Boarding and Alighting Procedures
This domain tests the routine that keeps boarding and alighting safe: stopping correctly, controlling the door, communicating with the driver, and looking after passengers who need more time.
The stop
- Halt only at an authorised stop, within the marked bay and close to the kerb, never in mid-lane or on a crossing.
- Approach slowly and stop smoothly; a bus that stops short forces passengers to step into traffic.
- On a busy route, check that the near side is clear of cyclists and pedestrians before opening the door.
The sequence
- Signal the driver to halt and wait until the bus is fully stationary.
- Open the door only after the vehicle has stopped.
- Let alighting passengers off first, then allow boarding.
- Assist the elderly, children, pregnant women and passengers with disabilities; offer a hand and give them time.
- Confirm the door is clear and closed, then signal the driver to move off.
Bell and signal codes
Conductor-to-driver communication is normally by bell: a single bell to start, two bells to stop, and a repeated or continuous bell for an emergency stop. Confirm the local code with your operator, because codes vary, and always treat an ambiguous bell as a stop.
Announcements
Call out the approaching stop clearly, and again after leaving, so passengers are not caught out. Announce diversions and unscheduled halts.
Worked example
A passenger is still stepping down as the driver begins to move. Reasoning: the conductor signalled too early. The rule is that the start signal is given only after the last alighting passenger has cleared the door and footboard and boarding is complete; the bell is the last action, not a routine one.
Traps that cost marks
Ringing the bell while a passenger is still on the step; opening the door before the bus has fully stopped; and allowing boarding at an unauthorised point to save a late passenger a walk.