Buses are inspected on a regular schedule

Buses are swept and washed every night, and cleaned thoroughly every 35 to 45 days. Buses get an overall inspection every 3,000 miles, and specific systems are inspected in more depth at other intervals. Problems identified by drivers during drive time or by mechanics during inspections are prioritized and become part of the daily workload.

Helper DJ Rogers checks the oil on a Metro Transit bus in the Heywood Garage.

Buses are parked for the night in lettered bays so that they can be retrieved for inspection or repairs if necessary. Shown here is the interior of Metro Transit’s East Metro garage in St. Paul.

Bus mechanics are expected to handle the gamut of repairs, but many specialize. The four areas include:

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
Electrical/computer
Pneumatics/suspension
Tune-ups

Metro Transit is among several transit agencies nationwide helping the nonprofit organization Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) to develop quality standards for maintaining public transportation buses. Until now, there haven’t been national standards for diesel mechanics. Four of Metro Transit's mechanics have worked with transit experts from across the country to develop ASE exams.

Metropolitan Council

Buses are inspected on a regular schedule