Research on the evacuation readiness of bus crews and passengers : investigation of current bus exit performance and effect of easy-to-understand emergency exit display.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the performance of current bus emergency exits and the effect of a new type of exit based on the results of the current bus exit performance. Tests employing human subjects were conducted to measure the time required to evacuate current buses through the emergency exit, regular door, window, and new type exit. The subjects' psychological responses during evacuation were also investigated to identify any evacuation problems with current buses. The results show that it is important to improve the safety of emergency exits located above the floor and to provide an easy-to-understand display of the opening procedure. Moreover, it is important to have an easy-to-understand display. (A)