摘要: |
This report details results of focus groups and written surveys conducted with AATA motor coach operators. The drivers' early verdict on AOS is favorable overall; limitations in communication arc generally unwelcome, but other services such as automated announcement and sign changing are enthusiastically accepted. Newer drivers were consistently more favorably inclined towards AOS than their more veteran colleagues. But regardless of an individual's enthusiasm or skepticism there seems to be a general acceptance that technologies like AOS arc unavoidable in the transit industry.
In general, automation can be seen in two divergent ways, sometimes by the same individual. Automation can relieve the tedium of unwanted tasks (such as calling out stop names), and in this way free up the individual to concentrate on doing his or her job better. In contrast, automation can be seen as regimenting and eliminating driver's opportunities for delivering service in a creative fashion. The desire to be creative on the job - whether through personal interaction with customers, innovative and ad hoc transfers, or monitoring conditions that affect one's ability to drive the bus - was pervasive among drivers of all levels of experience. The drivers ’ verdict on AOS ultimately depends on their perception of its effect on their on-the-job control and creativity.
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