Ss50-03 Public Transport and Health: Can Professional Bus Drivers Achieve Symbiosis? (The Eu Intercambio Project)

Introduction There is an interdependence between air quality and professional bus drivers’ (PBDs) health. The transport sector contributes to a large part of gaseous and particulate air pollutant emissions, whereas the availability of functional and sustainable public transport decreases these emissions. The latter is however dependant on the availability of healthy PBDs. The current PBD shortage causes bus line cancelling in many cities and countries. Materials and Methods We reviewed the available literature on PBDs, mapped and categorized their occupational exposures and related health effects. We also reviewed interventional studies in PBDs. Results PBDs have been traditionally facing many occupational hazards including exposure to physical, chemical, and biological agents. Exposure to psychosocial and organisational factors is more recent, with the increase of private cars and other road users, time pressure, irregular hours and shift work, lack of resources and amenities, and aggressive behaviour of clients and other road users. These exposures are associated with both somatic diseases and mental health problems. With climate change and extreme weather conditions PBDs encounter new challenges and technological solutions. Eco-driving assistance (EDA) in their vehicles is one of them. Although EDA could help reduce fuel consumption and air pollution, its effect on PBDs’ wellbeing and work conditions has not been assessed. Most interventional studies have focused on drivers’ performance only. Conclusions Interventional studies focused on PBD health and wellbeing, such as in the EU INTERCAMBIO project, are necessary to prevent the workforce shortage, improve the attractiveness of the profession, and the long-term sustainability of public transport systems.