Pre-testing of e-bus as a training for drivers and technical staff prior to the launch of pilot

This was the first time that an electric bus was tested in the Maltese islands. The driving technique, operational characteristics and the problem-solving techniques of electric buses were still new to the transport operator staff. The pre-testing served as training for the staff to familiarise themselves to electric buses.

Part of the training for drivers who were going to drive the electric bus during the TAM electric bus pilot project involved driving the bus on a test route to get familiar with the bus before boarding any passengers. This can be considered as a Good Practice with regards to Health & Safety. Following the pre-testing, it was easier to identify the performance of the bus in certain uphill roads which were more challenging. This helped in choosing the routes that the electric bus would be operated on. The pre-testing also helped the technical staff to identify any common issues encountered during the pre-testing phase. In case of any technical failures the supplier of the bus was available to assist the technicians to resolve these errors. In case of damaged components, the supplier provided the necessary spare parts and guided the technicians on how they should be replaced.

The pre-testing served as training on electric buses for the drivers and technical staff. It also served to determine the ability of the bus to perform well in certain roads, before operating on that road with passengers.