Driving an MTA bus down a bustling New York City street is no easy task. I found myself a bit on edge after nearly missing a red light while trying to slow down.
“If you keep swerving like this, you’re going to hit a telephone pole,” my partner warned, tasked with ensuring I stayed safe behind the wheel. We managed to straighten things out just in time, avoiding any unfortunate encounters with city infrastructure or pedestrians.
But really, it’s a relief to be in a vehicle that weighs about 17 tons while having fun in the new bus simulator from the agency. This isn’t just any training tool; it’s a high-tech virtual system that lets users navigate the city’s 300 bus routes without any real-world consequences.
Alongside me was Alvaro Brandon, the MTA’s deputy chief training officer, whose job it is to ensure I make it back to the virtual depot unscathed. I had the chance to visit the training facility on Zerega Avenue in the Bronx, where drivers come to learn.
The simulator, which cost roughly $1.4 million and took four years to create, is now a vital part of the MTA’s training program. The agency is aiming to recruit around 2,000 new employees by year-end.
The idea here is to make training safer and more efficient before drivers actually hit the road.
This innovative arcade-style simulator offers a fully immersive experience, recreating real street conditions on a high-definition screen—a big leap from the nearly two-decade-old equipment it replaces.
Users of the simulator can practice on specific routes and deal with various challenges like cyclists, distracted pedestrians, and even slick road surfaces—all from the comfort of a stationary bus unit.
Instructors can tailor every detail, from the number of cars on the road to how aggressive pedestrians behave.
With real steering wheels, pedals, and a functional dashboard to monitor performance, it feels surprisingly realistic—almost like a virtual Grand Theft Auto for education.
However, the goal isn’t to attract younger generations; rather, it’s to ready drivers for the unpredictable nature of New York City streets.
Each year, more than 4,300 bus operators will benefit from training on this simulator, which is designed to adapt to future technological advances, including electric vehicle charging systems.
Chester Francis, a veteran bus driver with over 20 years of experience, shared his views on the new training. He noted that it’s a far cry from the old mechanical system. “Now, you can see and feel the collisions, hear the sounds, and learn visually from your mistakes,” he said.
Curiously, I wanted to find out how average citizens would fare. So, I virtually cruised around this simulated version of the Big Apple.
Having never driven a bus before, I found it comically challenging. The controls felt more complex than my actual car, a Subaru Forester.
Adapting to the bus’s size meant adjusting how I approached turns and stops. It took me a while to realize that sharp maneuvers didn’t quite work—there’s no room for “Fast and Furious” antics in this simulator.
For beginners, controlling the bus requires a specific footwork to hit the right buttons, while seasoned drivers like Francis breeze through these tasks.
To me, it felt as if I were trying to operate a massive tank that was not behaving cooperatively.
Despite my slip-ups, which included hopping curbs and almost running red lights, I was grateful that my diligent partner activated the emergency brakes before disaster struck, averting a virtual catastrophe.
I learned quickly that maybe it’s best not to ride along in a real bus any time soon. This experience has definitely given me newfound respect for MTA operators.
Maybe next time, we should think twice before wishing for quicker bus routes.
