Transition to Zero

Show Notes: Hurricane Michael and Transportation Resilience

Episode Overview: In this episode, Jared Schnader shares his firsthand experience as a co-owner of a non-emergency medical transportation company during Hurricane Michael in October 2018. He discusses the challenges faced by transportation and healthcare services in the aftermath of the storm, the operational changes implemented, and the formation of the Alternative Fuel Disaster Mitigation Action Group (ADMAG) in Florida to develop software, hardware, and policies to better support transit agencies in disaster scenarios. This group was a led by Jared Schnader, Senior Director of the Bus Initiative at CALSTART and had participants from Pinnellas Suncoast Transit, Jacksonville Transit, StarMetro (Tallahassee), Hillsborough Area Transit, LYNX (orlando), Broward County, Miami Dade Transit, Palm Trans, and the Center for Urban Transport Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida.

Key Topics:

1. Background on the Company:

   • Non-emergency medical transportation services for patients requiring treatments like dialysis and cancer care.

2. Hurricane Michael Impact:

   • Description of the storm's devastation in Panama City and surrounding areas.
   • Evacuation experience and initial safety concerns for employees and patients.

3. Post-Hurricane Response:

   • Communication challenges and logistical hurdles after the storm.
   • Coordination with local transit agencies and healthcare facilities to identify patients needing transport for critical treatments.

4. Lessons Learned:

   • Importance of maintaining updated communication networks during disasters.
   • The need for flexibility in transportation resources, including the role of ambulances in non-emergency situations.

5. Fuel Shortages:

   • Fuel supply issues and the necessity of contingency planning for transportation operations.
   • Anecdote about securing fuel through partnerships with local facilities.

6. Collaboration Among Transit Agencies:

   • The role of mutual aid from other transit agencies across Florida.
   • Identifying logistical challenges and shared resources during recovery.

7. Formation of ADMAG:

   • Overview of the Alternative Fuel Disaster Mitigation Action Group.
   • Focus on integrating alt fuels and zero-emission technologies while ensuring resilience in disaster scenarios.

8. Future Recommendations:

   • Importance of microgrids and renewable energy solutions for emergency preparedness.
   • Considerations for policy changes to support utilities and transportation during declared states of emergency.

Conclusion: Jared emphasizes the ongoing need for planning and innovation in the face of natural disasters, highlighting that recovery extends far beyond the immediate aftermath of a storm. The insights gained from Hurricane Michael continue to inform practices in disaster resilience and sustainable transportation.

Link to Guidebook: https://drpt.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DRPT_MTF-Guidebook_FINAL_PRINT.pdf

Keywords

zero emissions, transit planning, BRT, guidebook, workforce development, emissions reduction, financial tools, Kimley Horn, transportation equity, decarbonization

Summary

In this episode of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader speaks with John Jackson, a transit planner at Kimley Horn, about the importance of zero emissions in public transit. They discuss the recent guidebook developed for modernizing transit fleets, the challenges and benefits of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and the critical role of workforce development in transitioning to zero emissions. The conversation also touches on the financial tools available for agencies to assess emissions reduction and the personal journey of John in the field of transit planning.

Takeaways

The guidebook aims to provide a flexible starting point for agencies.

BRT is a cost-effective and quick alternative to rail systems.

Zero emissions buses can significantly reduce noise pollution.

Workforce development is crucial for the successful implementation of zero emissions vehicles.

Agencies prioritize service improvements over zero emissions initiatives.

Transition planning templates help agencies strategize their zero emissions goals.

Financial tools can illustrate long-term savings from transitioning to zero emissions.

Community engagement is essential for successful transit projects.

Different states have varying approaches to zero emissions transit.

