Transition to Zero

In this episode of "Transition to Zero," host Jared Schnader sits down with Ann Vail, Executive Director of Louisiana Clean Fuels, to explore the pivotal role of Clean Cities in advancing alternative fuels. Discover how these coalitions are bridging gaps, fostering innovation, and driving the transition to cleaner transportation solutions across the nation. From electric buses in Baton Rouge to the innovative Gumbo workforce development program, learn how Louisiana is leading the charge in sustainable transit.

Title: The Role of Clean Cities in Promoting Alternative Fuels

Introduction:

Host Jared Schnader introduces the episode and guest Ann Vail, Executive Director of Louisiana Clean Fuels.

Key Topics Discussed:

Overview of Clean Cities Coalition and its mission to reduce transportation emissions. The success of electric transit buses in Baton Rouge and the role of Clean Cities in supporting their deployment. The Gumbo workforce development program aimed at training local workers for the electric vehicle industry. The importance of public fueling stations and the challenges faced in maintaining them. Louisiana's efforts in hydrogen production and its potential as a future fuel source. The Clean Transportation Network's initiative for national branding and awareness of alternative fuels.

Notable Quotes:

"We are the boots on the ground, working hand in hand with our stakeholders." "If we don't see it, we make it ourselves."

Conclusion:

Ann Vail emphasizes the commitment of Louisiana communities to embrace advanced technologies and cleaner fuels.

Call to Action:

Visit Clean Transportation Network for more information on alternative fuels and technologies.

Hashtags: #CleanCities #AlternativeFuels #SustainableTransport

Keywords

Foothill Transit, Doran Barnes, electric buses, hydrogen fuel cell, zero emission, transit technology, infrastructure, community engagement, workforce development, public transportation

Takeaways

Foothill Transit operates in the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys of Los Angeles County. The transition from diesel to CNG and then to electric buses began in 2010. Doran Barnes emphasizes the importance of understanding the economics of electric power versus traditional fuels. Charging infrastructure is critical for the successful deployment of electric buses. The initial deployment of electric buses revealed unexpected challenges, particularly with charging frequency. Hydrogen fuel cell technology is being adopted as a viable alternative to battery electric buses. Community engagement is essential for public acceptance of new technologies. The workforce must be trained to handle advanced technologies in transit. Sharing knowledge and experiences across the industry is vital for progress. Economic viability remains a challenge for zero emission technologies.

Summary

In this episode of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader speaks with Doran Barnes, CEO of Foothill Transit, about the challenges and successes of integrating advanced technologies into public transit. They discuss the transition from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG) and then to electric and hydrogen fuel cell buses. Doran shares insights on the importance of infrastructure, community engagement, and the economic considerations of adopting zero-emission technologies. The conversation highlights the need for workforce development and the sharing of knowledge within the industry to foster innovation and progress in transit systems.

Titles

Innovating Transit: The Journey of Foothill Transit Doran Barnes on the Future of Zero Emission Buses

Sound bites

"Hydrogen can do the job." "Our board was like, hey, this is pretty cool." "This is part of the experience."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Foothill Transit and Doran Barnes 02:46 Transitioning to Advanced Technologies in Transit 05:39 Challenges of Electric Bus Deployment 08:31 Learning from Early Deployments 11:15 The Shift to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses 14:07 Economic Considerations in Zero Emission Technologies 16:40 The Role of Infrastructure in Technology Adoption 19:24 Community Engagement and Public Perception 22:09 Workforce Development in Advanced Technologies 25:03 Board Support and Risk Management 27:51 Final Thoughts on Innovation in Transit

Keywords

Sunline Transit, hydrogen technology, public transit, microtransit, zero emissions, funding, workforce development, California transit, alternative fuels, community mobility

Summary

In this episode, Jared Schnader interviews Mona Babauta, CEO of Sunline Transit Agency, discussing the agency's commitment to hydrogen technology and zero-emission public transit. They explore the challenges of operating in a desert environment, the establishment of a commercial hydrogen station, and the importance of workforce development through a new Center of Excellence. The conversation also touches on funding concerns, the demand for microtransit services, and the agency's engagement with elected officials to secure resources for future growth.

