2016 Bus Maintenance Survey: Shops Still Dealing with Electrical Learning Curve
With electric bus usage and the adaptation of electric cooling fans continuing to grow, maintenance departments around the nation are working hard to find ways to both address issues and provide specialized training for their staff.
by Alex Roman, Managing Editor
May 2, 2016
COTA
2 min to read
COTA
With electric vehicle usage and the transitioning to electric cooling fans continuing to grow at transit agencies around the nation, electrical (issues/training) continues to be the top issue in the shop, according to respondents to METRO’s 2016 Bus Maintenance Survey.
Overall, electric vehicle usage is up six percentage points from last year’s survey, while three-quarters of this year’s respondents report that their agency is moving from hydraulic to electric cooling fans. To address the issues being caused by these changes, maintenance officials report that they are adding specialized training programs or requesting increased training from their OEM partners.
Ad Loading...
When asked what new issues have had to be addressed through training in the last year, respondents reported a range of topics, including aftertreatment systems, supercapacitor care and maintenance, high-voltage propulsion systems and electric buses.
Ninety-four percent of this year’s respondents reported filters as the fast-moving part they buy the most, followed by fluids and brakes. More than half of this year’s respondents reported alternators as their most-purchased lifecycle part, followed by starter motors and compressors.
When asked what questions an agency should ask when exploring the possibility of adding alternatively propelled vehicles, the top answers were: “What infrastructure upgrades will be necessary and what will those modifications cost?” “What are the true maintenance costs?” “What additional training will be required?” and “What hiccups have other transit agencies experienced both early in the adoption process and down the road?”
METRO sent out its survey to hundreds of maintenance shops, spanning a wide demographic consisting of large metropolitan to small and rural transit agencies, as well as university-focused systems.
Now in its sixth 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 5,800 buses and the smallest 17, with the mean boasting a fleet of 534 buses — up significantly from last year’s 288 buses.
If you have a question to add for next year’s survey or would like to participate in the future, please contact us at info@metro-magazine.com. As always, thanks to all those who took the time to submit their info this year.
To view the entire survey as it appeared in print, click here.
The special episode features an exclusive interview with Mark Miller, president of Constellation Software Inc. and executive chairman of the Volaris Group, who reflects on the podcast's early vision and the importance of creating a platform where transit leaders can share ideas and learn from one another.
The CAD facility enables NFI to complete full domestic production of heavy-duty transit vehicles, including zero-emission buses, in Winnipeg for the first time in 15 years.
The findings provide clear evidence that sustained Federal investment in public transit and passenger rail delivers significant returns for workers, communities, taxpayers, and the U.S. economy, APTA officials said.
On a recent episode of METROspectives, METRO Magazine’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sat down with Ana-Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic & Cross-Sector Programs at the CSA Group, to explore a bold initiative aimed at addressing those challenges: the development of a National Code for Transit and Passenger Rail Systems in Canada.
Over the next four years during the Spanberger Administration, DRPT will use the plan to prioritize funding for human service transportation projects and programs that reduce barriers, expand access, and promote equitable mobility, said department officials.
A new advisory group of current and former city leaders will collaborate on funding strategies, technology deployment, and best practices to modernize U.S. public transit systems.
The LIT Navigate Mentorship Program was launched as a structured, low-cost opportunity for active LIT members, focused on intentional growth, workforce development, mentorship, networking, and education.
Approved as part of WMATA’s Strategic Transformation Plan, the expanded program introduces new pricing and participation options that make it easier for colleges and universities to join and for more students, such as part-time, community college, and graduate students, to benefit from accessible transportation.