The future of transit includes a mix of technologies and approaches.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Zero Emission Transit

05:47 Guidebook for Modernizing Transit Fleets

11:58 BRT Development and Its Importance

17:11 Challenges of Zero Emission BRT Implementation

20:53 Workforce Development in Transit

26:54 Transition Planning for Zero Emission Vehicles

28:39 Emissions Reduction and Financial Tools

32:57 Personal Journey in Transit Planning

39:08 Adapting to New Technologies in Transit

### Show Notes: Transition to Zero Podcast Episode with Paul Comfort

**Host:** Jared Schnader **Guest:** Paul Comfort, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Modaxo, Transit Unplugged Podcast and TV Show Host, Bestselling Author

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**Introduction (00:18 - 01:39)** **Host Introduction:** Jared Schnader, Bus Lead for CalSTART. **Guest Introduction:** Paul Comfort, over 30 years of transit experience, former CEO of Maryland Transit Authority, bestselling author of six books, host of Transit Unplugged podcast and TV show, SVP and Chief Customer Officer at Modaxo.

**Interview Begins (01:39 - 01:42)** **Jared Schnader:** Welcomes Paul Comfort. **Paul Comfort:** Expresses excitement for the conversation.

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**Career Journey and Early Challenges (01:42 - 04:18)** **Jared Schnader:** Asks Paul how he got into transit. **Paul Comfort:** Shares his story of starting in local government after a failed run for county commissioner, taking a low-paying job as a transportation coordinator, and developing a passion for public transportation. Discusses financial struggles early in his career, emphasizing the importance and underappreciation of public sector work.

**Current Excitement in Transit (04:18 - 05:57)** **Jared Schnader:** Asks what excites Paul about transit today. **Paul Comfort:** Highlights the rapid technological advancements in public mobility, such as AI and autonomous vehicles, and the personal fulfillment he gets from helping improve people's lives through public transit.

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**Zero Emission Technologies and Industry Challenges (05:57 - 09:20)** **Jared Schnader:** Focuses on zero-emission technologies in transit and asks Paul what he sees happening in this space. **Paul Comfort:** Notes the global trend towards lower emissions and zero-emission buses, mentions political and practical efforts to adopt cleaner fuels, and highlights challenges such as the collapse of the American OEM industry affecting bus availability.

**Impact of OEM Industry Collapse (08:42 - 09:20)** **Jared Schnader:** Inquires about the impact of OEM industry issues on transit agencies. **Paul Comfort:** Describes agencies borrowing buses and struggling to find parts, highlighting a critical issue in the transit sector.

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**Technological and International Innovations (10:23 - 12:52)** **Jared Schnader:** Asks about interesting international or domestic innovations Paul has seen. **Paul Comfort:** Points to high-speed rail and advanced battery technologies as significant innovations. Discusses the challenges and potential of high-speed rail in the U.S. and the promise of new battery technologies.

**Hydrogen and Future Technologies (12:52 - 13:45)** **Jared Schnader:** Discusses the potential of hydrogen fuel technology. **Paul Comfort:** Expresses optimism about hydrogen hubs and supports a diversified approach to transitioning to greener technologies.

**Experiences with International Transit Systems and Potential U.S. Changes (13:45 - 16:21)** **Jared Schnader:** Raises concerns about workforce training for emerging technologies and potential knowledge gaps. **Paul Comfort:** Emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and structured training programs in adapting to new technologies, sharing his own experiences in improving training at various agencies. Discusses efficient transit systems in Europe and the need for policy changes to encourage better transit systems in the U.S.

**Public Works, Political Will, and Impact of Litigation (16:21 - 19:45)** **Paul Comfort:** Reflects on historical public works projects and the difference in execution between countries with different governance structures. Discusses how litigation can slow down or halt public transportation projects in the U.S. and the high cost and prolonged timelines of projects in the current U.S. regulatory environment.

**Leadership in Transit Agencies (19:45 - 22:00)** **Paul Comfort:** Highlights the traits of successful transit leaders, including the ability to navigate political landscapes and manage various aspects of transit operations. Emphasizes the importance of understanding funding mechanisms and dedicated funding sources.

