Transition to Zero

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.

Title: Transition to Zero: ATN's Journey to Resiliency and Supporting Economic Drivers Description: Join host Jared Schnader as he sits down with Diana Kotler, CEO of Anaheim Transit Network (ATN), to explore the innovative steps ATN is taking towards a zero-emission future. Discover how ATN is leading the way in sustainable public transit, the role of microgrids, and the exciting potential of autonomous technology. Key Points: Introduction to ATN and its mission to improve air quality and manage congestion in Anaheim. The journey towards a zero-emission transit district by 2028. Insights into the development and operation of ATN's microgrid. The importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainability goals. Future prospects of autonomous technology and personalized transportation. Hashtags: #SustainableTransit #ZeroEmission #InnovationInTransit Call to Action: Listen now to learn how ATN is transforming public transit and paving the way for a cleaner, greener future. Link in first comment.

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 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

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.

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.