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TRANSITiON to Zero

TRANSITiON to Zero

De : Jared Schnader
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Singular focus on the US transitioning the nation's transit fleet to zero-emission vehicles. There are challenges, implications, policy issues, and opportunities. Led by the national nonprofit technical consulting firm, CALSTART, the podcast is produced, edited, and hosted by Jared Schnader, Senior Director and Bus Initiative Lead. Interviews, discussion, and debate with transit thought leaders, DOTs, consultants, and transit agencies give listeners a robust knowledge base that cannot be learned in webinars, Zoom calls, and conference presentations.2023 Politique et gouvernement Sciences politiques
Épisodes
  • Unpacking Bus Customization: Costs, Risks, and the Road to Fleet Standardization with Phil Plotch & Grace Truslow

    Unpacking Bus Customization: Costs, Risks, and the Road to Fleet Standardization with Phil Plotch & Grace Truslow
    Oct 6 2026
    Transition to Zero Podcast: Show Notes Episode Title Unpacking Bus Customization: Costs, Risks, and the Road to Fleet Standardization with Phil Plotch & Grace Truslow Episode Description & SEO Summary Why do U.S. transit agencies pay significantly more for buses than their international peers, and why are zero-emission bus procurements facing severe market bottlenecks ? In this episode of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader welcomes Philip Plotch (Senior Fellow & Principal Researcher) and Grace Truslow (Policy Analyst) from the Eno Center for Transportation to unpack their landmark research on bus procurement, fleet customization, and transit market reform . From custom driver seats and proprietary CAN bus software architectures to supply chain fragmentation and single-bid RFPs, Phil and Grace reveal how hyper-specifying transit buses "down to every screw" inflates capital costs, delays vehicle delivery, and creates severe financial risk for OEMs . The conversation explores real-world pricing trends comparing zero-emission battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses against legacy diesel fleets . Drawing vital historical lessons from the successful 1930s PCC streetcar and the failed 1970s federal Transbus initiative, the guests outline actionable policy recommendations—including workforce capacity building, specification disclosure against the APTA White Book, expanded joint procurement state schedules, and restructured FTA Low-No grant incentives . Whether you are a transit agency executive, fleet manager, procurement leader, zero-emission vehicle manufacturer, or transportation policy researcher, this episode provides a strategic blueprint for driving competition, lowering vehicle acquisition costs, and accelerating clean transit deployment across North America . SEO Keywords: Zero-Emission Bus Procurement, Transit Bus Customization, Battery Electric Bus Costs, Eno Center for Transportation, APTA White Book, Transit Fleet Management, FTA Low-No Grants, Transit Vehicle Standardization, Bus OEM Market, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus, CALSTART, Transition to Zero Podcast . Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights The High Cost of Hyper-Customization: Unlike high-volume automotive assembly lines, U.S. transit buses are built like luxury Rolls-Royces . Custom specifications across seats, windows, wiring, and stop-request mechanisms slow assembly lines, increase error rates, and drive up production costs . The Competition & OEM Deficit: Stringent contractual terms, custom liabilities, and complex specifications have contributed to market consolidation, leaving only two major U.S. bus manufacturers—and effectively a single primary supplier for large metropolitan transit authorities . Zero-Emission Bus Pricing Trends: Data from 2015 to 2025 shows median prices for zero-emission buses hovering around $1 million compared to $500,000 for diesel models (in 2023 dollars) . Pricing disparities across agencies stem heavily from custom configurations rather than baseline technology differences . Software Interoperability & Electronics Complexity: Modern buses feature up to 12 separate antennas and dozens of isolated electronic systems (ITS, security cameras, telematics, fare collection) . Lack of standard software protocols locks agencies into proprietary systems and increases factory integration hurdles . Historical Lessons in Standardization: The industry-led PCC streetcar in the 1930s succeeded through operator-manufacturer collaboration . Conversely, the top-down federal Transbus program of the 1970s failed completely after failing to receive a single OEM bid . Policy Pathways for Procurement Reform: Solutions require stronger procurement workforce training, spec justification against baseline whitebooks, joint procurement schedules, and federal grant structures (like FTA Low-No) that financially reward standard platform adoption . Timestamps (00:01) Welcome to Transition to Zero & Guest Introductions (00:44) Research Overview: The Eno Center for Transportation Bus Customization Study (01:21) Root Causes: Declining OEM Competition, Rising Costs, and Supplier Risk (03:38) Defining Customization: How Every Component and Contract Term Gets Altered (05:22) Ford vs. Rolls-Royce: Assembly Line Efficiency vs. Custom Bus Manufacturing (07:30) Operational Motivation: Driver Ergonomics, Terrain, and Procurement Inertia (09:25) Factory Floor Challenges: Managing SKUs, Part Warehousing, and Direct Supplier Sales (12:47) Study Methodology: 20 Years of Procurement Records and 75+ Industry Interviews (15:11) Cost Comparisons: Median Pricing for Zero-Emission vs. Diesel/CNG Buses (17:32) Software Complexity, Onboard Systems, and Interoperability Friction (20:51) Market Barriers: How Excessive Customization Deters New Vehicle Manufacturers (22:48) Case Studies in History: The 1930s PCC Streetcar vs. The 1970s Transbus Program (27:31) Evaluating Current Tools: APTA White ...
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    42 min
  • Digital learning for transit workforce development with Ron Thiele of Xpan

