Room: International AB
Sponsor(s)
 
Session Description
ZEB User Conference – Session 1: Safety & Training Review
Stream: Leadership Stream
Sponsor: FleetZero
Moderator: Sherena Hussain – FleetZero
Speaker
1. Omar Rasheed – Metrolinx
2. Sam Farhangi – Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
3. Dave W. Partington – TOK Group
4. Al Pritchard – York Region Transit (YRT)
5. Naeem Farooqi – FleetZero
We begin with safety because zero?emission technology has changed the nature of the work. High?voltage systems, charging interfaces, de?energizing procedures, thermal events, and the interaction between the vehicle and the facility introduce conditions that are fundamentally different from diesel operations.
Our panelists will share what they learned through hands?on experience—what needed to be updated, clarified, or completely re?thought to support safe day?to?day interaction with this new equipment.
YouÂ’ll hear lessons learned about:
– Lockout/tagout programs that evolved once vehicles were on the property
– Standard operating procedures that needed refinement during early deployment
– Expanded PPE expectations for everyday tasks
– How teams handled thermal events when they occurred
– Charging equipment considerations that influenced maintenance and operations workflows
This session sets the foundation for the whole day. Before anyone drives, services, dispatches, or plugs in a bus, we need the right procedures and practices in place to support a safe working environment.
This is the first chapter in the day?in?the?life of a ZEB:
preparing people to work safely and confidently with the technology from the moment it arrives.
Speaker(s) / Presenter(s)
Bio:
Omar Rasheed is a transit professional with over 20 years of experience in bus fleet maintenance, safety, and technical training, specializing in diesel, hybrid, and zero-emission vehicle technologies.
Beginning his career as a licensed 310T Truck and Coach Technician, Omar built a strong technical foundation through extensive hands-on experience in diagnostics, inspections, and advanced vehicle systems. He developed deep expertise in complex troubleshooting while working closely with OEMs and engineering teams across a wide range of vehicle platforms and evolving transit technologies. He went on to take on leadership roles in training and safety, where he designed and delivered high-impact programs focused on regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and the safe integration of high-voltage and zero-emission technologies. His work has contributed to the development of industry-leading practices in hazard risk assessment, emergency response, and thermal event management for electric bus fleets.
Currently serving as a Senior Training and Development Specialist at Metrolinx, Omar operates at the intersection of engineering and frontline operations—translating complex technical systems, software, and emerging technologies into practical, effective training that drives safety, reliability, and performance across transit systems.
Omar plays a key role in advancing the transit industry through his leadership with the Canadian Urban Transit Association and the Ontario Public Transit Association, collaborating with agencies, apprenticeship programs, and post-secondary institutions to strengthen training standards, develop the next generation of skilled trades professionals, and advance the adoption of zero-emission technologies.
He is driven by a clear mission: to build safer, smarter, and more sustainable transit systems through technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
Sam Farhangi – Manager, Vehicle Reliability and Quality Assurance, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC)
Bio:
Dave W. Partington – VP, Fleet Maintenance and Facilities, TOK Group
Bio:
With over 40 years of experience with the TTC and York Region Transit, Dave is a proven leader in the field of transit fleet maintenance and facilities. He has extensive hands-on experience in every aspect of the industry, from maintaining vehicles on the shop floor to developing and managing multi-million dollar operating and capital budgets.
Dave has proven project management experience including the operational design, configuration and specification of all program equipment for two Operations and Maintenance facilities (Viva BRT Operations, Maintenance & Storage Facility and the YRT South West OMSF), including the commissioning, acceptance, and training requirements for these facilities and related equipment.
In addition to facility and operational design Dave is a proven expert in data analytics, KPI development, process and procedure development, facility and equipment review, maintenance practices review and maintenance needs assessment. He has piloted pedestrian and collision avoidance technologies; developed plans for a piloting all-electric buses; introduced solar-powered technologies to significantly reduce infrastructure and utility costs. Knowledgeable in alternative fuel technologies, Dave champions greening and fuel reduction technologies including innovations such as electric bus and autonomous technologies.
Bio:
Bio:
With over sixteen years of experience in asset management, supply chain transformation, finance, relationship management, and marketing in the transportation sector, Naeem is passionate about helping fleets navigate their route to zero emissions. As the CEO and founder of FleetZero, Naeem leads a trusted advisor and solution provider that offers turnkey solutions to remove the emission transition headache and keep fleets on the road.
Naeem is completing his PhD in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto, where he developed leading research on the relationship of asset reliability and various propulsion technologies on the optimization of asset lifecycle. He also has a Masters Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management and a MSc. in Planning, which enable him to apply analytical and strategic skills to complex challenges and opportunities. Naeem has also completed an online course on electric cars from edX, which enhanced my knowledge and expertise in zero emission mobility.
Naeem has received multiple awards and honors for his work in decarbonizing the transportation sector, such as the Clean50 Emerging Leader, the Top 40 Under 40 in transit, and the MIE Graduate Research Symposium People Choice Award. He has also published articles on inventory parts management, materials supply chain, and electric cars in professional magazines and platforms, such as Metro Magazine and edX. He is committed to advancing the sustainability and innovation agenda in the transportation industry and making a positive impact on the environment and society.
Moderator(s)
Sherena Hussain – Chief Operating Officer, FleetZero