Battery-Electric Bus First Responder Training Program Cited for Innovation
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration has been awarded the 2025 Emergency Management Gold Award by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for its Battery-Electric Bus First Responder Training Program. Nominations in this category addressed a specific safety or security program and were evaluated on four criteria: effectiveness, benefit level, innovation and transferability. The agency’s program addresses a significant emergency management issue facing transit agencies nationwide as they expand deployment of battery-electric buses. The Bus Safety, Security and Emergency Management awards were presented as part of the APTA 2025 Mobility Conference held in Austin, TX April 6-9.
“The safety of our riders and employees will always be MTA’s top priority,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “Congratulations to our safety team and community partners on the development of their industry-leading first responder training for battery electric buses.”
Electric bus battery-related fires present unique challenges as compared to gasoline-powered bus fires. To address this emergency response challenge, the Maryland Transit Administration developed and implemented a robust training program. More than 200 first responders from the Baltimore City Fire Department participated in training sessions which included classroom instruction, hands-on battery electric bus training and a full-facility walkthrough.
Staff from the Office of Safety, Bus Maintenance, Facilities Maintenance and the Operations Control Center facilitated the hands-on training, which involved all internal and external components of the battery electric bus, including using a lift to allow first responders to see the batteries that are located on top of the bus.
The instruction was complemented by a comprehensive set of printed, digital and video materials for further study and practice. Post-training surveys confirm that the program contributed to first responders being able to more quickly and safely respond to battery electric bus incidents, lowering the risk associated with battery electric bus emergencies.
More than 100 transit agencies in the US now have at least one battery electric bus in their fleet. The Maryland Transit Administrations’ Battery-Electric Bus First Responder Training Program was designed to serve as a comprehensive, scalable and effective model for ensuring optimum safety for any transportation agency utilizing battery-electric buses.
Transit Choices congratulates the Maryland Transit Administration for receiving this prestigious award! It is the highest honor awarded by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for excellence in bus safety, security, and emergency management.
Thank you.