Quick-Response Research on Long-Term Strategic Issues. Task 46. Zero-Emission Vehicles: New Tech, New Skills, New Jobs

TCRP Research Report 252: Public Transit Workforce Development for Zero-Emission Vehicles identifies and is organized around seven areas (referred to as tasks) that each address workforce skills and knowledge needed by transit agency frontline employees to operate (i.e., drive) and maintain zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in revenue service, specifically full- size (i.e., 40- to 60-foot) battery electric-buses and fuel-cell buses. The research included a literature review, industry input and feedback, and case studies. While transit agencies may need to focus on certain tasks more than others, each of the seven tasks is important to consider. The report will be of immediate interest to public transportation agencies seeking to build the skills of their frontline workforce to safely and efficiently operate and maintain ZEVs. Public transportation agencies throughout the United States have introduced zero-emission fleets and supporting technologies. Consequently, transit agencies need to train current employees and hire new employees with relevant education and training to safely and effectively operate and maintain zero-emission fleets and technologies. Under TCRP J-11/Task 46, “Zero-Emission Vehicles: New Tech, New Skills, New Jobs,” the International Transportation Learning Center (ITLC) was asked to develop a useful resource to help transit agencies develop and provide the skills and knowledge needed to safely and efficiently operate and maintain these highly specialized vehicles. Research was needed to examine and present: (1) Educational training and development approaches that have historically been effective and can be more widely used by public transportation agencies; (2) Approaches to help train and develop frontline workers to operate and maintain ZEVs; (3) The role that larger public transportation agencies, unions, and public–private partner- ships can play in leveraging their training capabilities for ZEVs to help mid-sized and small transit agencies; and (4) Findings regarding how original equipment manufacturers of ZEVs can better address workforce development and training needs for transit agencies.

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5446

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $100,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project J-11, Task 46

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Transit Cooperative Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC    20001

  Federal Transit Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Schwager, Dianne

• Performing Organizations:

  International Transportation Learning Center

  Silver Spring,   United States 
• Principal Investigators:

  Schiavone, John

• Start Date: 20231201
• Expected Completion Date: 20250601
• Actual Completion Date: 20250601

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Jobs; Public transit; Technological innovations; Training; Vehicle fleets; Workforce; Zero emission vehicles
• Subject Areas: Education and Training; Environment; Public Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01866942
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project J-11, Task 46
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: Dec 13 2022 9:13AM