{"id":203560,"date":"2026-04-20T17:43:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T17:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/203560\/"},"modified":"2026-04-20T17:43:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T17:43:09","slug":"mta-rolls-out-realistic-bus-driver-training-simulators-in-the-bronx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/203560\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00a0MTA rolls out realistic bus driver training simulators in the Bronx"},"content":{"rendered":"

The MTA unveiled brand-new bus simulators on April 19 for driver training, which are programmed to replicate the realities of New York City streets.\n<\/p>\n

The three new stations were installed at the Zerega Bus Depot just a week ago and are now being introduced in driver training, especially for those newly entering the profession, according to MTA officials.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Each station has a driver\u2019s seat, steering wheel, gas and brake pedals and a controls console, all surrounded by streetscapes more immersive than an arcade game.<\/p>\n

The simulators take drivers through New York City streets with e-bikes, heavy traffic, pedestrians, varying weather conditions and more. They also allow the driver to change views \u2014 for instance, an overhead view can show if they\u2019ve rounded a corner too tightly and mounted the curb.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The software can provide general training or take users along specific bus routes, especially ones that include a tight turn or other challenge.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

MTA New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow tried the simulator and received a passing score \u2014 but said it was harder than expected.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never operated a bus, but I passed,\u201d Crichlow said. \u201cI\u2019ll take the win that I can get.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

These new simulators replaced four old ones, and it was \u201cdefinitely time for an upgrade,\u201d he told the Bronx Times.\n<\/p>\n

He said the new technology allows drivers to see \u201cactual New York streets\u201d and experiences, which ultimately makes bus rides safer for customers.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

\u201cThe more we can give them real tools to simulate what real life is like, the better they\u2019re going to be once they hit the road,\u201d he said. \u201cI have a brand new respect for what our bus operators do.\u201d<\/p>\n

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber also took a seat behind the wheel and said that because many new drivers today are accustomed to virtual reality, this training technology will likely help them become proficient more quickly.<\/p>\n

\"\"MTA Chair Janno Lieber behind the wheel of the new bus training simulators. Photo by Emily Swanson<\/p>\n

As Lieber drove, he greeted passengers with, \u201cWelcome aboard, please pay your fare.\u201d He also joked that the fake passengers must be terrified at the \u201cuntrained madman driving the bus.\u201d But like Crichlow, he performed well on his partial route.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t spend a lot of time at the arcade, and I\u2019m not much of a gamer, but it\u2019s fun to test your skill,\u201d Lieber said.\n<\/p>\n

Edison Obando, who has spent 20 years as a New York City bus driver, told the Bronx Times that the new simulators are indeed highly realistic to the conditions drivers see every day.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s very helpful for new drivers,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re gonna learn a lot.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Obando expressed concern about bus driver turnover, as they face \u201ca lot of pressure, especially the first year when they\u2019re on probation.\u201d Lieber said at the rollout that the MTA is \u201chiring like crazy.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

But the new simulators will help drivers be more prepared, adapt more quickly and hopefully stay on the job longer, Obando said.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

At the same time, he said he understands commuters\u2019 frustration with buses that are late or don\u2019t show up. Earlier in his career, he said he used to ride his bike or take the bus to work every day too. \u201cI really try to do my best, because I have family that don\u2019t drive, and they take the buses.\u201d<\/p>\n

Obando said passengers should have more respect for drivers and the challenges they face on the city streets.\n<\/p>\n

\u201dNowadays, people don\u2019t appreciate what we do for them,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a little bit stressful sometimes.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Reach Emily Swanson at\u00a0eswanson@schnepsmedia.com<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0(646) 717-0015<\/a>. For more coverage, subscribe to our\u00a0newsletter<\/a>\u00a0and follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n