Does Trimet meet basic standards of Timetables, shift schedules and break periods

There is a common myth that drivers are the "boss of the bus". In reality bus drivers often feel themselves to be prisoners of the timetable and unpredictable or unsocial shift times. They often feel helpless in the face of conflicting demands on them to stick to the timetable, drive safely, and provide a friendly service to passengers.


This powerlessness, or "low autonomy" as the experts call it, is in itself a cause of stress. Working-time practice should include


The working week should not be more than 40 hours, and the normal working day not more than eight hours.
No driver should be allowed to drive continuously for more than four hours without a break. Ideally a twenty minute break should be provided after two hours of continuous work.(not recovery time but break time) Drivers should be able to use their breaks to refresh and replenish themselves.
There should be enough time in the working day to reduce the conflict between the demand to stick to the timetable and the need to drive safely. This conflict is the underlying cause of a great deal of stress for drivers, resulting in them either driving too fast or being continually behind schedule.
The daily rest of drivers should be at least 11 consecutive hours, and split shifts should be avoided.
Assignments (routes, times, etc) should be regular and predictable, not day-to-day.
Days off should be guaranteed and should be at least two days at a time.