Bus Maintenance is Essential for Longer Road Life

Fleet Refurbishment is Important to Bus Maintenance

Nowhere is the importance of bus maintenance more pressing than in the need for vehicle refurbishment. A complete refurbishment can extend the life of a bus at half the cost of a new vehicle. With the current financial strains on municipal transit bus fleets, this can make the difference between a great public service and one that is merely adequate.

Corrosion and daily wear and tear on the vehicles are the chief reasons for refurbishment. It is a labour intensive process that can take up to eight weeks. (Incident-related repairs from collision or fire are more specific in nature, and can usually be corrected more quickly.)

Canadian winters are harsh on equipment and structural corrosion is expected. As a result, the first step in a bus refurbishment is a complete tear down, with all fixtures removed. Once the vehicle is stripped the corroded areas can be identified and removed. Often there are mechanical elements requiring an overhaul as well – and in our climate that includes both a need for both well-functioning heaters and air conditioning. Finally, the rebuilding can begin, which sees the installation of new parts and furniture, followed by prep work and painting.

There may also be a need for upgrades and branding changes, as well as modernization of previous seating and new branding. There may also be the addition of features involving new ridership collection processes, or enclosures for drivers.

Electric Vehicles Have Unique Maintenance Requirements

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and this is impacting bus maintenance as well. Many city bus fleets are beginning the process of conversion to electric buses. Toronto is one city that has committed itself to green growth. It is leading the way in electric fleet building with 60 buses already delivered and another 300 e-buses on order.

Bus maintenance for these new arrivals requires a different skillset. Electric buses work differently than their internally combusting predecessors. Because there are fewer moving parts, there is generally less need for heavy maintenance. Nevertheless, some maintenance issues remain the same, such as the need to deal with corrosion, as well as the inevitable effects of wear and tear by passengers over the years.

Mechanics need to be educated on the safety issues of working with the high voltage system of the electric vehicles. Different personal protection protocols are necessary to prevent injury and harm.

Teamwork Approach is Vital for Bus Maintenance

One successful player in the field of bus maintenance is Extreme Garage. Its team of Heavy-duty equipment mechanics repair, overhaul and maintain a wide variety of mobile units. Included in that is proficiency in one of the fastest expanding sectors of heavy equipment repair – the servicing of electric vehicles, including buses.

The firm stresses a teamwork approach. Its licensed facility is also equipped to make repairs to air conditioning and heating systems, mechanical repair and service, as well as service light to heavy duty diesel and electrical engines. Extreme Garage’s focus is on commercial trucks and bus maintenance.