Safety of Vehicle – Safety of Passenger
An interview with the speakers at this year’s conference scheduled for May 21, who share their insights on bus, minibus, and tram passenger safety issues.
Where did the idea for the conference originate?
BM, JK, MM: The idea stemmed from a discussion during one of meetings about buses, questioning why the topic of safety in public transport is often overlooked and not given due attention. Nowadays, while there’s a lot of focus on the safety of passenger cars due to their widespread use, the safety of public transport vehicles tends to be neglected. Additionally, there were another tragic incidents around that time, prompting us to move from discussion to action.
How do you assess all these editions of the conference?
BM, JK, MM: In terms of content, each edition has maintained an exceptionally high standard. We’ve been able to gather numerous outstanding experts, practitioners, and academics from universities and institutes across many European countries, sharing their latest research findings. Furthermore, innovative developments such as passenger height-adjustable seats, handrails that improve ergonomics, fire warning and suppression systems, new solutions for traffic organisation, transporting children, people with disabilities, etc.
KN: Each edition of the conference has been unique and provided an excellent opportunity to understand perspectives from various stakeholders, including representatives from the public sector, carrier associations, manufacturers of innovative solutions, and the scientific community. From my point of view, engaging with these individuals and exploring their areas of expertise has significantly broadened knowledge.
MT: As one of the younger senior participants, participating in the event has allowed me to present my research findings to an experienced audience comprising not only academics but also practitioners in the public transport sector. This valuable experience contributes to the recommendations made to the public sector each year. Importantly, safety issues in passenger transport can be discussed from various viewpoints, enriching the discourse. For me, it’s crucial that this knowledge translates into practical measures implemented by transport organisers in major city areas.
Is it needed?
BM, JK, MM: Unfortunately, this need is still evidenced by public transport accidents and their victims. As long as these incidents occur, it’s essential to take action to save the lives and health of passengers. The consequences of mistakes or oversights can be too grave.
KN: There are limited opportunities for all these groups and stakeholders to share their experiences. Experts and stakeholders involved in maintaining or improving safety should have the chance to exchange knowledge and experiences — and this conference provides that opportunity.
MT: Any forum for experience exchange is essential to ensure that passenger security and emergency response services are at the highest possible level. The relational capital built up pays off at future conferences and in between them. This is valuable.
What is the future of the conference?
BM, JK, MM: Every year, we strive to invite a broader range of experts, inspectors, and professionals in the field of communication safety. The future direction depends on demand and feedback from both speakers and attendees. This year, to facilitate participation, we are organising it in an online version. In future years, a hybrid version will also be considered.
KN: I hope that the organisers will continue to host live meetings — online meetings are beneficial, but I believe that discussions behind the scenes also add significant value in many areas.
MT: The upcoming editions of the conference are eagerly anticipated. They have demonstrated a high level of discourse and organisational culture, resulting in high-quality debates and substantive conclusions. In today’s world, quick solutions to everyday problems abound. However, many of these solutions are one-off. At our conferences, we emphasise that safety is a process, a systemic effect initiated by humans with technological support in our living environments. I wholeheartedly recommend the organisation of future editions and encourage participation.
For more information and to register your participation, please visit www.safetypassengers.com.
Dr. Eng. Bogdan Marczyk – Beskid Communication jsc, JK – Dr. Janusz Kajzer – Kabimec Consulting, MM – Marek Możdżyński – MWM EG (organizer)
KN: Krzysztof Nowak – Inspectorate of Road Transport;
MT: Prof. Habilitated Dr. Mikołaj Tomaszyk, University of Poznan, Faculty of Political Science and Journalism, Department Study on Safety;