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**Insights from Transit Unplugged Podcast and TV Show (22:00 - End)** **Paul Comfort:** Shares learnings from interviewing over 300 guests and visiting transit systems on six continents. Discusses memorable interviews and the role of the podcast and TV show in facilitating information exchange within the public transportation community. Highlights the difference between the podcast and TV show audiences and objectives.

**Closing Remarks** **Jared Schnader:** Thanks Paul Comfort for his insights and participation. **Paul Comfort:** Expresses appreciation for the opportunity to discuss important transit topics.

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**Key Takeaways:** 1. **Paul Comfort's Background:** Extensive experience in transit, significant contributions to the field, and ongoing involvement in promoting public transportation. 2. **Technological Advancements:** Excitement about the rapid pace of technological change in public mobility. 3. **Zero Emission Initiatives:** Widespread movement towards cleaner transportation options, despite industry challenges. 4. **Training and Workforce Development:** Critical need for effective training programs to support the transition to new technologies in transit. 5. **International Transit Insights:** Learning from efficient transit systems abroad and advocating for policy changes in the U.S.

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**Resources:** - **Transit Unplugged Podcast:** [Link to Podcast](https://www.transitunplugged.com) - **CalSTART:** [CalSTART Website](https://www.calstart.org) - **Paul Comfort's Books:** Available on Amazon and other major retailers.

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For more episodes and updates, visit our [website](https://www.transitiontozero.com) and follow us on [social media](https://www.socialmedia.com/transitiontozero).

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**Next Episode Teaser:** Join us next time as we dive into the latest advancements in zero-emission bus technology and how cities are adapting to greener transportation solutions.

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### Show Notes for Episode: Transition to Zero

**Host:** Jerge Schneider, BUS Team Leader, CalSTART **Guest:** Mark Hoffman, Auburn University

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**Introduction:** - Host: Jared Schnader from CalSTART - Guest: Mark Hoffman from Auburn University

**Main Topics Discussed:**

1. **Introduction to Mark Hoffman:** - Background in vehicle energy systems. - Experience at Clemson's International Center for Automotive Research and University of Michigan. - Work at Auburn University for the past six years.

2. **Transit Bus Testing and Cybersecurity:** - Auburn University's involvement in the Low and No Emission Component Assessment Program. - Cybersecurity testing initiatives. - Challenges with initial testing protocols and public results publication.

3. **Cybersecurity Concerns in Transit:** - Addressing cybersecurity threats in transit vehicles. - Potential vulnerabilities in automated and smart bus components. - Examples of cybersecurity issues, such as RF noise interference and false telematics data.

4. **Industry Collaboration and Challenges:** - Collaboration with OEMs and transit agencies for cybersecurity validation. - The importance of third-party validation. - Involvement of multiple stakeholders in improving transit bus cybersecurity.

5. **Auburn University's Broader Transit Research:** - Development of a facility for real-world bus testing in various climates. - Research on new materials for bus construction to improve efficiency. - The role of Auburn's advanced polymer and additive manufacturing capabilities.

6. **Performance Specifications and Component Testing:** - Creating performance metrics for low and no emission buses. - The need for standardized component testing and performance assessment. - Collaboration with Ohio State and leveraging work from the National Renewable Energy Lab.

7. **Future Directions and Industry Impact:** - Importance of durability and life cycle maintenance cost assessment for new components. - The potential for aggressive aging-based protocols for component testing. - Ensuring industry-wide acceptance through collaborative protocol development.

8. **Engaging Students in Research:** - Role of Auburn University students in transit research projects. - Hands-on involvement in various research initiatives.

**Conclusion:** - Recap of the discussion on cybersecurity, performance specifications, and research at Auburn University. - Emphasis on industry collaboration and the future of transit research.

**Call to Action:** - Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for future episodes and explore more about CalSTART and Auburn University's transit research.

