This SOP tells you how to do the Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) before every shift, and what to do when you find a defect.

All drivers on TBS services – TBS employees and contracted drivers alike (not the drivers of self-managed operators, who follow their own procedures). Do it before the first movement of any vehicle allocated to you: every shift, every vehicle, no exceptions. Any vehicle allocated to you by TBS Operations is a TBS vehicle – every procedure here applies. Steps marked Supervisor are performed by the on-duty supervisor or workshop staff.

This is a checklist procedure. Do the steps in this order, before the bus moves. The four zones below are the four zones of the Pre-Trip Inspection in Mitti, in walk order. At the end of each zone, stand still and tap it on your phone: everything in order, or the faults you found. (The bus tablet is bolted in the cab – the PTI is done on your phone.)

• 1
  Driver Put on your hi-vis vest before walking in the yard. Closed shoes at all times. Phone in your pocket while you walk.

• 2
  Driver Switch the main isolator on – it was switched off at the end of the last shift – and put the hazard lights on so you can check them as you walk.
• 3
  Driver Open the engine bay and look in. Anything out of the ordinary – a leak, a loose or frayed belt, something hanging, a burning smell? Report it as a defect before driving. During a rail closure this zone may not appear in your Mitti PTI – yard staff check the engine bay overnight. If it is not there, go on to Outside.

• 4
  Driver Look underneath. Any fresh fluid leak (oil, coolant, fuel) is a defect. Report before driving.

• 5
  Driver Walk all the way around the bus. Look at tyres and wheels: cuts, low pressure, missing wheel nuts.

• 6
  Driver Check all lights and indicators – headlights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, destination sign.

• 7
  Driver Check mirrors, windows and body. Cracks, loose panels, new damage. Report new damage – never hide it.

• 8
  Driver Fire extinguisher present and unobstructed.

• 9
  Driver First aid kit present, sealed (unopened) and accessible.

• 10
  Driver Emergency exits clear and unobstructed. Emergency signage visible.

• 11
  Driver Wheelchair ramp or lift deploys and stows correctly. Wheelchair spaces and priority seating clear.

• 12
  Driver CCTV cameras not covered, not obstructed, not damaged. Never interfere with cameras.

• 13
  Driver Adjust your seat and mirrors before anything else. You must see all passenger areas and doors.
• 14
  Driver Start the engine and watch the warning lamps. Any lamp that stays on is a defect.

• 15
  Driver Test the brakes – park brake holds, service brake feels firm and responds correctly.

• 16
  Driver Test steering, horn, wipers and washers.
• 17
  Driver Test the doors. All doors open and close fully, sensors working.

• 18
  Driver Check the cabin is clear. No loose items that could roll under pedals or become projectiles.

• 19
  Driver Park brake on, seatbelt off – then tap the Driver Area zone, engine running. Never tap with the bus moving.

• 20
  Driver Fuel tank full and AdBlue at least half. Gauge doubtful? Look at the filler with a proper torch – never your phone. Can’t see diesel? Refuel before you leave.
• 21
  Driver Do the Pre-Trip Inspection in Mitti on your phone as you go: after each zone, standing still, confirm everything is in order or tap the faults you found. Phone in your pocket while you walk – never tap while walking. In the driver’s seat: park brake on, seatbelt off, then tap. Bus not in the list? Type the rego in and tell Operations before you leave.
• 22
  Driver Found a defect? Tap it in the PTI – Operations and the Workshop are notified automatically. You will get a Mitti notification when your report is being handled, and again when it is fixed.

• 23
  Supervisor Operations and the Workshop are notified automatically. The Workshop supervisor triages the defect. Safety-related defect: withdraw the vehicle and arrange a replacement.

• 24
  Driver Answer the closing question – park brake on, seatbelt off – “Based on your inspection, has the vehicle passed its pre-trip inspection?” – and sign off the PTI in Mitti. Yes: you are ready to drive. No: do not start the trip. Tell Operations – they will allocate another bus. Not sure? Ask Operations before you drive.