Driver Quality Monitoring

TfL is undertaking an Early Market Engagement exercise via the publication of a Market Sounding Questionnaire (MSQ) to gauge interest in the marketplace for suppliers to participate in a tender for Drive Quality Monitoring. TfL funds Driver Quality Monitoring (DQM) to ensure and promote safe bus driving through an independent, objective assessment of driving standards.

The Crime and Disorder Act 2008 places a duty on all authorities to do all they reasonably can to prevent crime and disorder. The operation of DQM is believed to result in an increase in driving standards and driver behaviour therefore helping to satisfy TfL's duty under the Crime and Disorder Act.

DQM involves assessors covertly boarding a bus while in service and scoring the driver's performance in a comprehensive list of categories. The categories include braking, acceleration, steering, respect for traffic signals and a range of safety-related issues.

DQM indicates any aspects of a driver's behaviour which falls short of expectations; it also allows for the recognition of drivers who meet those expectations. After each assessment, the assessor produces a report which is made available online for garage managers to discuss with the driver.

TfL and the bus companies also use DQM to monitor trends by route, garage and operator across the network. The current contract requires around 7,700 assessments to be carried out across 540 routes covering the services provided by 10 bus operator companies.

Some of the assessments will be carried out at night, in early mornings or late evenings, and at weekends. The rota for assessors is based on bus routes, not on particular drivers.

The requirement is for one supplier to provide DQM across the London bus network. The specification from the previous DQM procurement is being shared to ensure suppliers can submit an informed response.

TfL reserves the right to change any information in the specification prior to commencement of the procurement process. The previous specification and the MSQ can be accessed via ProContract at the below URL, where interested suppliers should also register their interest. The MSQ will seek views on a number of aspects including performance management, risks and opportunities as well as gauging the general level of interest in this opportunity.