Mixed-reality simulator teaches bus drivers to handle different scenarios

Mr Nasharudin Mohamed is a trainee bus driver who has not yet encountered actual passengers with disabilities, wheelchair users, passengers with prams or the elderly.

- Esther Loi

But he said he feels prepared to help such passengers with different needs after undergoing training to do so on a mixed-reality simulator at SBS Transit's (SBST) Bus Captain Training and Certification Centre.

According to Mr Nasharudin, 32, the simulator is "more realistic" than face-to-face role-play sessions with colleagues, which SBST has been using for such training.

Describing a simulated training scenario with a visually impaired passenger as particularly helpful, he said: "As visually impaired passengers can't see you, they're more (sensitive) to... touch.

"You need to make sure that they are comfortable with your touch, and make sure they are seated to ensure their safety before you continue the journey."

Mr Nasharudin was speaking on Sept 24 during a media tour of the centre at Ulu Pandan bus depot.