officially launched on 30 July 2009 by Sadiq Khan, Minister of State for Transport. Speaking at the launch in Walsall, Transport Minister Sadiq Khan said:

“ Previous results show that SAFED will deliver tangible benefits to the industry, including fuel saving, a reduction in gear changes and fewer safety related faults. The programme also means fewer injuries and fatalities and a safer and smoother overall experience for passengers. It is therefore terrific news for passengers as well as staff and operators.

"CO2 emissions from buses have increased significantly over the last 10 years. If we are to safeguard the future of transport then we must also safeguard the environment that it impacts upon. SAFED symbolises the blend of inspired innovation and practical solutions required to make the essential shift to low carbon transport.”

The full speech is located at:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/speeches/spchsafed

If you are interested in receiving SAFED Bus and Coach driver training or are qualified to deliver driver training to Bus and Coach drivers and would like to become a trainer for SAFED Bus and Coach, please register you interest by emailing Amanda.MacGregor@aeat.co.uk or calling the helpline 0870 190 8440.