Lack of Worker Input Creates Bumps in the Road for EV Buses

California transit companies are quickly adding new electric buses, but problems arise when workers aren’t consulted. Photo: California HVIP.

https://labornotes.org/2024/08/lack-worker-input-creates-bumps-road-ev-buses

August 06, 2024 / Audrey Elberger

Electric buses are rolling out nationally, and promise to help clean up city air. California is leading the way, with more than 650 active vehicles in 2022, and has mandated a completely electric or hydrogen fleet by 2040.

But what happens when managers pick buses that can’t drive up the hills?

Drivers and mechanics say bosses picked buses without regard for the requirements of the routes. Safety is also an issue. School bus drivers in San Francisco say their new EV buses have a fiberglass frame that puts a blinding glare in the rear view mirror. They also worry the bus frame, widened to fit large batteries, now barely fits in the road lane, which might cause accidents.

“The technology is just not there yet. It’s not good enough for the situations we’re in, but I hope that it will be soon,” said Meghann Adams, a bus driver in San Francisco, and president of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Local 1741.

FULL story at link above.