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**Contact Information:** - **CalSTART:** [Website](https://www.calstart.org) - **Auburn University:** [Website](https://www.auburn.edu)

**Follow Us:** - **Twitter:** [@CalSTART](https://twitter.com/CalSTART) - **LinkedIn:** [CalSTART](https://www.linkedin.com/company/calstart)

---

**Subscribe:** - Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.

Here are the show notes from the provided transcript:

---

**Host: Jared Schnader (00:03.086)** - **Introduction**: - Jared Schnader, host of "Transition to Zero," welcomes everyone to the episode. - He leads the bus team at Calstart, a national nonprofit consulting organization. - Jared expresses gratitude to Brad Miller, CEO of Pinellas Suncoast Transit in St. Petersburg, Florida, for joining the show. - This marks the second consecutive PSTA representative on the podcast.

**Guest: Brad Miller (00:20.011)** - **Response to Introduction**: - Brad humorously acknowledges Jared's remarks about having consecutive guests from PSTA on the podcast. - He expresses enthusiasm for being on the show and emphasizes the commitment to progress within PSTA.

**Host: Jared Schnader (00:39.726)** - **Request for Overview of PSTA**: - Jared asks Brad to provide an overview of Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, including its location, fleet size, and operations.

**Guest: Brad Miller (00:48.555)** - **Overview of PSTA**: - Brad introduces himself as the CEO of PSTA. - Describes PSTA as a midsize transit agency on the west coast of Florida, operating approximately 250 buses and employing around 800 transit workers. - Mentions the seasonal ridership surge during spring break and highlights PSTA's unique "wet bathing suit policy" due to trolley services. - Highlights the success of the Sunrunner, PSTA's first bus rapid transit line, which has contributed to economic development. - Expresses excitement about PSTA's growing fleet of zero-emission buses.

**Host: Jared Schnader (02:22.286)** - **Transition to Zero Emission Buses**: - Jared transitions the discussion to zero-emission buses and acknowledges the absence of mandates in Florida compared to states like California.

**Guest: Brad Miller (02:54.603)** - **Approach to Zero Emission Transition**: - Brad discusses PSTA's decision to transition to zero-emission buses despite the absence of mandates. - Mentions advocacy from environmental groups and concerns about climate change and sea-level rise. - Highlights PSTA's transition from diesel to hybrid electric buses and eventually to zero-emission buses since 2017.

**Host: Jared Schnader (04:43.723)** - **Discussion on Cost and Funding**: - Jared discusses the significant costs associated with transitioning to zero-emission buses. - Inquires about the role of government funding in PSTA's transition.

**Guest: Brad Miller (07:02.734)** - **Role of Government Funding**: - Brad emphasizes the importance of federal, state, and local partnerships in funding PSTA's transition. - Highlights competitive grants and support from the state of Florida, including VW Settlement Funds.

**Host: Jared Schnader (09:39.243)** - **Impact of PSTA's Transition**: - Jared discusses PSTA's role as a leader in zero-emission bus adoption and its influence on other agencies. - Inquires about the impact on public perception and adoption of zero-emission technologies.

**Guest: Brad Miller (11:59.243)** - **Community Impact**: - Brad discusses the positive impact of PSTA's zero-emission buses on the community, including environmental benefits and influencing other public sector entities to adopt similar technologies.

**Host: Jared Schnader (12:51.947)** - **Discussion on Utility Partnership**: - Jared inquires about PSTA's experience working with Duke Energy to establish charging infrastructure for electric buses.

**Guest: Brad Miller (14:26.894)** - **Utility Partnership and Infrastructure**: - Brad discusses the positive relationship with Duke Energy and efforts to establish charging infrastructure, including considerations for resilience during hurricanes.

**Host: Jared Schnader (16:36.459)** - **Assessment of Zero-Emission Bus Deployment**: - Jared inquires about PSTA's experience with battery electric buses and technological advancements in the field.

