Topics

RESOURCE TYPE: | TRANSIT MODE:

Making Connections 2022 – Program Overview

The Transit Workforce Center hosted Making Connections 2022: The National Transit Workforce Conference in Washington, D.C. on December 13-14, 2022. This conference brought together participants from urban, suburban, rural, and tribal public transportation and industry stakeholders in plenaries, workshops, networking, and ongoing dialogue. Discussions and sessions featured topics including recruitment and retention, training, mentoring and apprenticeships, new technologies, preparing today’s and tomorrow’s workforce, and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.

Session materials from Making Connections 2022 are hosted on the TWC Resource Center. Please click here to view all related materials. A PDF copy of the conference schedule is linked below.

Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
RESOURCE TYPE: | TRANSIT MODE:

Making Connections 2022 – Engines to Inverters: Preparing Technicians for ZEB Deployment

This session was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.

Transit Workforce Center
December 2022

Session Summary: As transit agencies integrate zero-emission technologies into their fleet, many are experiencing difficulties in preparing their frontline workforce to properly maintain and operate the equipment. In this workshop, panelists explored lessons learned, best practices, and available resources to upskill their technician and maintenance workforce and prepare the future frontline workers to safely and effectively work with ZEB technologies. Presentations by industry experts, early-adopters, and successful rollouts offered insight for an audience seeking guidance on first steps and follow-through.

Moderators

James Hall: Program Manager, Technical Training – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center

Lisa Jerram: Director of Bus Operations and New Vehicle Technologies – American Public Transportation Association

Speakers

Joseph Gamez: Assistant Chief Maintenance Officer Maintenance Training – New York City Transit, Department of Buses

Walter Kirkland: Service Manager – StarMetro Tallahassee

Obed Mejia: Senior Bus Equipment Instructor – Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

RESOURCE TYPE: | TRANSIT MODE:

Making Connections 2022 – Driving Bus Operator Recruitment and Retention: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation

This session was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.

Transit Workforce Center
December 2022

Session Summary: A headline issue confronting all transit systems today – how to attract and retain bus operators in a tight labor market. This lively session began with presentations from the TCRP F-28 research team and TransitCenter on their recently published national research findings on recruiting, developing and retaining transit bus operators.  Labor and management industry practitioners from multiple locations then shared their recruitment approaches and strategies that have been most effective on the ground, and TWC staff summarized the National Transit Frontline Worker Recruitment Campaign.

Moderators

Rob Puentes: President and CEO – The ENO Center for Transportation

Speakers

Julia Castillo: Executive Director – Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency

James Duff: Assistant Vice President, Human Resources – Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Jeff Hazen: Executive Director – Sunset Empire Transportation District

Steve Jovel: Transportation Superintendent – Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Robin Phillips: Executive Director – National Rural Transit Assistance Program

Harpreet Singh: JWI Director – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265

David Stephen: Senior Communications Specialist – International Transportation Learning Center /Transit Workforce Center

Chris Van Eyken: Program Manager – TransitCenter

RESOURCE TYPE: | TRANSIT MODE:

Making Connections 2022 – Drive to Revive: Preparing Operators for ZEB Deployment

This session was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.

Transit Workforce Center
December 2022

Session Summary: As transit agencies integrate zero-emission technologies into their fleet, many are experiencing difficulties in preparing their frontline workforce to properly maintain and operate the equipment. In this workshop, panelists explored lessons learned, best practices, and available resources to upskill their operator workforce and prepare the future frontline workers to safely and effectively work with ZEB technologies. Presentations by industry experts, early-adopters, and examination of successful rollouts offered insight for an audience seeking guidance on first steps and follow-through.

Moderator

Maurice Beard: Technical Training Supervisor [retired] – Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Speakers

Dinero Washington: President/Chief Executive Officer – Shreveport Transit Management (SporTran)

Richard Gwin: Training Specialist – Sacramento Regional Transit District

Alphonza Clements: Executive Board Member – DASH/ATU Local 689

RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE: ,

Electric Vehicle Maintenance Best Practices

This best practice spotlight article on electric vehicle maintenance provides recommended practices and case studies from transit agencies that have successfully implemented these vehicles into their fleets.

