By David Hubbard
Earlier this year, BUSRide launched a sister digital-only publication, BUSRide Maintenance, to connect directly with our readers more closely focused on the best bus and coach maintenance management processes and practices. Discovering that far too many people have not yet seen or heard of BUSRide Maintenance, I would like to take this time to more formally introduce this online magazine available at www.busridemaintenance.com.
While the topic is tedious drudgery for some and a pleasurable pastime for others, the subject of maintenance commands our attention more than ever, and we are convinced the varied and complex world of bus and motorcoach maintenance needs its exclusive front cover and editorial.
BUSRide Maintenance is for everyone in the industry interested in a more informative view of their fellow safety directors, maintenance supervisors and bus and coach technicians who diagnose the problems and get them fixed. Our goal is to leave no stone unturned as we plow through the many aspects the maintenance crew faces on a daily basis. Along with the how-to article for every system and component repair stem to stern on buses of every ilk, we explore management issues, technology solutions, preventive processes, worker productivity, loss prevention, shop design, planning and scheduling, training, lubricants and fuels. In these few months, we realize we have barely scratched the surface.
With that said, this introduction comes as a call to action. BUSRide Maintenance needs you.
We need for mechanics and the mechanically minded with the problem solving skills to diagnose and fix what needs fixing to tell their story. We invite contributed editorial from all qualified safety and maintenance professionals, OEMs and vendors. We rely on your knowledge and experience to make BUSRide Maintenance an informative resource.
We welcome your commentary, instruction and advice on how to keep all the equipment — transit buses, motorcoaches paratransit vehicles, small bus shuttles and trolleys — on the road and running safely, as well as your submissions on best practices for operating maintenance facilities safely and efficiently.
If you or your company is interested in contributing to BUSRide Maintenance, you may consider:
*How To articles that help explain critical maintenance process or procedure.
*Best Practices that make a specific maintenance area safer and more efficient.
*Review and Results of a recent maintenance event, such as a conference or Roadeo competition.
*Case Studies on a specific maintenance issue, problem or concern.
*Profiles of an innovative or unique maintenance program.
We welcome submissions from OEMs and suppliers, but they must not be blatantly promotional. Rather, address and discuss proprietary products and services as they relate to maintenance solutions, supported with pertinent quantifiable information that can include technical data, case studies and test results.
BUSRide Maintenance also welcomes contributions for six ongoing columns:
Maintenance Tip — A short, to-the-point, tried-and-true process or technique that gets the job done.
Ask the Expert — Answer a frequently asked question (FAQ). Pose the question and give us the answer.
Maintenance Safety — Safety guides the maintenance arena; topics include best practices, regulatory compliance, risk management, safe maintenance training.
Products and Services — Showcases new products and services available from manufacturers and vendors.
One final note: BUSRide Maintenance is more interested in the solid content and information from knowledgeable and experienced professionals. Provide a rough draft on the solid technical information and trust your editors to work with you on the final published presentation. Feel free to contact BUSRide Maintenance editors at any time to discuss possible topics and story angles. We look forward to hearing your ideas.