A 53 seat Volvo coach donated by Stagecoach has arrived at the National Institute of Transport (NIT) in Tanzania. The bus, kindly shipped by Eukor, will provide a much needed resource to help boost the institution’s bus driver training function. The NIT previously operated with just one 60 seat Scania coach and two smaller 30 seat buses which meant practical training for students was extremely limited.
In Tanzania there are an estimated 30,000 bus driver licence holders. Due to the introduction of a new licencing system, all bus drivers must prove that they have received PSV driver training from the NIT before obtaining a new licence.
The NIT offers a 10 day course in bus driver training, which includes seven days of theoretical and three days practical training. Thanks to the arrival of another bus, more practical training sessions can now be applied.
Neil Rettie, who has been seconded by Stagecoach for two years to run the project, and who helped facilitate the donation, describes how training sessions can often consist of up to 60 trainees on a bus, with an average of just six minutes each behind the wheel. Through Transaid, Neil is working with the NIT to reduce the student to teacher ratio to give more practical training benefits.
The additional bus will allow trainees to obtain valuable practical skills and knowledge, making them safer and more efficient drivers who are also more aware of potential road dangers and how to avoid them when carrying passengers.
A further bus donation has been earmarked for the project by Stagecoach and will set sail to arrive in time for Christmas.
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