Takeaways

Sunline Transit Agency operates in the Coachella Valley, covering 1,100 square miles. The agency has transitioned its fleet to hydrogen technology, with over half of its buses running on hydrogen. Challenges in the desert include high temperatures affecting hydrogen storage and fueling processes. Sunline is establishing a commercial hydrogen station to generate revenue and support public transit. The Center of Excellence will provide training for employees and other transit agencies on zero-emission technology. Funding is a significant concern for transit agencies, especially with recent changes in state legislation. Microtransit services are gaining popularity in the Coachella Valley, filling gaps in public transportation. Sunline aims to expand its microtransit service as demand increases. The agency is committed to achieving a 100% hydrogen fleet by 2040, with hopes to do so sooner. Engagement with elected officials is crucial for securing resources and support for public transit initiatives.

Sound Bites

"We have a big reputation in the hydrogen space." "We are at the forefront of hydrogen." "We run one of the biggest electrolyzer stations." "Hydrogen wants to naturally be hot." "We are committed to hitting that mark." "Funding really is my biggest concern right now."

Keywords

FAAC, transportation training, simulation technology, workforce development, autonomous vehicles, driver training, decarbonization, public safety, transportation industry, training solutions

Summary

In this episode of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader speaks with Jason Francisco from FAAC Incorporated about the company's role in providing advanced simulation training solutions for various transportation sectors. They discuss the importance of in-house training staff, the adaptability of simulators to local conditions, and the customization for different vehicle propulsion types. The conversation also touches on the significance of workforce development, innovations in autonomous vehicle training, and the future of training in the transportation industry.

Takeaways

FAAC has been providing simulation training solutions for over 50 years. In-house training staff play a crucial role in effective training. Simulators can be adapted to local conditions and unique challenges. Customization for different propulsion types is essential for effective training. Workforce development is a critical component of transportation agencies' training programs. FAAC's autonomous vehicle training package prepares drivers for managing autonomous systems. Driver efficiency and optimization are key focuses for larger fleets. FAAC collects data on training efficacy and accident reduction rates. The onboarding process for trainers is comprehensive and tailored to each agency. Innovations in simulation technology are shaping the future of transportation training.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to FAAC and Its Mission 04:54 The Importance of In-House Training Staff 09:58 Adapting Simulators to Local Conditions 14:54 Driver Behavior and Propulsion Types 19:57 Training the Trainers: Onboarding and Support 25:11 Utilizing Low-No Funding for Workforce Development 29:50 Innovations in Autonomous Vehicle Training 33:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Low-No program, transit agencies, infrastructure, zero emission, funding, partnerships, state DOT, competitive proposals, clean transit, regional offices summaryThis conversation delves into the LoNo program, focusing on its significance for transit agencies, the challenges they face, and the strategies for successful applications. The discussion highlights regional perspectives, key changes in requirements, the importance of infrastructure readiness, and the role of partnerships and state DOTs in supporting transit agencies. The speakers share insights on common misconceptions, competitive proposal strategies, and lessons learned from past projects, culminating in a vision for the future of clean transit over the next five years. takeaways

• LoNo season is crucial for transit agencies.
• Regional offices play a significant role in supporting LoNo applications.
• Partnerships with state DOTs enhance the application process.
• Infrastructure readiness is essential for successful deployments.
• Complete applications are vital for competitiveness.
• Workforce development funding is still available.
• Innovative solutions are necessary for aging infrastructure.
• Transit agencies are moving towards zero emissions.
• Collaboration among agencies can strengthen applications.
• The future of transit is focused on clean technologies.

titles

• Navigating the LoNo Program: Insights and Strategies
• The Future of Clean Transit: Challenges and Opportunities
• Regional Perspectives on Low-No Applications

Sound Bites

• "Workforce development is still there."
• "Partnerships are critical for success."
• "Don't go it alone."
• "The DOTs are there to support."
• "Infrastructure is going to be key."
• "Clean transit is the norm."