    Digital learning for transit workforce development with Ron Thiele of Xpan
    Sep 8 2026
    This episode of Transition to Zero explores how transit agencies can use digital learning, digital twins, and modern LMS tools to prepare their workforce for zero emission fleets and other evolving propulsion systems. Host Jared Schnader speaks with Ron Thiele, founder and CEO of Xpan, about why training needs to start early, how agencies can build confidence before vehicles arrive, and what it takes to make learning relevant, measurable, and sustainable.We discuss how Xpan supports agencies across buses, rail, and emerging technologies by turning operational knowledge into interactive training experiences. Ron also shares lessons from Calgary Transit, the role of AI in organizing institutional knowledge, and why procurement, design, and workforce planning need to be aligned from the start. Key topics In this episode, Ron Thiele shares the origin story of Xpan, which began in 2001 with a public transit learning project for Calgary Transit and grew into a broader educational technology company. We discuss how Xpan defines digital learning as more than static e-learning, with knowledge experiences shaped by organizational culture, learner needs, and the interface between them. Ron explains how digital twins can be used to train staff on bus components, maintenance procedures, inspection workflows, and safety-critical tasks like lockout tag out. We look at how augmented reality and virtual reality can layer guidance onto a physical bus or create peer-to-peer simulated environments for safer, more confident learning. Ron shares that the biggest training priorities for agencies moving to zero emission fleets are electrical theory, high voltage safety, power systems, and propulsion-specific knowledge. We discuss why confidence matters so much for mechanics and technicians, especially when working on unfamiliar equipment with limited room for error. Ron explains how Xpan builds agency-specific training by working with OEMs, agencies, and standards groups so content matches the exact vehicle, components, and culture of each organization. We discuss how AI and data analytics can help agencies aggregate institutional knowledge, measure performance, and create more personalized learning journeys. Ron outlines the importance of starting workforce development during procurement and design, not after vehicles or infrastructure are already delivered. We cover how LMS platforms can support onboarding, compliance, recertification, competency tracking, contractor orientation, and cross-system integration with HR, asset management, and other operational systems. Ron also addresses common misconceptions about digital learning, including the idea that hands-on work cannot be taught effectively in digital environments. Looking ahead, Ron expects artificial intelligence to help smooth out the knowledge supply chain and make workforce learning more personalized, responsive, and sustainable. Timestamps (00:00) Transition to Zero opens with Ron Thiele and Xpan's mission in transit education (00:37) Ron's background in physics, journalism, and the founding of Xpan in 2001 (02:09) What Ron learned entering the public transportation ecosystem (03:22) Why e-learning has a stigma and how Xpan approaches digital learning differently (04:34) Digital twins, bus components, and interactive maintenance training (06:02) Lockout tag out simulation and high voltage safety training (06:37) Augmented reality and virtual reality for guided mechanic learning (07:55) Biggest training friction points for agencies moving to new propulsion technologies (08:10) Electrical theory, safety, and high voltage as top upskilling priorities (09:28) Building confidence through safe, empathic digital learning environments (10:56) Why agency-specific training matters and how Xpan keeps content relevant (12:56) Using AI, machine learning, and data analytics across the knowledge supply chain (14:42) Bringing real-time bus data into learning environments and sandboxes (16:31) Why training should start at the design and procurement stage (18:19) Culture change and building a growth mindset for continuous knowledge updates (19:25) How modern LMS systems support competencies, compliance, and personalized learning paths (21:47) Best practices: center of truth, competency matrices, and contractor onboarding (23:47) FTA Lono workforce development funding and the need to engage early (24:23) Why waiting until warranty periods end is too late for training readiness (27:05) Calgary Transit case study and the evolution from DVD to digital twins (30:34) How Xpan works with OEMs and agencies to build academies across a fleet lifecycle (32:41) Misconceptions about digital learning, infrastructure gaps, and adoption barriers (34:31) The next three to five years for AI, personalization, and workforce development (36:00) How to contact Ron Thiele and where Xpan is headed next Notable quotes Copy "The rate of change in this industry will never be slower than today."...
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    39 min
  • Transforming Transit Operations: Anthony DeKeyser with Sun Metro in El Paso, Texas