**Guest: Brad Miller (19:04.427)** - **Outcome of Zero-Emission Bus Deployment**: - Brad discusses PSTA's positive experience with battery electric buses, including operational performance and technological advancements.

**Show Notes: Jared Schnader (19:16.814)**

**Topic: Advancements in Zero Emission Bus Technology and Community Reception**

**Key Points:**

1. **Maturity of Zero Emission Bus Technology:** - Jared mentions a question he received regarding the maturity of zero emission bus technology. He highlights the commitment of major players like Gillig and New Flyer to transition a significant portion of their production lines to zero emission buses by 2025. - He emphasizes that with companies like Ride (formerly BYD) and Proterra leading the charge, zero emission buses are becoming increasingly prevalent in the industry.

2. **Operational Savings and Technological Advancements:** - Brad supports Jared's perspective, noting the operational savings achieved through zero emission buses, particularly in contrast to diesel fuel costs. - He underscores the significant advancements in battery range, with newer buses boasting twice the range compared to earlier models, making them more cost-effective and practical for transit agencies.

3. **Continuous Improvement and Public Perception:** - Jared acknowledges that while zero emission buses are mature technology, they continue to improve daily. - Brad echoes this sentiment, referencing past skepticism about electric buses and the perpetual cycle of new technologies emerging, such as hydrogen buses, but emphasizes the success and efficiency of zero emission buses, particularly in Florida.

4. **Community Reception and Environmental Impact:** - Brad discusses the positive shift in community perception, particularly among environmental groups, who now view public transit, especially zero emission buses, as part of the solution rather than the problem. - He highlights the role of zero emission buses in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability, contributing to a broader change in public perception about public transportation.

5. **Resilience and Emergency Response:** - The conversation shifts to the resilience of zero emission buses during extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and flooding. - Brad shares experiences of using electric buses for emergency evacuation and response activities, emphasizing the importance of resilient infrastructure to ensure continuous operation during crises.

6. **Future Challenges and Exportable Power:** - Jared raises concerns about balancing resources and assets across the state during emergencies, especially as Florida transitions to 100% zero emission buses. - Brad discusses past pilots involving exportable power from buses and acknowledges the potential advantages of such technology for emergency situations.

7. **CEO Engagement and System Understanding:** - Jared commends Brad for his hands-on approach, frequently riding buses to engage with employees and patrons. - Brad highlights the educational value of riding buses, gaining insights into system operations, and fostering a deeper appreciation for transit employees' work.

8. **System Optimization and Customer-Centric Approach:** - Brad reflects on how his experiences riding buses have influenced system operations, citing examples of reevaluating bus routes based on observed usage patterns. - He emphasizes the importance of understanding the transit network as a whole and adopting a customer-centric approach to service delivery.

These notes provide a summary of the conversation between Jared Schnader and Brad Miller, focusing on topics such as PSTA's transition to zero-emission buses, government funding, community impact, utility partnerships, and the outcome of deploying battery electric buses.

Here are the notes from the provided transcript:

Email Address for Jerry Miller: [email protected]

- **Introduction by Jared Schnader**: Jared welcomes everyone to another episode of Transition to Xero. He leads the bus team at CalSTART, a National Nonprofit Technical Consulting Organization. He highlights infrastructure as a barrier to the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

- **Introduction of Guest, Jerry Miller**: Jerry Miller, Director of Business Development for Electrification at US Energy, is introduced. He provides an overview of US Venture, the parent company of US Energy, which focuses on providing sustainable energy solutions.

- **Overview of VoltVault**: Jerry explains VoltVault, a patent-pending natural gas supplied, redeployable EV charger. It provides on-site, on-demand power generation, overcoming infrastructure challenges. It charges EVs at a fast rate without grid connection and is redeployable using a modified shipping container.