Chapters 00:00Introduction and Overview of the Discussion 02:57Understanding the LoNo Program and Its Importance 06:07Regional Perspectives on LoNo Applications 08:51Key Changes and Requirements in the LoNo Program 11:47Infrastructure Readiness and Planning for Transit Agencies 14:58Common Misconceptions in Low-No Projects 18:02Strategies for Competitive LoNo Proposals 21:01The Role of State DOTs in Supporting Transit Agencies 24:11Collaboration Among Transit Agencies 26:54Lessons Learned from LoNo Projects 29:48Future Vision for Transit in the Next Five Years

Great, thanks for sharing the transcript! Here are polished show notes for this podcast episode of Transition to Zero:

🎙️ Episode Title: Scaling Smart: Zenobe's Global Electrification Vision with Steven Meersman

📅 Release Date: 4/29/2025

🕒 Episode Length: Approximately 35 minutes

🎧 Episode Summary: In this electrifying episode of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader sits down with Steven Meersman, Co-Founder and Director of Zenobe, to explore how the company is revolutionizing zero-emission transport across the globe. From powering thousands of electric buses to providing second-life solutions for batteries, Steven dives into Zenobe's holistic, financially sustainable approach to transport decarbonization.

The conversation covers:

• The origin and meaning behind the name Zenobe

• Zenobe's evolution from grid-scale battery systems to fleet electrification

• Key offerings: Charging-as-a-Service, battery financing, and second-life battery use

• Real-world case studies: From UK depots to Canadian delivery vans

• The coolest (and greenest) projects, including powering a "Massive Attack" concert

• Tips for transit agencies on infrastructure planning and procurement models

• Zenobe's growing presence and vision for North America

Whether you're in transit planning, fleet management, or just a clean tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights into how infrastructure innovation meets environmental impact.

👤 Guest: Steven Meersman, Co-Founder and Director, Zenobe Steven brings an engineer's mindset and global perspective to the challenges of electrifying fleets. From Belgium to the UK to the U.S., Steven and Zenobe are reshaping how cities think about electric transport and infrastructure financing.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Zenobe Official Website

• CalSTART

• ACT Expo Info

📍 Key Timestamps: (Approximate times, adjust once audio is finalized)

• 01:16 – Intro to the podcast and Zenobe

• 02:00 – The story behind the name "Zenobe"

• 03:03 – Early grid battery applications and scaling up

• 05:24 – Data-driven optimization and second-life battery use

• 09:01 – Charging-as-a-Service and cost savings for fleets

• 13:39 – Pop-up electric bus services & festival logistics

• 16:43 – Partnership spotlight: Zenobe & 7Gen in Canada

• 19:40 – Working across global regulatory landscapes

• 22:32 – Battery value, chemistry, and lifecycle

• 30:01 – Advice for transit agencies on planning & procurement

• 33:39 – What's next for Zenobe in North America

📢 Call to Action: Zenobe is growing fast and making waves. Catch them at ACT Expo and reach out if you're exploring fleet electrification. Want to learn more or partner up? Check out the links above and connect with Steven and his team.

Host, Jared Schnader, VP at CALSTART, interviews Riccardo Schiavo, Editor at Susatinable Bus. The conversation explores the evolution of Zero-Emission buses in Europe. Riccardo explains the regulations and impacts of various types of incentives on the adoption of new technologies.

Jared and Riccardo discuss new technologies, market competition, Hydrogen proliferation in the EU market.

For more information on Sustainable Bus, you can go to their website at www.sustainable-bus.com

Podcast Show Notes - Optimo and EV Low-Floor Shuttle Buses

Guest: Jeff Hiatt, Executive at Optimal EV

Site: www.optimal-ev.com

Host: Jared Schnader

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Jared Schnader interviews Jeff from Optimal, a company at the forefront of electric vehicle (EV) innovation, particularly in the low-floor shuttle bus market. Jeff shares the company's journey from its founding by Dr. Young in 1986 to becoming a key player in clean transportation solutions.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Optimo's Origins and Evolution:

  • Founded in 1986 by Dr. Young as a computer-aided engineering service company.

  • Early adoption of full vehicle analytics, benchmarking, and work with initial EV startups.

  • The decision in 2016 to fully focus on EV development.

  • Introduction of the low-floor shuttle bus at the 2021 APTA Expo.

• The Low-Floor Shuttle Bus Concept:

  • Designed to address common issues in rider experience, focusing on dignity and accessibility.

  • Eliminates the traditional wheelchair lift in favor of a ramp system that allows independent boarding.

  • Uses a custom-built low-floor frame to replace traditional chassis, retaining only the cab and axles from Ford.

• Why Transit:

  • Driven by a passion for solving global clean transportation challenges.

  • Focus on providing a more inclusive, accessible transit solution.

