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Execute Contract to Co-Sponsor Evaluation of Alternative Fuel Transit Bus Maintenance Practices and Design of Training Curriculum for Maintenance and Repair of Alternative Fuel Transit Buses

SYNOPSIS:

The proposed project with the Transportation Foundation of Los Angeles will evaluate existing transit maintenance practices and existing reports to determine the most successful approaches to maintenance and repair of alternative fuel buses. Upon completion of this evaluation, a determination will be made for the best approach for development of a customized training program for transit personnel and others for the servicing of alternative fuel buses. Total project cost for this project is approximately $250,000. AQMD funding will not exceed $200,000.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, March 24, 2000. Less than a quorum was present during the discussion of this item; the Chair and Vice Chair communicated their concurrence and recommendation that this item be forwarded for Board consideration with no approval or disapproval recommendation from the Committee.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Chairman to execute a contract with the Transportation Foundation of Los Angeles for evaluation of existing alternative fuel transit bus maintenance practices and design of a training curriculum for maintenance and repair of alternative fuel transit buses, in an amount not to exceed $200,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

Implementation of clean, alternative fuel vehicles provide an opportunity to significantly reduce the emissions inventory. Throughout the U.S., government and industry are faced with the challenge of implementing alternative fuel vehicles into their fleets. The emissions reduction potential for alternative fuel, heavy-duty vehicles is particularly good, and for that reason, policymakers have encouraged the rapid deployment of alternative fuel technologies in transit fleets. As a result, the need for qualified technicians to maintain and repair alternative fuel vehicles is expected to grow dramatically in coming years. Transit properties are seeking well-trained technicians to service their growing alternative fuel fleets.

Proposal

The Transportation Foundation of Los Angeles (TFLA) is a non-profit corporation providing education, training and the ongoing development of Los Angeles's public transportation system. To address the critical need for additional well-trained service technicians in the Basin’s transit properties, the TFLA proposes a two-phase approach. The first phase will involve an evaluation of existing training practices of major transit properties in the United States, including previous reports on this subject. In particular the TFLA will identify bus fleet reliability issues at Basin transit properties and their current maintenance and repair practices. Upon completion of this evaluation, a Task Force composed of representative of area transit properties, engine and coach manufacturers, training experts and others will review the work and recommend next steps to design of a training program. The next phase of the proposed project will be the design of a customized alternative fuels training curriculum for transit bus maintenance employees. The curriculum may include a maintenance and repair manual, if the Task Force and AQMD determine that there is not adequate existing resources. The curriculum will be designed to accommodate not only current transit employees, but provide a basis for adult and continuing education programs.

Benefits to AQMD

The proposed project is included in the March 2000 update of the Technology Advancement Plan under Project 2000T-1, Assessment of Advanced Technologies and Information Dissemination." Implementation of alternative fuels into transit fleets, and subsequently into other heavy-duty vehicles, can provide significant emission reductions over diesel-fueled buses. Implementation of advanced technologies requires skilled technicians to maintain and service the vehicles.

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII.B.2 of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for a sole source award is made under provision B.2.d.: Other circumstances exist which in the determination of the Executive Officer require such waiver in the best interest of the AQMD. Specifically, these circumstances are: B.2.c. (1), the unique experience and capabilities of the proposed contractor team.

The TLFA was established in 1991 by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) as a tax exempt, 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation for the purpose of providing education, training, and the advancement of knowledge and understanding that will promote the ongoing development of public transportation systems by providing educational, technological and economic opportunities within the Los Angeles Basin. The Transit Technology Program is designed to develop the skills of young men and women in transportation technology (maintenance). This program works very closely with high schools, community colleges and the transportation industry. The link between education and the industry provides an industry driven curriculum with internships and jobs. As part of the program, the students are required to obtain four ASE certifications and maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA. The program emphasizes a continuous learning process, as technology changes. The curriculum and training is made available at Los Angeles Unified School District’s high school and adult division, MTA operations facility, L.A. Trade Technical College through distance learning and on CD ROM. The proposed project is an enhancement to the Transit Technology Program.

Total project cost is approximately $250,000. Total AQMD funding will not exceed $200,000. Sufficient funds are available from the Clean Fuels Fund, established as a special revenue fund resulting from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Section 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.

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