- **Power Systems of VoltVault**: Jerry details the two power systems of VoltVault: the primary power system utilizing renewable natural gas, and the hotel power system consisting of solar panels and batteries.

- **Refueling VoltVault**: Jerry explains the refueling process, which can involve connecting to a pipeline, changing onboard tanks, or connecting to a tube trailer for continuous use.

- **Cost of Power Generation**: Jared discusses the stability of costs per kilowatt-hour with VoltVault compared to fluctuating utility prices. Jerry provides pricing details, highlighting cost savings with VoltVault.

- **Environmental Impact**: Jerry discusses the environmental benefits of using VoltVault, particularly with renewable natural gas, which significantly reduces carbon intensity.

- **Charging Capacity and Configuration**: Jerry explains the charging capacity of VoltVault, including options for level three and level two chargers, as well as the ability to charge multiple vehicles simultaneously.

- **Considerations for Deployment**: Jared and Jerry discuss considerations such as space constraints and suitability for fleet applications versus public charging.

- **Versatility and Resilience**: Jared highlights the versatility of VoltVault in addressing infrastructure challenges and its potential for disaster response scenarios, with Jerry emphasizing its quick deployment and resilience.

- **Conclusion**: Jared expresses excitement about the potential applications of VoltVault and its role in accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

These notes cover key points from the transcript, providing an overview of the discussion between Jared Schneider and Jerry Miller regarding VoltVault and its role in addressing infrastructure challenges for electric vehicles.

**Show Notes: Transition to Zero - Episode Highlights**

**Introduction:**

- Host: Jared Schnader, Bus Team Lead at CalSTART

- Guest: Henry Lukasik, Director of Maintenance at Pinellas Suncoast Transit, St. Petersburg, Florida

**Discussion Highlights:**

1. **Evolution of Heavy Equipment Maintenance:**

- Lukasik discusses the evolution of heavy equipment maintenance, focusing on buses and alternative propulsion systems.

- Mentions the lifespan of propulsion technologies and the transition from antiquated diesel equipment to modern systems.

- Highlights the challenge of incorporating new technologies into technical trade school curriculums.

2. **Addressing Barriers to Entry:**

- Lukasik addresses the financial barriers individuals face in pursuing careers in heavy equipment maintenance.

- Discusses the expenses associated with technical schooling, tool purchases, certification tests, and ongoing recertification.

- Describes how Pinellas Suncoast Transit Agency (PSTA) addresses these barriers through tuition reimbursement, tool provision, and certification support.

3. **Labor Agreements and Career Paths:**

- Explores PSTA's labor agreements and career progression paths for technicians, emphasizing clarity and support for advancement.

- Discusses the importance of collaboration with unions and creating a conducive environment for skill development and career growth.

4. **Apprenticeship Programs:**

- Details PSTA's apprenticeship program, highlighting its partnership with technical trade schools and on-the-job training opportunities.

- Discusses the benefits of structured apprenticeship programs in preparing individuals for careers in heavy equipment maintenance.

5. **Success in Deploying Battery Electric Buses (BEBs):**

- Explains the factors contributing to PSTA's success in deploying BEBs, including favorable climate conditions and terrain.

- Addresses challenges such as range anxiety and the importance of planning and infrastructure development.

- Highlights the need for long-term vision and collaboration with utilities in electrification efforts.

6. **One-to-One Replacement Ratio:**

- Lukasik discusses PSTA's achievement of a 75% one-to-one replacement ratio for fixed-route services with BEBs.

- Explains the challenges faced in achieving one-to-one replacement for commuter express services due to higher speeds and longer distances.

- Emphasizes the importance of aligning vehicle capabilities with operational needs.

7. **Closing Remarks:**

- Schnader expresses gratitude to Lukasik for sharing insights and commends PSTA as a model for transit agencies.

- Lukasik offers willingness to share knowledge and support others in the industry.