• Challenges and Achievements:

  • Navigating Altoona testing and achieving Buy America compliance.

  • Partnering with Proterra for reliable, safe, and compliant battery solutions.

  • Dealing with market hesitancy and demonstrating product durability through extensive engineering and testing.

• Market Reception and Strategy:

  • Deliberate, cautious market entry to ensure product quality and company longevity.

  • Leveraging dealer networks for sales and service support, enhancing local market presence and maintenance capabilities.

  • Successfully overcoming challenges with proactive field support and responsive customer service.

Notable Quotes:

• "People have always loved low floors; it was just a matter of how to get a viable one to market." - Jeff

• "Our focus is on integrity and trust, and we want to be here 50 years from now." - Jeff

Final Thoughts:

Jeff emphasizes the importance of delivering a well-tested, durable product while maintaining a commitment to customer satisfaction. The episode provides insight into Optimo's unique approach to building EV low-floor shuttle buses and their long-term vision for clean transit solutions.

Starting out Season 3 of Transition to Zero, creator, host, and producer, Jared Schnader catches up with Mike Hynes and Kaila Lemons from CALSTART to discuss the annual Zeroing in on ZEBs report. This is an annual report that CALSTART conducts to catalogue the growth of the zero-emission bus industry.

Besides diving into the data, Kaila gives a "behind the scenes" look at how the data collection process works, the struggles, and also the successes.

**Show Notes for Transition to Zero Podcast Episode with Jared Schnader and Mike Hynes**

**Episode Summary:** In this episode of *Transition to Zero*, Jared Schnader, CalSTART Bus Team Lead, and recurring guest Mike Hynes discuss challenges and solutions related to bus customization in the transit industry. They explore issues stemming from excessive vehicle customization, its impact on costs, and the need for streamlined, performance-based specifications to better serve transit agencies, reduce costs, and improve fleet efficiency.

**Topics Covered:**

1. **Celebrating Recent Wins** (0:21) - Jared congratulates Mike on CalSTART's recent TIRCP grant win in California, which will support UCLA's campus electrification with partners including LA Metro and Electreon.

2. **Current Industry Challenges** (1:39) - Discussing a crisis in the transit industry, exacerbated by recent challenges with bus OEMs and the impact of extensive customization on costs and efficiency.

3. **The Issue of Bus Customization** (2:34) - Excessive customization costs agencies billions yearly without adding vehicle performance benefits. - Custom specs like unique paint colors, seating arrangements, and window placements drive up procurement and manufacturing costs without enhancing rider experience.

4. **Debunking the Regional Specification Myth** (8:08) - CalSTART's research indicates minimal variation in bus specifications across different U.S. regions. - Mike explains that while agencies cite local conditions as a reason for customization, most regional specs are not as unique as presumed.

5. **Transition to Performance-Based Specifications** (11:19) - Mike defines performance-based specifications: focusing on core vehicle performance and safety metrics instead of highly customized parts or designs. - This approach could reduce costs, streamline manufacturing, and standardize procurement.

6. **Challenges of Spec Overload and Unwieldy Documents** (13:41) - Jared and Mike discuss the burden of maintaining extensive, often outdated specification documents. - Shifting to performance-based standards can reduce the administrative load for transit agencies and simplify OEM responses.

7. **Industry Reactions to Streamlined Specifications** (17:49) - Positive reception from transit agencies and OEMs at industry events like the APTA conference. - Agencies acknowledge the need for simpler procurement processes to improve efficiency, though some express caution over potential limitations.

8. **APTA's Role and Alignment with CalSTART** (16:17) - Jared and Mike highlight the complementary work CalSTART is doing to strengthen APTA's "white book" of standards rather than replacing it. - CalSTART's focus is on enhancing core specs to better serve transit needs.

9. **Managing Parts Inventory in the New Era** (20:03) - With reduced customization, transit agencies may need to rethink their parts inventories. - Streamlined specs will help standardize parts, which could lead to more manageable and efficient inventories over time.

**Key Takeaways:** - Excessive bus customization, while historically common, costs transit agencies billions annually with limited performance benefits. - Performance-based specifications can standardize core requirements, save taxpayer dollars, and make procurement and maintenance more efficient. - Collaborative efforts with APTA and transit agencies nationwide show promising support for this shift towards simpler, effective standards.