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twc@transportcenter.orgCase Study Nanos: Zero-Emission Bus Transitions
How are transit agencies transitioning to zero-emissions?
As more funding becomes available for low- and no-emission transit vehicles, including dedicated funding for workforce development, agencies are beginning and continuing their transitions to zero-emission fleets, which inevitably require workforce considerations to prepare and retain mechanics and operators. Most agencies are still early in their transitions, testing different training, procurement, and retention methods; check out some examples below!
Transitioning Operators Through Pre-Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship, and Mentorship at Golden Gate Transit and ATU Local 1575
Marin County, California
At Golden Gate Transit (GGT) in Marin County California, the Workforce Investment Network, a labor-management partnership established by GGT and ATU Local 1575 with support from California Transit Works, runs a mentorship program, pre-apprenticeship program, and Registered Apprenticeship. These initiatives support the recruitment of a diverse workforce and ensure that new operators are supported through their training and early employment, including as they learn to operate GGT’s battery electric buses. Bus Operator Apprenticeship Coordinator Rich Diaz shared with TWC that mentors are “the best way to get information out,” informing new hires about the unique dynamics of operating BEBs. In a transition that Rich emphasized will be “all inclusive,” affecting all agency positions, operators and operator mentors will play a crucial role.
Learn more about the WIN Partnership’s programs by reading TWC’s case study.
Frontline Worker Involvement in ZEB Transitioning at SporTran and ATU Local 588
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana-based Sportran used 2017 Low- or No-Emission funding to add BEBs to its existing fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses. During the previous CNG procurement, frontline worker involvement was limited, a fact which workers and management later recognized as having led to operational problems. Therefore, the BEB procurement process featured intensive frontline worker engagement through focus groups with the OEM; SporTran ensured that ongoing maintenance support from the OEM, as well as training for incumbent SporTran workers, was secured as part of the warranty. Management and labor representatives from ATU Local 588 were involved throughout the transition process, including safety experts and frontline union workers with expertise in bus operations and maintenance.
To read more about Sportran and other case examples, check out the Electric Vehicle Maintenance Best Practices report on TWC’s Resource Center. To learn more about ZEB procurement and engaging frontline workers in the process, see TWC’s ZEB Workforce Transition Resources and N-CATT’s Engaging Frontline Employees in Adopting New Transit Technologies.
Innovative Technology and Documentation for ZEB Transitioning at AC Transit and ATU Local 192
Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, California
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, California’s largest bus only transit agency, is on target to fully transition to a zero-emission bus (ZEB) fleet before 2040. AC Transit and ATU Local 192 draw on years of experience and significant investment in new types of training for technicians and operators, from familiarization to high-level technical skill development.
To support its zero emission goals, AC Transit developed a fleet transition plan, a requirement for agencies receiving federal ZEB funds, which outlines the agency’s workforce development strategies. AC Transit developed extensive in-house training infrastructure and deployed new technology, including mixed reality systems to enable hands-on learning in a safe, virtual environment. The agency partnered with Stanford University for the Zero Emission Transit Bus Technology Analysis (ZETBTA) study, comparing all available engine propulsion systems side by side. AC Transit is also in the process of transforming its Training and Education Center into the Zero Emission Bus University, or “ZEB U.”
Expanded community partnerships and internal career ladders will complement technology and training investments, with opportunities for frontline workers to progress into Bus Operator registered apprenticeship programs, followed by opportunities to attain additional Master Journey Level Mechanic skills.
AC Transit is aiming to purchase 25 new hydrogen fuel cell buses with FTA’s low- and no-emission funding.
Transferable Knowledge and Train-the-Trainer at IndyGo and ATU Local 1070
Indianapolis, Indiana
The Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation, or IndyGo, began their zero-emission transition in 2015 with refurbished diesel-powered buses, and continued in 2018 with longer range battery electric buses. In cooperation with ATU Local 1070, IndyGo approached this transition using a combination of transferable knowledge from hybrid buses, OEM training, and train-the-trainer sessions.
By 2016, IndyGo had three mechanics already on staff who had previously worked with hybrid buses, giving them a knowledge base for battery-electric buses. They received additional OEM training on BEB technology. IndyGo then opened ten new positions and trained the new staff through a combination of their existing mechanics and OEM training. Initially, the OEM also trained IndyGo’s operators; afterwards they transitioned to “train-the-trainer” programs. In addition, IndyGo incorporates new technology into periodic trainings that employees already receive to keep up to date on knowledge and skills.
On-the-job training and mentorship programs, which IndyGo has utilized on non-ZEBs, can also be incorporated into ZEB learning, such as a new staff member riding along with an operator in a ZEB. IndyGo and ATU Local 1070 currently have a Bus Operator Registered Apprenticeship program and a Bus Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program and diesel certificate offered through Ivy Tech Community College, with plans to expand zero-emission apprenticeship training opportunities.
Check out the National Center for Applied Transit Technology for more details about IndyGo’s zero-emission fleet transition.
ZEB Workforce Development at SunLine Transit and ATU Local 1277
Riverside County, California
SunLine piloted its first fuel cell electric bus (FCEB) in 2000, giving the agency years of experience operating and maintaining zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure.
SunLine receives initial training from the bus OEMs and fueling/charging infrastructure suppliers; depending on the equipment, there is batch training of all or most of the related staff or “train-the-trainer” of key staff who can pass on knowledge and skills.
Partnerships with ATU Local 1277 and with Desert College have been crucial to the success of SunLine’s workforce development initiatives. SunLine plans to use FTA’s Low-No funding to explore working with Desert College further on mentorship and apprenticeship programs that include ZEV training. The agency is using these funds to assist in curriculum creation, as well as other activities, such as training materials and aids and employee travel to attend off-site training sessions and workshops.
SunLine has learned from its experience, peers, and neighbors that OEM training is often advanced, addressing the newest technologies, while many workers are being introduced to the tech for the first time. SunLine aims to start training 3 to 4 months prior to the arrival of new vehicles and continue throughout procurement, including refresher courses and shadowing OEM staff during the warranty period.
SunLine is a member of the California Transit Training Consortium and leads the West Coast Center of Excellence in Zero-Emission Technology and Renewable Energy, an FTA-established center which provides instruction to SunLine’s internal staff as well as other agencies.
Midwest Hydrogen Center of Excellence at SARTA
Stark County, Ohio
Stark Area Regional Transit Authority began their transition to a zero-emission fleet in 2010, developing a plan to move to CNG buses and eventually zero-emission buses. They bought their first hydrogen fuel cell bus despite potential challenges associated with the technology; shortly after, they used FTA Low/No Emission funding to buy five more. SARTA plans to procure 12 more hydrogen fuel cell buses by 2027, continue replacing diesel vehicles with CNG, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. “Every HFC bus reduces the carbon released into the atmosphere by 100 tons annually” explains CEO Kirt Conrad. Existing experience with CNG vehicles assisted SARTA technicians in making the transition to hydrogen.
SARTA began with two technicians trained in zero-emission technology, and the agency has since trained a third and developed plans to train one new technician each year. Unique safety protocols specific to hydrogen are a crucial part of SARTA’s training. In addition to maintaining hydrogen fuel cell buses, SARTA employees service paratransit cutaway vehicles that were retrofitted with hydrogen power.
SARTA has worked in partnership with AFSCME Local 1880 to expand hydrogen fuel cell capabilities, and a jointly-led hydrogen technician apprenticeship program is planned. In response to their early zero-emission efforts, FTA designated SARTA as the host organization for the Midwest Hydrogen Center of Excellence in collaboration with the Center for Automotive Research at Ohio State University.