In this episode of "The Future of Grand Transportation," host Daniel interviews Lance Johnson, the Executive Director of Transportation and Fleet Services for Arlington Public School System. Lance shares insights into his 20-year journey in the transportation sector, discussing challenges such as driver shortages and innovative solutions like CDL training programs. They delve into the future of transportation, including the potential for AI technology, student ridership, and alternative vehicles like EVs and hydrogen buses. 👉 Here are some power takeaways from today's conversation: • Understanding the multifaceted role of school transportation directors • The importance of innovative recruitment and retention strategies • Future technological advancements in school transportation 🚨 Episode Highlights: Understanding the multifaceted role of school transportation directors: School transportation directors are responsible for overseeing all aspects of student transportation, including managing bus fleets, ensuring safety and compliance, coordinating schedules, and addressing logistical challenges. Their role requires strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances. The importance of innovative recruitment and retention strategies: Innovative strategies are crucial for attracting and retaining qualified school bus drivers. This includes offering competitive wages, benefits, and professional development opportunities, as well as implementing programs like CDL training to nurture talent and ensure a steady supply of skilled drivers. Future technological advancements in school transportation: Technological advancements, such as electric and hydrogen-powered buses, AI-driven safety systems, and student ridership tracking, are set to revolutionize school transportation. These innovations aim to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability, offering significant benefits to school districts and the communities they serve. 📚 Resources Mentioned: • 213 (Leadership book focusing on teamwork and communication) 🎧 About the Guest Lance Johns has been an influential figure in the Pupil Transportation industry since 2001, starting as a dedicated bus driver in Fairfax County, Virginia. Following his high school graduation in Fairfax County, he spent four years in this role before relocating to Marietta, Georgia. In Marietta, he diversified his skills, undertaking roles including Dispatcher and Trainer, contributing significantly to local transportation services for five years. In 2011, Lance accepted a supervisor position in Carroll County, Georgia, where he spent two years honing his leadership abilities. He then returned to Marietta, Georgia, where his career truly flourished. His rapid ascent in Marietta saw him holding various positions, such as Field Safety Coordinator and Special Needs Education Supervisor of Transportation. The pinnacle of Lance's career in Marietta came in 2017 with his promotion to Assistant Director of Transportation. In this role, he achieved several notable accomplishments, including securing civil awards for his district and pioneering new technologies such as the parent app for bus tracking and student ridership scan systems. During the pandemic in 2021 Lance's innovative work was featured on 60 Minutes, bringing national attention to his efforts. This exposure highlighted Lance's exemplary leadership during challenging times. In pursuit of being closer to his children, Lance returned to Fairfax County, Virginia, in 2021, where he served as Operations Manager for two and a half years. His dedication and expertise led him to his current role as Executive Director of Transportation and Fleet Service for Arlington Public Schools since July 2023. Lance's career is a testimony to his commitment to excellence and innovation in transportation, continually striving to enhance the safety and efficiency of Pupil Transportation services.

Welcome to another exciting episode of the ‘The Future of Ground Transportation’ podcast! In this episode, host Daniel Perez sits down with Hugh Reece, Program Manager at National Grid, to discuss the electrification of fleets and the innovative programs National Grid is implementing to support this transition. This episode explores National Grid's crucial role in promoting the adoption of EVs and aligning with Massachusetts' ambitious clean energy targets.

Here are some power takeaways from today's conversation:

• National Grid's role in supporting fleet electrification

• Massachusetts' ambitious clean energy goals

• Comprehensive fleet electrification programs

• Challenges and solutions in the transition to electric vehicles

• The importance of right-sizing infrastructure and leveraging expert advice

Episode Highlights:

National Grid's role in supporting fleet electrification:

Hugh Reece outlines how National Grid is spearheading initiatives to help Massachusetts achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The company offers various programs and incentives aimed at facilitating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across both public and private fleets.

Massachusetts' ambitious clean energy goals:

The state’s target is to have over 900,000 EVs on the road by 2035, with the ultimate goal of reaching 1.1 million EVs. Reece discusses how state policies and utility programs are essential to accelerating this transition.

Comprehensive fleet electrification programs:

National Grid offers a range of programs to support fleet electrification, including Fleet Advisory Services, Make Ready Programs, and Off-Peak Rebate Programs. These initiatives are designed to help fleet operators transition to electric vehicles and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Challenges and solutions in the transition to electric vehicles:

Reece discusses the high upfront costs of EVs and the necessary infrastructure, the need for specialized workforce training, and the current limitations in vehicle availability for different use cases. He emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term cost savings and total cost of ownership of EVs.

The importance of right-sizing infrastructure and leveraging expert advice:

Emphasizing the significance of tailoring the infrastructure to specific needs, Reece explains that over-sizing can lead to unnecessary expenses. He advocates for leveraging external expertise, such as the Fleet Advisory Services and MassCEC programs, to ensure organizations make informed decisions.

Resources Mentioned:

For more detailed information on National Grid’s EV programs and to connect with Hugh Reece for guidance, reach out via email at hugh.reece@nationalgrid.com.

About the Guest

Hugh Reece, is a Senior Program Manager dedicated to supporting National Grid's Fleet EV Programs in Massachusetts. Hugh is an accomplished professional with expertise in cleantech, program management, and enterprise client management.

Before joining National Grid, Hugh worked at Volta Charging, where he provided support to sales and operations teams. Prior to Volta Charging, he worked at Modivcare, managing a portfolio of enterprise clients; He also spent time at Enel (formerly EnerNOC), where he implemented both their suite of energy management services and Demand Response programs.

He resides in Medford MA with his wife and two children. Outside of work you’ll find him hanging with the family, mountain biking in the warmer months and in the winter months, skiing as much as he can.

Welcome to the latest episode of “The Future of Ground Transportation“ podcast where we dive into the future of ground transportation with special guest Anna Vanderspek from Green Energy Consumers Alliance. In this episode, Anna, the electrical vehicle program director, shares insights on the transition to a zero-carbon world and the Drive Green Programs that educate consumers about electric cars.

We discuss the barriers faced in the early stages of electric vehicle adoption, the changing landscape of costs, and the importance of infrastructure development. Anna also highlights various state and federal incentives available for fleet operators looking to electrify their vehicles.

Learn about the different types of charging, the benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles, and the impact of policies on the future of transportation. Anna also shares valuable resources and advice for those interested in making the switch to electric vehicles.

For more information on Green Energy Consumers Alliance and their programs, visit their website at greenenergyconsumers.org. Don't miss out on this informative episode that sheds light on the path to a sustainable future in ground transportation. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on upcoming episodes!

Here are some power takeaways from today's conversation:

· Overview of green electrification vehicles and clean transportation policy

· State-level programs and incentives for private fleet operators

· Utility bill incentives and off-peak charging rebates

· Maintenance cost savings with electric vehicles

· Impact of national and international policies on the market

· Future outlook and timeline for transitioning to electric vehicles

Resources Mentioned:

· Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg

To stay in touch with Anna Vanderspek, you can connect with him on LinkedIn. You can also reach out via email drivegreen@greenenergyconsumers.org

For more information on Green Energy Consumers Alliance and their programs, visit their website at greenenergyconsumers.org

About the Guest

Anna is the Electric Vehicle Program Director at Green Energy Consumers Alliance, a Massachusetts- and Rhode-Island-based nonprofit organization empowering consumers and communities to speed a just transition to a zero-carbon world. In that role, she manages the organization's Drive Green program, which educates consumers about electric cars and helps them make the switch, and advocates for smart clean transportation policy at the state level.