Remote Control


Fleet managers are increasingly relying on over-the-air software updates and remote diagnostics to ensure modern diesel engines are running at their optimum levels. Similar technology is coming soon to electric buses


Written By Carol Brzozowski


3 regulations that push commercial trucks and buses toward zero emissions, one of the biggest anxiety points for school bus drivers has remained the same: When the check engine light comes on. Arguably, over-the-Air (OTA) programming,


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the colloquialism for the ability to run automatic or prompted software updates to the engine, and remote engine diagnostics are becoming must- haves for maintenance staff to not only to alleviate driver anxiety but keep buses out of the shop and on the road in working order. This is especially true as many districts and bus


contractors continue to buy diesel buses for at least the next decade amid regulations or mandates that require more stringent diesel emissions or outright zero-emissions purchases. Those that can contin- ue purchasing diesel are expected to operate those vehicles even longer based on rising upfront prices tied to longer manufacturer warranties. Then there is the emerging fleet of new electric school buses to contend with. To that end, software update and diagnostics technology has the potential to cut or eliminate vehicle downtime during engine updates as the latest diesel engines require an increasing amount of software programming.


48 School Transportation News • JULY 2024


s diesel engine emissions technolo- gy grows increasingly complex and costly due to the latest U.S. Environ- mental Protection (EPA) GHG Phase


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