LOMBARD, Ill., April 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Veolia Transportation's DRIVE® program recently received an international award for Innovation and Sustainable Development from Caisse des Depots. Launched in May 2011, the Innovation and Sustainable Development Trophies recognize initiatives that are exemplary breakthroughs in sustainable development. Veolia's DRIVE program was among 30 nominees from around the world considered by the Awards Committee.
DRIVE is an employee-driven, management-supported program focused on improving safety at the company's locations. The program has a common structure and ground rules, but is completely administered by local employee teams. Local interdisciplinary teams are created and meet regularly to implement tangible, measureable improvements to safety. The local DRIVE teams focus on the five base components that comprise the acronym DRIVE: — Dedication, Requirements, Instruction, Values and Equipment and suggest and implement a wide variety of improvements in safety practices. Employees earn a percent of the savings generated by reductions in accidents and injuries. Rewards are shared among all employees at each location.
Since the DRIVE® program's launch in 2008, employees at 47 of Veolia's locations in the U.S. are actively participating. Safety improvements have been impressive. The DRIVE program facilitates opportunities for employees and managers to meet regularly to discuss safety, share concerns, and maintain a constructive two-way dialogue focused on safety practices. DRIVE has been a powerful contributor to enhancing a culture of safety, along with a suite of other Veolia employee engagement and training programs.
Senior Director of Safety and Security, Christopher Moore, who oversees the DRIVE® program in the Transit Division stated: "We are very proud to have received this prestigious award for the DRIVE program, which has been a powerful contributor to our ongoing efforts to improve our safety performance and culture." He will travel to France in April to receive the award on behalf of the Veolia employees participating in the DRIVE® program.
About Veolia Transportation
Veolia Transportation is the largest private-sector operator of multiple modes of transit in North America, including bus, rail, paratransit, shuttle, sedan and taxi services. Veolia Transportation is committed to setting the standard in safe and sustainable mobility. The company is based in Lombard, IL, near Chicago. It is 50% owned by Caisse des Depots which is a long-term investor in projects that serve the public interest and improve economic development, including affordable housing, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and public transportation. As a creator of sustainable solutions, it is constantly inventing new ways of supporting national and local public policies and initiatives. It anticipates, innovates and adapts to tomorrow's challenges.