**Conclusion:**

Transition to Zero podcast provides valuable insights into the challenges and successes of transitioning to zero-emission transportation, highlighting the importance of collaboration, planning, and investment in sustainable solutions.

### Podcast Episode Summary:

**Guest:** David J Carol, COO of APTA **Host:** Jared Schnader **Topic:** Addressing Challenges in Bus Procurement and OEM Attrition

APTA White Book https://www.apta.com/research-technical-resources/standards/procurement/apta-bts-bpg-gl-001-13/

Key Points:

- **Introduction to APTA (American Public Transportation Association):** - Represents public transportation in the US and Canada. - Membership includes transit agencies, businesses supporting those agencies (OEMs, suppliers, consultants). - APTA serves as a platform for transit-related discussions and initiatives.

- **Challenges in Bus Procurement:** - Significant OEM attrition and consolidation in recent years. - Fewer manufacturers left to fulfill demand (e.g., departure of Nova Bus, Proterra's reorganization). - APTA launched the Clean Bus Task Force to address these challenges.

- **Clean Bus Task Force Objectives:** - Investigate causes of OEM attrition. - Identify immediate solutions and long-term strategies for a competitive supply industry.

- **Task Force Composition:** - Comprises CEOs from transit agencies primarily. - Collaboration with FTA (Federal Transit Administration) for insights and support.

- **Standard Bus Procurement Guidelines (White Book):** - A compendium of specifications for bus procurement. - Challenges in navigating the document, especially for smaller agencies. - Efforts to automate and simplify the specification process underway.

- **Infrastructure Integration and Innovation:** - Challenges in integrating new technologies into bus procurement. - Emphasis on ensuring longevity and stability of suppliers and systems.

- **Rail Industry Parallels:** - Similar challenges and solutions applicable to the rail sector. - Progress payments, advanced payments, and use of indices relevant in rail procurement as well.

- **Future Outlook:** - Timeline for updates and automation in bus procurement. - Efforts to address outdated terms and conditions in procurement contracts industry-wide.

- **Appreciation and Closing:** - Gratitude for the collaborative efforts within APTA and with external stakeholders. - Optimism for a cleaner, simpler, and less risky procurement environment across the industry.

This podcast episode delves into the complexities of bus procurement, addressing challenges such as OEM attrition and the need for standardized guidelines. The Clean Bus Task Force, led by APTA, aims to streamline procurement processes and ensure a competitive supply industry to meet the growing demand for public transportation.

I had the pleasure of speaking with John walsh, President of the Americas for EO Charging. John has worked in the bus industry for decades, running numerous companies and most recently was at Proterra where he oversaw the bus division, battery division, and the power division at various times.

The EO Charging technology is a software layer that can improve uptime with charges and can proactively detect charging issues and malfunctions. We dive into cyber-security, what is a "turn key solution" and where the market is going.

For more information on EO Charging, reach out to John at [email protected].

1. **Introduction to EO Charging:** - EO Charging was established in 2004 and began full production in 2014, with headquarters in London. - The company specializes in manufacturing level two chargers, and its U.S. headquarters is located in Greenville, South Carolina.

2. **Turnkey Charging Solutions:** - EO Charging offers a comprehensive turnkey solution for depot charging, focusing on transit, school bus, and fleet electrification. - Notably, EO Charging does not provide public charging services. - The company provides end-to-end services including design, engineering, construction, installation, hardware, software, and maintenance.

3. **Partnerships and Integration:** - EO Charging collaborates with various partners such as WSP, Jacobs, AECOM, and Gannett Fleming for design services. - The company manufactures its own level two chargers and partners with hardware companies like ABB, Siemens, and Heliox for level three chargers. - EO Charging emphasizes its robust software program which is hardware-agnostic and allows remote monitoring, diagnosis, and repair of charging assets.

4. **Software Features:** - The software remotely monitors charging assets, diagnoses faults, and initiates repairs over the air. - EO Charging's software ensures compatibility with multiple charger brands and provides comprehensive asset management. - The company operates a Technical Operations Center offering 24/7 monitoring and support in multiple languages.