    Transforming Transit Operations: Anthony DeKeyser with Sun Metro in El Paso, Texas
    Aug 18 2026
    Transforming Transit Operations: Anthony's Military Background, Fort Bliss Partnerships, and the Future of Clean Mobility Explore how Anthony's military background informs a disciplined, mission-driven approach to transit leadership, strategic planning, and workforce development. In this episode, we break down the synergies behind Sun Metro's operations, the Fort Bliss partnership, and the ongoing transition to CNG and battery electric buses. Episode Overview Anthony shares how lessons from military service translate into strong leadership in public transit, especially when it comes to coordination, execution, and long-range planning. The conversation highlights the importance of building operational synergies across departments, aligning capital planning with service needs, and making decisions that support both today's riders and tomorrow's growth.A major focus of the discussion is the work with Fort Bliss, where collaboration and community-centered mobility planning create a model for effective transit support. The episode also dives into the practical realities of deploying CNG buses and battery electric buses, including infrastructure, fleet modernization, and the strategic thinking required to scale clean transportation successfully. Key Topics Covered Anthony's military background and leadership mindset Building synergies across transit operations and stakeholder groups The Fort Bliss partnership and community mobility coordination CNG bus planning, deployment, and infrastructure considerations Battery electric bus discussions and the path to fleet electrification Workforce development, training, and team readiness Why strategic planning is essential for sustainable transit growth Aligning operations, capital investments, and long-term service goals Congressional and Public Sector Support Mentioned Congresswoman Veronica Escobar Senator Mary Kay [Blanco/placeholder mentioned in transcript] Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Mass Transit Board City of El Paso Sun Metro Organizations and Groups Discussed Fort Bliss Sun Metro CalSTART Texas Transit Association Bridge Fellowship Program MV Transportation Clean Technology Training Trust SEO Keywords Anthony military background, Fort Bliss transit, CNG buses, battery electric buses, workforce development, strategic planning, transit leadership, clean transportation, fleet modernization, public transit operations, Sun Metro, transit synergies, mobility planning, infrastructure planning, sustainable transit, FTA grants, transit workforce training, El Paso transit Hashtags #TransitLeadership #StrategicPlanning #WorkforceDevelopment #FortBliss #CNGBuses #ElectricBuses #BatteryElectricBuses #PublicTransit #CleanTransportation #FleetModernization #TransitOperations #MobilityPlanning #Leadership #TransportationPlanning #SustainableTransit #FTA #ElPaso #SunMetro #TexasTransit Why This Conversation Matters This episode stands out because it connects leadership experience with real-world transit execution. Anthony's military background, combined with a strategic approach to planning and workforce development, shows how strong systems thinking can drive meaningful progress in public transportation.
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