METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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
2014 Bus Maintenance Survey: Technician Staffing, Training Issues Grow

 

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.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Bus

Cover for Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon
ManagementMay 8, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
Maintenance officials examining a vehicle on a lift.
Managementby Alex RomanMay 8, 2026

Avoiding Mid-Season Breakdowns: A Fleet Readiness Q&A

John Hatman, COO of Master’s Transportation, breaks down the priorities, warning signs and common mistakes fleet managers should address now to stay ahead of summer demand.

Read More →
SEPTA's advertisement for multi-rider feature.
Technologyby StaffMay 7, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Introduces Multi-Rider Feature for Contactless Payments

Up until now, this feature was only available when using a SEPTA Key card.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Rendering of the upgraded Derby-Shelton Train Station
Busby StaffMay 4, 2026

CTDOT Launches Four-Station Upgrades on Waterbury Line

Construction on all four stations is beginning now and is anticipated to be completed by spring 2028.

Read More →
East Colfax BRT
Busby StaffMay 4, 2026

Denver RTD breaks ground on Aurora segment of East Colfax BRT

The beginning of the final BRT segment advances construction across all five segments, reflecting steady progress toward shorter travel times, improved accessibility, and a more dependable connection to jobs, businesses, and community destinations.

Read More →
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Federal Reserve Bank visiting ENC
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

Fed Leaders Highlight Growth, U.S. Manufacturing at ENC

The visit is part of the SF Fed's ongoing engagement with major employers and industries across Southern California and, more broadly, the western U.S. to better understand regional economic conditions and business outlooks.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for Part 2 with Cecil Blandon
Managementby Alex RomanApril 30, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →