PassengerSafe Code & Audit
As of 2022 there are 1,542 Large Public Service Vehicles (LPSVs) licenced operators in Ireland with a total of 12,022 coaches and buses in the fleet. Driving, whether for business or pleasure, is becoming more stressful year on year. The increasing volume of both vehicles on the road and regulations that need to be observed make life more and more difficult for the professional bus driver. There are growing regulatory obligations on Commercial Fleet operators to maintain the highest standards of safety and roadworthiness of vehicles and put the welfare and safety of drivers to the fore. This is evidenced by Health and Safety Legislation, the commercial vehicles roadworthiness act 2013 and EU regulations on tachograph (EU 165/2014) and working time (EU 561/2006). The bottom line is that evidence of effective management of drivers and the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles is of paramount importance. The Passangersafe standard aims to recognise those coach and bus fleet operators that meet the minimum legal requirements in how they manage these issues. It recognises good operations through certification on an annual basis and serves to provide competitive advantage at procurement and peace of mind to customers.
What does the audit cover?
The operator must provide the auditor with evidence that the PassengerSafe standards are being met and the auditor also looks for evidence of non-compliance.
The follow areas are covered in the annual audit:
- Vehicle and equipment maintenance
- Safe working environment
- Vehicle standards
- Driver licensing and competence
- Road Passenger Transport Operator Licensing
- Professional competence
- Customer Care
- Environmental considerations
- Contractor and agency management
- Health and safety
Audit Process
- Signatories agree to undertake an annual audit of their compliance with the code. The initial audit will take place within 90 days of their admittance to the scheme.
- Should they fail to reach the standards required they will be provided with feedback and given the option to undertake a chargeable re-audit of the non-compliant items within a further
- 90 days.
- Until such time as a signatory has reached the required standards they will be held as a probationary member and are not able to display the code logos, although they may refer to themselves as probationary members.
- Signatories will be re-audited on an annual basis no more than 90 days following the anniversary of their admittance into the scheme as probationers.
This is a risk management programme
- Improved safety standards – less risk of accident.
- Improves reputation of the company
- Recognises the good work drivers are doing on the company’s behalf.
- The FTAI window sticker indicates that PassengerSafe has been achieved.
- Ensures the company has a good Commercial Vehicle Operator Risk rating (CVORI) with the Road Safety Authority
- The PassengerSafe standard can be used to show that the company has achieved a compliance standard when tendering for business.
- The PassengerSafe Standard demonstrates the dedication and participation of drivers to the highest professional standards.
- Demonstrates a commitment to provide a good working environment and to protect all road users.