Resolving the Bus Manufacturing Crisis: Challenges, Changes, and the Path Ahead

04-09-2024 • 36 mins

The bus manufacturing crisis has been looming for years as more and more OEMs dropped out. But the final straw was when Proterra filed for bankruptcy protection and REV Group said it was closing its ENC facility to focus on the Canadian market. In the blink of an eye the U.S. was down to two major bus manufacturers: GILLIG and New Flyer. This put the entire public transit industry into crisis mode. Delivery times for new buses went from 12-18 months to 18-24 months--and longer.

How did we get this point?

It's not an easy answer, but a combination of contract terms, the pandemic, supply chain issues, and the transition to zero-emissions buses all factored in. But this week Paul dives into it with former FTA Administrator and Managing Partner at Cardinal Infrastructure Sherry Little, along with Jennifer McNeill (Vice President of Public Sector Sales and Marketing) and Stephanie Laubenstein (Director of Sales and Business Development) from New Flyer.

They talk about all the causes and how the industry came together to find real, tangible solutions that will help the OEM bus industry get back on its feet and come back stronger for the future.

Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged we have Philip Gerhardt head of Transport for London's Head Bus Performance to talk with Paul about optimizing the over 650 bus routes across London that serve millions of riders each day.

Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.com

Host: Paul Comfort
Producer: Paul Comfort
Editor and Writer: Tris Hussey
Executive Producer: Julie Gates

Special thanks to:

Brand design: Tina Olagundoye
Social Media: Tatyana Mechkarova
Marketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris Hussey

If you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.

00:00 Resolving the Bus Manufacturing Crisis: Challenges, Changes, and the Path Ahead

00:05 Paul buying his first bus and an intro to the episode

03:09 Introduction and Guest Welcome

03:41 Current State of the Bus Manufacturing Industry

04:41 Challenges and Advocacy Efforts

06:59 Legislative and Policy Changes

11:09 Impact of the Pandemic on Bus Manufacturing

14:13 Recovery and Future Outlook

15:34 Customization and Standardization in Bus Manufacturing

25:45 Transition to Zero Emission Buses

31:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

34:48 Coming up next week on Transit Unplugged

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any...