National RTAP, Shared-Use Mobility Center (SUMC), and Transit Workforce Center (TWC)
November 2022
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

Building Pathways to Infrastructure Careers: Framework for Preparing an Infrastructure Workforce

This resource provides a framework for all workforce stakeholders, including infrastructure project leads, to engage the public workforce system in implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law with strong workforce commitments and proven strategies that produce high-quality education, training, and employment opportunities for all workers.

U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
October 2022
RESOURCE TYPE: , , | TRANSIT MODE:

National Transit Frontline Worker Recruitment Campaign

Across the United States, whether large, small, urban, rural, or tribal, transit agencies are facing the challenge of recruiting and retaining drivers, mechanics, and technicians who can operate and maintain the buses of our public transit systems.  To help support local transit efforts, TWC is developing the #ConnectingMyCommunity national frontline worker recruitment campaign, coordinated with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and industry, labor, and community partners from around the country.

Transit Workforce Center
July 2022
RESOURCE TYPE: , , | TRANSIT MODE:

Providing Training for Zero Emission Buses: Recommended Expanded RFP Language

This document includes recommended language for agencies to build robust training procurement into their ZEB Request for Proposals. It is intended to be used as a starting point for agencies to tailor their training procurement to suit their specific needs.

International Transportation Learning Center & Jobs to Move America
February 2022
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

Zero Emission Transit Bus Technology Analysis Volume 2

This report, Volume 2, is the second edition of the Zero Emission Transit Bus Technology Analysis (ZETBTA) which includes results from the fuel-cell electric bus (FCEB), battery electric bus (BEB), diesel hybrid bus, and conventional diesel bus technologies control fleet. It integrates lessons learned and best practices gleaned from AC Transit’s extensive experience in deploying ZEB technologies, including developing innovative workforce training programs, data integration and management, and transit deployment viability.

AC Transit
December 2021
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

Electrifying Transit: A Guidebook for Implementing Battery Electric Buses

To assist stakeholders with interest in deploying BEBs, this guidebook describes the decisions and considerations required for successful BEB implementation.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory
April 2021

ASE Transit Bus Tests

ASE initiated this Test Series to identify and recognize those Transit Bus Technicians who demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair various systems on transit buses.

The Official ASE Study Guide for Transit Bus Tests is designed to help technicians prepare for the ASE certification tests.

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
January 2021
RESOURCE TYPE: , , | TRANSIT MODE:

Mountain Line Zero-Emission Bus Implementation Plan

The Northern Arizona intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority (referred to as Mountain Line) contracted with the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) to develop a Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Transition Plan to identify a zero-emission roadmap for full-scale deployment.

Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) and AECOM
December 2020
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

MTS Zero-Emission Bus Fleet Transition Study

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) engaged the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) to perform a zero-emission bus (ZEB) transition study in March 2018. The study’s goal is to create a plan for a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2040 to be in compliance with the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) regulation enacted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The results of the study will be used to inform MTS Board members and educate MTS staff of estimated costs, benefits, constraints, and risks to guide future planning and decision making.

Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), AECOM, & the Fiedler Group
September 2020
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

Bus Maintenance and Bus Testing Program Peer-to-Peer Exchange (Report 0160)

This report presents a summary of the bus maintenance worker training peer exchange, hosted by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Significant shifts in the types of transit buses being procured (e.g., from traditional buses to alternative fuel/low- and no-emission buses) require new and different types of frontline worker training. Through the peer exchange, stakeholders, including industry representatives, shared knowledge about bus maintenance worker training and discussed best practices for developing the next generation of highly-skilled bus technicians.

Federal Transit Administration
May 2020
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship Framework

The Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship Framework was developed by the National Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship Committee and approved by the U.S. DOL. It is a competency based framework that includes all of the tasks an apprentice should be able to demonstrate as a result of the training. Tasks are based on the ASE task list and APTA training standards. It is only a guide, locations can add or remove tasks to suit their individual operations.

