January 9, 2025

Electric School Bus Familiarization: Part Four of a Webinar Series

In conjunction with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, ITLC hosted the final part of a four-part webinar series on November 20, offering electric school bus (ESB) mechanics and technicians the fundamentals of ESB technology. ITLC Program Director John Schiavone moderated the webinar and highlighted various topics to promote knowledge and understanding of electric bus components, systems, safety, and charging.

Bluebird’s Electric Vehicle Product Segment Leader Brad Beauchamp kicked off the presentations by providing an overview of ESB charging and technology. InCharge’s Chief Revenue Officer Stephen Kelley covered facility operations and considerations for ESBs, and OWL’s Services Director of eMobility Richie Beebe discussed ESB charging standards, maintenance, and safety. John moderated an engaging Q&A after each presentation.

Recordings of part one, part two, part three, and part four are now available. Contact Brandon Liu at bliu@transportcenter.org for more information.

Train-the-Trainer in Upstate New York: Capital District Transportation Authority

Last month, ITLC facilitators Arnett Powell and Frank Burnett delivered a Level 1 Train-the-Trainer course at the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in Albany. The four-and-a-half-day training focused on key aspects of adult learning and effective instruction for nine participants, ranging from training managers to classroom and shop instructors from Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1321.

Participants were engaged and interactive throughout and provided positive feedback at the program’s conclusion. One participant stated he would use the lesson plan training to create a more structured environment with his training materials. Others who had already been employing some of the techniques covered in this session noted a deeper understanding of the formal structure of training programs and expressed interest in the Level 2 Train-the-Trainer course.

For information on Train-the-Trainer courses, contact Kristen Ribaudo at kribaudo@transportcenter.org.

Level 1 Train-the-Trainer course participants and instructors

Resources

In celebration of National Mentorship Month, the Transit Workforce Center (TWC) is hosting a series of Mentorship Program Office Hours. TWC’s experienced and knowledgeable team members will be available this Friday, January 10, and January 17, 24, and 31 from 12:30-2:30 pm ET to provide technical assistance to transit agencies and their partners interested in learning about, exploring, developing, expanding, and evaluating mentorship programs.

Sign up for a 15-minute Friday slot to speak with a TWC team member. If the scheduled times do not work for you, please email Karitsa Holdzkom at kholdzkom@transportcenter.org with your availability.

Mentorship Program Office Hours

Preparing for the New ADA Title II Deadline

State and local government entities, including transit agencies, will soon have to comply with new guidelines for making web content and mobile applications accessible to people with disabilities. Varied resources are available online to help agencies prepare for this change.

For more information, a Fact Sheet has been developed to help entities understand these new guidelines.

ADA Resources

Webinar

Fuel Cell Bus Familiarization Webinar for Transit Technicians

TWC, the Federal Transit Administration’s national technical assistance center for transit workforce development, is offering a Fuel Cell Bus (FCB) Familiarization Webinar on Wednesday, February 12 at 1 pm ET. This 90-minute session provides a unique opportunity for transit bus technicians, trainers, and others who are interested in gaining a fundamental technical understanding of FCBs and their particular maintenance, safety, and infrastructure requirements that support a safe and successful fleet transition.

Gain critical knowledge and practical insights from leading experts and experienced trainers to help navigate this transition effectively. Main topics include:

Key Components & Maintenance: Introduction to the essential components and systems of FCBs, with a comparison to battery-electric buses, along with an outline of preventive maintenance requirements.
Safety Essentials: Review of safety protocols unique to FCBs, such as de-energizing procedures, shop and facility safety, and first responder essentials.
Hydrogen Fueling & Infrastructure: Overview of hydrogen storage, dispensing, defueling, and infrastructure needs, as well as safety considerations for hydrogen fueling facilities.

Ballard Power Systems Program Manager Byron Somerville and AC Transit/Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192 (Oakland, CA) Maintenance Trainers Lucas McClaflin and Eric Howell will lead the presentations, along with moderators Jason Macumber, TWC’s Senior Advisor for Workforce Development and Technology, and TWC Program Director John Schiavone. Each topic area will include time for dedicated Q&A, giving participants the chance to ask questions and gain deeper insights directly from the experts.