Bus Fleet Winter Weather Preparedness Audit Checklist - Public Transit

Ensure your bus fleet is ready for snow, ice, and extreme cold! This comprehensive winter weather preparedness audit checklist helps public transit agencies proactively assess and improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency during challenging winter conditions. From vehicle maintenance to staff training and emergency protocols, stay ahead of the storm.

This Template was installed 5 times.

Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance

1 of 10

Checklist items related to pre-winter vehicle inspections and ongoing maintenance to ensure operational readiness.

Last Inspection Date

Tire Tread Depth (inches)

Windshield Wiper Condition

Fluid Levels Checked

Battery Voltage

Notes/Comments

Equipment & Supplies Inventory

2 of 10

Ensuring adequate supplies of de-icing fluids, snow chains (if applicable), and other winter-related equipment are available.

De-icing Fluid (Gallons) - Current Stock

De-icing Fluid (Gallons) - Minimum Required Stock

Snow Chains (Sets) - Current Stock (if applicable)

Snow Chains (Sets) - Minimum Required Stock (if applicable)

Type of De-icing Agent Used

If 'Other' De-icing Agent Selected, Please Specify:

Date of Last Inventory Check

Upload Inventory Record (optional)

Staff Training & Procedures

3 of 10

Verification of staff training on winter weather driving techniques, emergency procedures, and communication protocols.

Winter Weather Driving Course Completion?

Date of Last Winter Weather Training

Number of hours of winter driving simulation training completed (if applicable)

Briefly describe key topics covered in winter weather training (e.g., black ice recognition, skidding recovery)

Topics covered in training (select all that apply)

Familiarity with emergency procedures for stranded passengers?

Last refresher time for winter-related safety protocols?

Route Assessment & Adjustments

4 of 10

Review of route suitability for winter conditions and any necessary adjustments or alternate routes.

Identify potential problem areas on routes (e.g., steep hills, known icing spots)

Estimated average speed reduction on routes due to snow/ice (%),

Routes requiring potential temporary suspension during severe weather:

Preferred alternate route for Route X during snowfall:

Date of last route assessment for winter conditions

Notes/observations regarding route suitability for winter conditions

Communication & Coordination

5 of 10

Assessment of communication systems and coordination processes between dispatch, drivers, and maintenance staff.

Number of radio communication check successes (past week)

Primary communication method during winter weather?

Description of procedures for reporting hazardous conditions to dispatch.

Date of last emergency communication drill.

Typical time to acknowledge a driver's communication.

Which departments are included in the winter weather communication plan?

Summary of key communication protocols for passenger information updates.

Emergency Response Planning

6 of 10

Review and validation of emergency response plans for stranded passengers and vehicle recovery.

Detailed Protocol for Stranded Passenger Assistance

Number of Designated Emergency Contact Points (e.g., shelters)

Primary Communication Method for Emergency Alerts (Drivers & Dispatch)

Date of Last Emergency Drill (Passenger Stranding)

Coordinates of Primary Passenger Staging Area

Emergency Route Maps (Alternative Routes)

Procedure for Vehicle Recovery and Towing

Facility Readiness

7 of 10

Inspection of maintenance facilities and bus storage areas to ensure they are prepared for winter conditions (e.g., snow removal, heated storage).

Snow Removal Equipment Quantity

Last Snow Removal Equipment Servicing Date

Heated Bus Storage Available?

De-icing Fluid Storage Capacity (gallons)

Backup Generator Functionality?

Notes on facility winterization procedures

Passenger Information & Communication

8 of 10

Reviewing methods for informing passengers about potential delays or service disruptions due to winter weather.

Description of primary method for passenger alerts (e.g., website, app, social media)

Primary communication channel for service updates?

Number of social media followers on primary platform?

Last date of communication plan review?

Are automated alerts available for passengers?

Describe process for updating website/app with winter weather alerts.

Which platforms are used to disseminate winter weather information?

Contact information for media relations during winter weather events

Contractor Management (if applicable)

9 of 10

Assessment of contractor preparedness (e.g., snow removal services, towing companies).

Contractor Snow Removal Plan Received?

Number of Snow Removal Vehicles Contracted

Contractor Snow Removal Plan Submission Date

Contractor Insurance Coverage Verified?

Upload Copy of Contractor's Insurance Certificate

Notes on Contractor Preparedness & Communication

Post-Winter Season Review

10 of 10

Planning for a post-season review to evaluate effectiveness of procedures and identify areas for improvement.

Date of Post-Winter Review Meeting

Summary of Review Findings and Key Issues

Areas of Procedure that Performed Well

Specific instances of Procedure Failure or Inefficiency

Number of Incident Reports Related to Winter Weather

Overall Assessment of Winter Weather Preparedness (Scale of 1-5)

Proposed Action Items for Future Winter Seasons

Date for Follow-up on Action Items

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