2014 Bus Maintenance Survey: Technician Staffing, Training Issues Grow
METRO’s annual Bus Maintenance Survey sees a growth in workforce issues compared to the first three installments, while more than 60% of the agencies who responded say they are buying more parts because they have to hold onto buses longer.
by Alex Roman, Managing Editor
May 20, 2014
2 min to read
As lack of dedicated federal funding and state and local issues continue to take their toll on public transportation budgets, 64% of respondents to this year’s METROBus Maintenance Survey say they are buying more parts due to aging fleets.
Meanwhile, electrical (issues/training) remains the number one issue in maintenance shops throughout the U.S. and Canada for the second year in a row, with training and staffing each jumping into the top five as turnover rates continue to grow due to retirement.
Ad Loading...
Diesel remains the top type of vehicle propulsion for many fleets, while many continue to explore the usage of alternative propulsion, including hybrid-electric, natural gas, biodiesel and propane.
When asked what questions an agency should ask when exploring the possibility of adding alternatively-propelled vehicles, the top answers were “What are the true costs associated with implementation?” “What is the actual range of the vehicles?” and “What maintenance issues did you experience?”
Diesel remains the top type of vehicle propulsion for many fleets, while many continue to explore the usage of alternative propulsion.
For the fourth year, METRO sent out its survey to even more maintenance shops, spanning a wide demographic consisting of large metropolitan to small and rural transit agencies as well as university-focused systems. Questions covered topics ranging from fleet size to average age of their fleet, hours of training provided per year and how that training is delivered, and the top issues in their shops to what parts they buy most often.
Agencies varied in fleet size, with the largest maintaining 2,300 buses and the smallest 26, with the mean boasting a fleet of 285 buses. Meanwhile, respondents’ salary levels ranged from a high of $170,000 to a low of $65,000, with the mean earning $93,000.
To view the full story as it appeared, click here.
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.
Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.
Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.
SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.
In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.
When construction is complete, battery-electric buses will operate from the Arborway facility on Day One, providing cleaner, quieter, and more reliable service for riders, the MBTA said. After completion, the old facility will be demolished, and the land will be made available for redevelopment.
Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.
