Show Notes: This episode of “The Future of Ground Transportation" podcast features an insightful conversation between host Daniel Perez and guest Paul Cassetta, the Director of Fleet & Maintenance at DPV Transportation. With over 36 years of experience in the transportation industry, Cassetta shares his expertise on the differences between being a technician and a mechanic, the importance of safety in the industry, and the challenges of finding skilled personnel to work on ground transportation vehicles.  Here are some power takeaways from today's conversation: The transportation industry is evolving  Why safety is paramount in the transportation industry Skilled labor shortage Cost of electric vehicles  Mentoring programs for young mechanics Episode Highlights: [03:17] The transportation industry is evolving  With the advent of new technologies, ground transportation is constantly evolving. This makes it essential for companies to stay up-to-date with the latest innovations. [09:20] Why safety is paramount in the transportation industry Safety is an essential aspect of the transportation industry. Even minor issues can lead to major problems if not addressed, which is why it's crucial to trust qualified people in leadership roles. [12:55] Skilled labor shortage  Finding skilled mechanics and technicians who are trained to work on electric vehicles is a challenge for the industry. Companies are looking for ways to attract and retain qualified personnel. [14:25] Mentoring programs for young mechanics To encourage interest in the field of ground transportation, companies are implementing mentoring programs for vocational students. These programs provide students with hands-on experience and help bridge the gap between education and employment. [15:57] Cost of electric vehicles  The cost of batteries is one of the main challenges in implementing electric buses in public transit fleets. Companies need to evaluate the long-term cost-benefits of transitioning to a completely electric fleet. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Paul on LinkedIn  Connect with Paul on Instagram Send email to Paul: [email protected] About the Guest Paul Cassetta is Director of Fleet & Maintenance. Started DPV April 2022. Been in ground transportation 36 years. Foreperson, Supervisor for many large major Bus Companies. Started in Vocational school and worked at numerous shops from the ground up.