At the age of 50, national and regional radio presenter Mark Walker decided to fulfil a lifelong ambition, and became a part-time bus driver in his home city of Brighton & Hove. Now, drawing on a decade of experience behind the wheel, Mark has created a new online bus route training and hazard awareness tool which has already been piloted by a bus operator in the south-east of England.
Mark says his new NeXstop tool offers an innovative audio-visual training system, developed in conjunction with senior transport professionals, to deliver results in developing situational awareness, hazard avoidance and detailed route knowledge. Not only does it support brand new drivers by giving them detailed guidance on every route, but it also assists experienced drivers who need to refresh their knowledge on a new or less familiar trip, he says.
The team at NeXstop say they have combined their passenger transport industry experience with skills in audio and video production, featuring producers with real-life bus driving experience to create a unique company that delivers outstanding results whilst being a simple, safe and cost-effective way to train drivers to understand and safely navigate a bus network.
Using the latest GPS technology, routes are filmed from start to finish, highlighting key hazards along the way. Drivers can then access NeXstop conveniently online using any device, including their smartphone.
Mark said: “The NeXstop route knowledge tool is a totally effective training system, using real footage of every route on a company’s bus network, recorded in real-time and presented with an expert narrative covering all the issues a driver is likely to encounter on a typical day. If I’d had this information in my pocket when I was learning to become a bus driver it would have made life so much easier.
“However, NeXstop also benefits the experienced driver too, as the system can be dynamically updated to take into account any long-term diversions and route alterations. My team plans, manages and efficiently delivers a complete bus network training guide, using our own modified buses with on board recording equipment and highly trained producers. We’re confident NeXstop is the most comprehensive training solution available on the market today.”
NeXstop is a subscription-based business, meaning no large capital outlay, just a manageable monthly charge that includes full support and software upgrades. Mark says that the product is now ready to be rolled out across the country.