International Transportation Learning Center & The Urban Institute
January 2018
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

Transit Coach Operator Competency-Based Framework

Full Competency-Based Occupational Framework for Registered Apprenticeship for Transit Coach Operator/Bus Operators.

The Urban Institute and International Transportation Learning Center
August 2017
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

Training Syllabus to Instruct/Prepare for the ASE Transit Bus Electrical/Electronics Test

This Recommended Practice provides guidelines for establishing a standardized bus maintenance training related to the ASE certification program syllabus for the electrical/electronics systems used in transit buses and coaches.

American Public Transportation Association
October 2016

Training Syllabus to Instruct Bus Technicians on Hybrid Drive Systems Operations and Maintenance

This Recommended Practice provides guidelines for establishing a standardized bus maintenance training program related to the theory of operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of bus hybrid drive transmissions and related equipment

American Public Transportation Association
October 2016
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

Digital Multimeter Reference Guide

A reference guide for using digital multimeters including glossaries, safety precautions, and related resources.

International Transportation Learning Center
RESOURCE TYPE: | TRANSIT MODE:

Electrified Transportation Pro+ Training and Certification Program

The objective of the Electrified Transportation Pro+ program is to ensure that all individuals across all transportation industries are trained in Electrified Vehicle Systems and Technologies consistently to one standard. The training is completed in preparation to perform the practical and written exams for earning the corresponding Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Certifications.

Electrified Transportation Pro+
RESOURCE TYPE: , | TRANSIT MODE:

Transit Bus Certification Tests

ASE initiated this Test Series to identify and recognize those Transit Bus Technicians who demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair various systems on transit buses.

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)
RESOURCE TYPE: | TRANSIT MODE:

West Coast Center of Excellence in Zero Emission Technology

Funded by the FTA, this center serves to bring education to transit agencies looking to establish or increase their zero-emission fleets and technologies. Course Offerings:
• Leadership and Employee Relations
• Zero Emission Bus Overview
• Zero Emission Bus Operations
• Zero Emission Bus Maintenance
• Financial Management
• Zero Emission Bus Procurement
• Zero Emission Bus Policies and Regulations
• Planning for ZEB Operation

SunLine Transit Agency
RESOURCE TYPE: , , | TRANSIT MODE:

Battery Electric Bus Familiarization Webinars

The Transportation Learning Center presents three distance-based courses to help transit bus technicians gain fundamental understanding of battery electric bus (BEB) technology. These courses are recorded from live online sessions.

In each  session, experts from various BEB manufacturers presented on specific topics, with over 400 participants attending. Each session is introduced by John Schiavone, who moderated many questions from participants. Please click through the drop-down options below to view the recorded sessions, slides and presenters’ notes, and sample tests and test answers.

International Transportation Learning Center
RESOURCE TYPE: | TRANSIT MODE:
Image of cartoon person, dollar sign, and reads

Critical Sector Job Quality Grants

Administering Agency: Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration

Closing Date for Applications: July 17, 2023

Estimated Total Program Funding: $15,000,000
Award Ceiling: $3,000,000

Geographic Scope: National

Description: The purpose of this demonstration program is to support transformative efforts to improve job quality and availability of good jobs, particularly for the benefit of historically marginalized populations and communities that have experienced barriers to employment in good jobs. The primary focus of these demonstration grants is expanding job quality in the care, climate resiliency and clean energy transition, and hospitality sectors. In the transit industry, these funds could support job quality for those operating and/or maintaining zero-emission buses. These demonstration grants will support industry-led, worker-centered sector strategies built through labor-management partnerships aimed at improving job quality in key sectors.  These partnerships will address equity, job quality, and worker voice as they design training models and train workers for family-supporting jobs.  Projects under this announcement will fund both short-term capacity-building planning grants and longer-term implementation grants. 

Posted May 18, 2023 to TWC Resource Center. Please refer to the link below for the most up to date information from the funder.