5. **Service Level Agreements (SLAs):** - EO Charging emphasizes the importance of SLAs for timely maintenance and repair of charging infrastructure. - SLAs ensure rapid response to faults, minimizing downtime and operational disruptions for customers. - The company guarantees 99% uptime for its charging infrastructure, setting a high standard in the market.

6. **Cybersecurity Measures:** - EO Charging addresses cybersecurity concerns through rigorous testing and compliance with industry standards. - The company conducts penetration tests to ensure the highest level of cybersecurity for its software and infrastructure. - Customers are encouraged to request documentation on cybersecurity measures, emphasizing the importance of data security in charging infrastructure.

7. **Industry Engagement:** - EO Charging actively engages with industry organizations like APTA to promote standards and best practices in charging infrastructure. - The company provides guidance on including cybersecurity requirements in RFPs for transit agencies and other stakeholders.

These show notes provide a comprehensive overview of EO Charging's services, focusing on its turnkey solutions, software features, SLAs, and cybersecurity measures. The company's commitment to reliability, compatibility, and cybersecurity underscores its leadership in the charging infrastructure market.

Based on the provided transcript, here are the show notes for the podcast episode:

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**Podcast Title:** Transition to Zero

**Episode Title:** Zeroing in on ZEBs: Exploring the State of Zero Emission Buses

**Host(s):** Jared Schnader

**Date:** 2/29/2024

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**Introduction:**

In this episode of Transition to Zero, host Jared Schnader welcomes Mike Hynes, the national program manager for Transit at CalSTART, to discuss the annual "Zeroing in on ZEBs" report. This report provides an index of the state of the zero emission bus (ZEB) industry in the US and Canada.

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**Key Points:**

1. **Purpose of the Report (08:49.37)** - The "Zeroing in on ZEBs" report is an annual index that tracks the adoption and funding of zero emission buses in the US and Canada. It provides a snapshot of where deployments and awards are happening, highlighting leaders in the industry and areas for improvement.

2. **Methodology (13:37.923)** - CalSTART's approach involves gathering data from various sources, including awards, orders, and direct outreach to agencies. The challenge lies in cross-referencing data due to differences in tracking methods across regions.

3. **Comparison with European Market (21:39.731)** - Despite advancements in the US zero emission bus market, it lags behind the European market in terms of deployment numbers. Factors such as pilot projects and varying regulations contribute to the difference.

4. **California's Leadership (25:10.308)** - California leads the way in zero emission bus adoption due to legislative support, funding opportunities, and a clear vision for transitioning to zero emission fleets.

5. **Challenges of Small Deployments (28:33.635)** - Small pilot projects pose challenges in terms of resource allocation and scalability for both transit agencies and manufacturers.

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**Interview/Conversation Highlights:**

- George and Mike discuss the significance of larger deployments and the importance of knowledge sharing among transit agencies.

- Mike highlights the impact of legislation, such as California's innovative clean transit rule, in driving zero emission bus adoption.

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**Listener Questions/Comments:**

[No specific listener questions or comments were addressed in this episode.]

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**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, the "Zeroing in on ZEBs" report provides valuable insights into the state of zero emission bus adoption in North America. Despite challenges, progress is being made, particularly in states like California and New York, which serve as models for other regions.

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**Additional Resources:**

- [Link to the "Zeroing in on ZEBs" report]

-calstart.org

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**Credits:**

- Host: Jared Schnader

- Guest: Mike Hynes

- Podcast Produced by Jared Schnader

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**Disclaimer:**

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast episode are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CALSTART or any other organization mentioned.

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By following this structure, the show notes provide a comprehensive overview of the episode's discussion on zero emission buses, highlighting key points, insights, and resources for listeners. Adjustments can be made based on the specific content and focus of the podcast.