Digital learning for transit workforce development with Ron Thiele of Xpan

This episode of Transition to Zero explores how transit agencies can use digital learning, digital twins, and modern LMS tools to prepare their workforce for zero emission fleets and other evolving propulsion systems. Host Jared Schnader speaks with Ron Thiele, founder and CEO of Xpan, about why training needs to start early, how agencies can build confidence before vehicles arrive, and what it takes to make learning relevant, measurable, and sustainable.We discuss how Xpan supports agencies across buses, rail, and emerging technologies by turning operational knowledge into interactive training experiences. Ron also shares lessons from Calgary Transit, the role of AI in organizing institutional knowledge, and why procurement, design, and workforce planning need to be aligned from the start.

• In this episode, Ron Thiele shares the origin story of Xpan, which began in 2001 with a public transit learning project for Calgary Transit and grew into a broader educational technology company.
• We discuss how Xpan defines digital learning as more than static e-learning, with knowledge experiences shaped by organizational culture, learner needs, and the interface between them.
• Ron explains how digital twins can be used to train staff on bus components, maintenance procedures, inspection workflows, and safety-critical tasks like lockout tag out.
• We look at how augmented reality and virtual reality can layer guidance onto a physical bus or create peer-to-peer simulated environments for safer, more confident learning.
• Ron shares that the biggest training priorities for agencies moving to zero emission fleets are electrical theory, high voltage safety, power systems, and propulsion-specific knowledge.
• We discuss why confidence matters so much for mechanics and technicians, especially when working on unfamiliar equipment with limited room for error.
• Ron explains how Xpan builds agency-specific training by working with OEMs, agencies, and standards groups so content matches the exact vehicle, components, and culture of each organization.
• We discuss how AI and data analytics can help agencies aggregate institutional knowledge, measure performance, and create more personalized learning journeys.
• Ron outlines the importance of starting workforce development during procurement and design, not after vehicles or infrastructure are already delivered.
• We cover how LMS platforms can support onboarding, compliance, recertification, competency tracking, contractor orientation, and cross-system integration with HR, asset management, and other operational systems.
• Ron also addresses common misconceptions about digital learning, including the idea that hands-on work cannot be taught effectively in digital environments.
• Looking ahead, Ron expects artificial intelligence to help smooth out the knowledge supply chain and make workforce learning more personalized, responsive, and sustainable.

(00:00) Transition to Zero opens with Ron Thiele and Xpan's mission in transit education (00:37) Ron's background in physics, journalism, and the founding of Xpan in 2001 (02:09) What Ron learned entering the public transportation ecosystem (03:22) Why e-learning has a stigma and how Xpan approaches digital learning differently (04:34) Digital twins, bus components, and interactive maintenance training (06:02) Lockout tag out simulation and high voltage safety training (06:37) Augmented reality and virtual reality for guided mechanic learning (07:55) Biggest training friction points for agencies moving to new propulsion technologies (08:10) Electrical theory, safety, and high voltage as top upskilling priorities (09:28) Building confidence through safe, empathic digital learning environments (10:56) Why agency-specific training matters and how Xpan keeps content relevant (12:56) Using AI, machine learning, and data analytics across the knowledge supply chain (14:42) Bringing real-time bus data into learning environments and sandboxes (16:31) Why training should start at the design and procurement stage (18:19) Culture change and building a growth mindset for continuous knowledge updates (19:25) How modern LMS systems support competencies, compliance, and personalized learning paths (21:47) Best practices: center of truth, competency matrices, and contractor onboarding (23:47) FTA Lono workforce development funding and the need to engage early (24:23) Why waiting until warranty periods end is too late for training readiness (27:05) Calgary Transit case study and the evolution from DVD to digital twins (30:34) How Xpan works with OEMs and agencies to build academies across a fleet lifecycle (32:41) Misconceptions about digital learning, infrastructure gaps, and adoption barriers (34:31) The next three to five years for AI, personalization, and workforce development (36:00) How to contact Ron Thiele and where Xpan is headed next