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SafeStep™
SafeStep™
SafeStep™ – Intelligent Passenger Safety System for Buses
Reduce Trips, Falls and Passenger Injuries on Board
SafeStep™ by Ardent is an intelligent passenger safety system designed to reduce trips, falls, and onboard injuries in buses and coaches. Using smart sensors and automated audio alerts, SafeStep detects passenger movement in higher-risk areas such as staircases and upper saloons, delivering real-time safety reminders that guide safer passenger behaviour.
Developed following Ardent’s success in the Transport for London Innovation Challenge, SafeStep provides operators with a proactive solution to improve passenger safety, reduce incidents, and enhance the overall travel experience.
Why Passenger Safety Systems Are Critical for Modern Bus Fleets
Passenger movement within vehicles is one of the leading causes of injury on buses. Trips and falls frequently occur when passengers move on stairs or stand while the vehicle is still in motion.
In 2024 alone there were:
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712 reported trips and falls on bus staircases
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369 minor injuries
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18 serious injuries and one fatality
Bus operators require solutions that actively reduce risk while maintaining efficient operations and passenger flow.
SafeStep helps address this challenge by influencing passenger behaviour through automated, real-time safety messaging.
How SafeStep™ Works
SafeStep uses a combination of sensors, onboard messaging systems, and intelligent triggers to monitor passenger activity and deliver appropriate safety alerts.
Staircase Safety Alerts
When passengers use the stairs, SafeStep automatically plays audible reminders such as:
“Please hold the handrail.”
These prompts encourage safer use of staircases while the vehicle is moving.
Upper Saloon Safety Alerts
Passengers in the upper saloon are reminded to remain seated until the vehicle stops, reducing the risk of falls caused by sudden braking or vehicle movement.
The result is a safer onboard environment that protects passengers while supporting operators.
Proven Behavioural Safety Results
SafeStep has been trialled on highly utilised bus routes in London.
During testing, the system demonstrated a 50% reduction in passengers not using handrails on stairs, confirming that real-time safety prompts significantly improve passenger behaviour.
By influencing behaviour, SafeStep helps operators:
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Reduce accidents
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Improve passenger confidence
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Lower the potential for injury claims
Key Benefits of SafeStep for Bus Operators
Reduce Passenger Injuries
Sensor-triggered alerts remind passengers to use handrails and remain seated, reducing trips and falls.
Improve Passenger Behaviour
Clear automated messages guide passengers to make safer decisions while moving within the vehicle.
Lower Insurance and Liability Risk
Reducing incidents helps minimise claims and associated costs.
Enhance Passenger Confidence
Passengers benefit from clearer guidance and improved safety awareness.
Scalable Fleet Solution
SafeStep can be customised to suit different vehicles, routes, and operator requirements.