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Posted on May 19, 2012
From Metro Magazine
http://www.metro-magazine.com/News/Story/2012/05/Flint-MTA-readies-hydrogen-bus-for-service.aspx
The Flint, Mich. Mass Transportation Authority (MTA) took possession of a hydrogen fuel-cell bus and is scheduled to put it into service by the end of May, making Flint the only city in the Midwest with a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle.
Hydrogen as a fuel for the public transit industry will reduce the dependency on fossil fuels such as diesel, is environmentally friendly and technically feasible, according to officials. The fuel cell bus produces water vapor from its tailpipe and can operate for 250 miles without needing to refuel.
Hydrogen fuel-cell buses contain batteries that can store electricity generated by the hydrogen fuel cell (a device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce power and water as a by-product) in addition to energy generated during the braking process.
In preparation for placing the bus on the road, a team comprised of MTA employees and Kettering University professor, Dr. Mohamed El-Sayed, have familiarized themselves with bus operator training, preventive maintenance, storage, installation of bus related software and monthly reporting requirements.
The bus will be housed and maintained at the MTA’s first of its kind, alternative fueling station in Grand Blanc. The station will provide hydrogen, propane and natural gas (CNG) for the MTA fleet.
Kettering engineering professors and students will work with the MTA to structure training programs to educate MTA employees and the general public on hybrid vehicle technology, including the operation of a fuel-cell vehicle, bus maintenance and safety with using alternative type fuels.
As part of the hydrogen fuel cell project, MTA plans call for future construction of a solar farm on the site at Maple Road and South Dort Highway. Solar power will assist in generating electricity to produce hydrogen.
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Posted on May 1, 2012
The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) transit system in Holland this year is offering an inexpensive way to avoid parking and traffic problems during the Tulip Time Festival, which begins May 5.
To help reduce traffic and congestion, local residents and visitors are encouraged to use MAX’s designated Park-N-Ride lots to leave their vehicles, and then ride the MAX into downtown Holland. Park-N-Ride lots are located at Holland-area Family Fare stores, Meijer stores, Walmart, D&W Foods, and Ditto’s on 8th & Clover Ave.
The MAX also is operating a new 15-minute shuttle that will travel down 7th St. and connect with two Park-N-Ride lots. The QuikTrip shuttle will continually circulate every 15 minutes and will operate from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. every day of the festival.
For just $5, festival-goers can buy a wristband that gives them unlimited rides on the shuttle and fixed bus routes for the entire festival. Wristbands are non-transferrable and non-refundable. The wristbands are available for purchase from the Tulip Time Office, MAX administrative offices at the Padnos Center, and online at www.catchamax.org. Without the wristband, the cost of riding the shuttle is $1 cash for all passengers (adults, seniors and children) upon boarding, and the exact fare is required as drivers cannot make change. Bus passes will not be honored as fare on the shuttle.
Cost of running the shuttle is being partially underwritten by billboard advertising from Gentex. MAX’s fixed buses operate 6 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays. The fixed bus routes do not operate on Sundays.
For more information on MAX’s services during the Tulip Time Festival, visit www.catchamax.org or download the 2012 Tulip QuikTrip Shuttle Brochure.
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Posted on April 2, 2012
The Federal Transit Administration has developed a new on-line instructional course for transit workers about the dangers of distracted driving. You are encouraged to make this course a part of your ongoing distracted driving program or fold it into your existing employee safety and training curriculum.
The 30-minute course, “Curbing Transit Employee Distracted Driving,” was developed by FTA in conjunction with the Florida Department of Transportation. It’s an excellent tool to educate, inform, and increase awareness among all transit workers about the dangers and challenges associated with distracted driving.
Safety remains a top priority at FTA and throughout the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as here in Michigan. Our industry needs to continue building a culture of safety where unsafe acts are not permitted by management or by peers. Please help to keep public transit as one of the safest transportation choices for the American people by continuing to educate our workforce on this vitally important issue.
Information on how to register is available on the FTA website here.
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Posted on March 2, 2012
Baker College of Owosso, Business & Corporate Services is offering a two-day workshop focusing on transit electricity and electronics for MPTA members. The course will provide classroom lecture, discussion, and hands-on use of test lights and meters for troubleshooting. Content will include safety techniques, principles of electricity, voltage drop, circuits, wiring diagrams, multiplex diagnostics, and much more!
The session is scheduled May 17 & 18 at the Baker College of Owosso Automotive Diesel Institute. For more information, you may contact Lisa Bowen at (989) 729-3603.
