For Immediate Release
Silver Spring, Md. – February 16, 2022: The International Transportation Learning Center (ITLC) and Jobs to Move America (JMA) announced today the release of their report to assist public transit agencies in meeting the requirements in the bipartisan infrastructure bill to train workers in the operations and maintenance of zero emissions buses (ZEBs).
In the report, “Providing Training for Zero Emission Buses: Recommended Expanded RFP Language,” agencies are provided language to adopt in workforce training that may be included in their ZEB Request for Proposals (RFPs). The bipartisan infrastructure bill allocates $2.5 billion for ZEB transition procurement, requiring that 5% must be spent on workforce training and development.
“Investment in human capital through front-line worker training in ZEB transition is the best way to ensure dependable and well-maintained buses,” said ITLC Executive Director Jack Clark. “We understand that developing training to maintain these new buses will not be one-size-fits-all, which is why in this report, no matter the size or expertise of staff, any agency will be able to tailor training procurement to meet their specific needs.”
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Recognizing that every agency has different needs, the report’s recommendations are templates based on a variety of RFPs containing strong language on procuring and drawn from conducting multiple interviews with leadership and staff from transit agencies, independent procurement trainers, and representatives from transit labor unions. The templates also cover a list of training requirements, as well as training on special tools and diagnostic equipment.
“With the infrastructure bill providing significant support for transit agencies to transition to zero-emission buses, we must ensure incumbent operations and maintenance workers have the skills they need to properly maintain the buses,” said JMA Executive Director Madeline Janis. “This language ensures that transit agencies will not need to rely on extended warranties from manufacturers to repair zero emission buses, but can instead procure training from them for their current workforce. Transit workers can be an important part of our green energy future if they are given the tools to succeed.”
The report is released here in PDF form. The accompanying Word version is provided for easy copying and pasting by agency procurement personnel.
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About the ITLC: The International Transportation Learning Center (ITLC) is the only national organization that focuses on workforce development of the frontline workforce in public transportation. The ITLC is a nonprofit organization that works with its partners to develop and support technical training partnerships for today’s and tomorrow’s front-line work force. The ITLC is dedicated to improving public transportation by committed investment at the national and local levels in frontline technical workers.
About JMA: Jobs to Move America (JMA) is a strategic policy center that works to transform public spending and corporate behavior using a comprehensive approach that is rooted in racial and economic justice and community organizing. JMA seeks to advance a fair and prosperous economy with good jobs and healthier communities for all.