Building a Strong Workforce
The Transit Institute for Competitive Energy (T-FORCE) is building a strong workforce for transit in Ohio and the surrounding region, focusing on skills and training for vehicles powered by competitive energies (Battery Electric, Hydrogen, and other low- and zero-emission technologies).
60,000
There are around 60,000 Ohioans working in public transit
Source: Ohio Public Transit Association
14%
There was a 14% growth in full-size zero-emission transit bus adoption in the U.S. from 2023-2024
Source: CALSTART
70+
There are over 70 public transit systems and mobility management providers that serve Ohio’s communities
Source: Ohio Public Transit Association
TOP 7
From 2023-2024, Ohio saw the 7th greatest numerical increase in zero-emission bus adoption out of all 50 states
Source: CALSTART
The increase in advanced vehicle technology adoption and the breadth of Ohio’s transit industry is why T-FORCE was created. T-FORCE will work to break down silos across the state and region and ensure that everyone can access the same standardized training program. This way, transit workers will be prepared for the technologies of tomorrow.
FOUNDING PARTNERS
Background
The Transit Institute for Competitive Energy was designed in collaboration by NEORide, CALSTART, and ZEB Tech. These organizations are working to pool resources and deliver standardized, regional training program for transit agencies to prepare the workforce for technologies of the future.
In 2023, NEORide and CALSTART submitted a federal grant application with the Ohio Department of Transportation to secure low-emission and zero-emission buses for 10 transit agencies in Ohio. After receiving the award, ZEB Tech was brought in and T-FORCE was created to provide training, close gaps, and ensure a robust workforce for the new propulsion systems.
FOUNDING PARTNERS
NEORide was established as a Council of Governments (COG) under Ohio law, and is actively working to break down artificial boundaries, streamline operations and make it easier for riders to use public transit to travel across Ohio and beyond. The purpose of NEORide is to plan, promote, further, and enhance transportation options within the jurisdictions of all of their transit members across 11 states by encouraging cooperative agreements and coordination action among the Members, and between the Members and other governmental agencies, private persons, corporations, or agencies.
For more than 30 years, CALSTART has been committed to building and expanding a sustainable transportation industry that promotes greenhouse gas reductions, energy independence, and equitable economic growth. Seen as the global leader in transportation decarbonization, CALSTART collaborates with its member companies across different activity areas including market acceleration, data insights and analytics, public policy, and technology development and deployment.
ZEB Tech is a trailblazer in advancing vehicle technologies with experience spanning various forms of transit and automotive applications, including hybrid, railcar, and battery electric. They are seen as a go-to organization for all things workforce development within the transportation industry with a mission to lead the charge toward a more sustainable future. ZEB Tech’s capabilities include training program analysis, curriculum development, industry outreach and training, standards development, and program rollout, among others.