AVL mechanics
AVL mechanics are responsible for ensuring that buses are available for service when needed, and that they operate smoothly. They do so by ensuring that the buses and their equipment are in perfect working order, clean, and meet regulatory requirements.
They carry out visual inspections of visible defects, intervene to manage breakdowns and replace broken-down buses to ensure continuity of service.
Their job also entails entering and tracking repair requests in the incident management system, and carrying out level-one repairs.
For effective fleet management, they can also track vehicle locations using eDMS (Depot Management System) software.
Lastly, AVL mechanics provide drivers with technical support – for instance, by briefing them about simple steps they can take when problems occur, and by being on hand and providing assistance by telephone if they encounter technical issues that they cannot resolve themselves.
AVL workshops
The AVL workshops manage and optimise the department's infrastructure, buildings, and work spaces. They ensure that the work environment is functional, and suitable for operational and network requirements.
AVL workshop staff manage general services – in particular, maintenance, cleaning, and safety – to ensure optimal working conditions. They also ensure that technical installations, such as heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, electrical systems, and all other installations, are maintained in good working order.
Their job also entails managing contracts with and liaising with external providers, controlling costs, and managing budgets for facilities-related operations.
AVL workshop staff also ensure that occupational health and safety standards are implemented effectively, and that regulatory requirements are met.
Lastly, they contribute to the continuous improvement of infrastructures and work environments, taking user experience and user needs into consideration.
Cleaning and parking
The teams inspect and maintain the buses, and manage their parking on a daily basis. In so doing, they help maintain the quality, safety, and availability of the fleet.
They carry out visual inspections of the vehicles – especially to check the condition of tyres – to ensure they are road-ready. Their work also entails daily, fleet-wide interior cleaning, and organising external cleaning, including scheduling turns at vehicle washing stations – some 9,000 washes a year.
Buses undergo intensive cleaning periodically to maintain a high standard of cleanliness. The department can handle around seven vehicles a day.
The department also manages the parking of buses in the depot, prior to their release for operational service, and enters data into the parking management software, which tracks available parking spaces accurately.
Lastly, the department is responsible for ensuring electric buses are charged before they are parked in the depot, to make sure that they are ready and available for subsequent service runs.
