Training for whole staff when e-buses were first introduced in the region

As a part of the procurement of e-buses, the whole operator staff as well as towing staff and rescue workers were trained to operate, maintain and handle the buses and opportunity chargers. Training was organized by Turku University of Applied Sciences.

For successful training, it is important that in addition to the general knowledge on the technology, the trainers have sufficient knowledge on the exact systems in question. The two trainers familiarized themselves by several factory visits, test drives and practicing charging procedure.
The driver training was implemented in two parts. The first part took place before the actual launch of the e-bus service. The emphasis was to familiarize the drivers with the every-day operation and charging process of the e-buses. The second part was implemented about a year later. The main emphasis of this part was on economical driving to minimize the electricity consumption. This part was implemented when the drivers were already used to the basic operation procedures of the e-buses. This means that their ability to adopt new driving style characteristics was considered better.

In addition to the bus operator staff, the towing contractor and local rescue department were trained as well. The towing staff was trained on how to tow e-buses safely if needed. Rescue workers were given combination of theory and hands on training on location of high voltage components and how to disconnect electrical systems of bus and chargers.