In this episode of Bus Tech Talk, Co-Hosts Mark Hollenbeck, business development manager at Complete Coach Works, and Alex Roman, Executive Editor at METRO, are joined by Cecil Blandon, director of maintenance at AC Transit in Oakland, California. Our conversation was so in-depth that we’ve split it into two parts
In Part 2, Blandon takes a deeper dive into AC Transit’s maintenance program, sharing insight on managing multiple vehicle types and propulsion systems, how his team is trained using advanced tools like augmented reality, and the role collaboration plays across the industry.
Topics include: • Working with various types of vehicles and propulsion systems • Training his maintenance team, including the use of augmented reality • Providing employees opportunities for growth • The importance of industry collaboration
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW), North America’s leading provider of transit bus and sustainable transportation solutions, is proud to announce it has been awarded a contract by Roberts Hawaii to prepare and deliver two (2) 2007 35-foot Gillig Low Floor diesel buses.
This award reflects the continued relationship between CCW and Roberts Hawaii, built over decades of collaboration supporting fleet needs across the islands. CCW has worked closely with Roberts Hawaii on multiple fleet initiatives, providing reliable vehicles and tailored solutions aligned with the company’s operational demands.
The project includes pre-sale preparation of the buses at CCW’s headquarters in Riverside, California. Upon completion, the units will be transported to the Port of San Diego for shipment to Hawaii. Under the awarded contract, CCW will complete its standard pre-sale preparation scope of work to ensure each vehicle meets performance, safety, and operational requirements prior to delivery.
Major Scope Highlights Include: • Full interior and exterior repaint • Replacement of critical service components including fluids, filters, belts, and batteries • HVAC, electrical, and accessibility systems tested and verified for full functionality • Mechanical inspection and system checks across engine, transmission, braking, and steering components
“We’re proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Roberts Hawaii,” said James Carson, Regional Sales Manager at Complete Coach Works. “Projects like this reflect the trust built over many years of working together, and our team is committed to delivering vehicles that meet their expectations every time.”
The project supports Roberts Hawaii’s ongoing efforts to maintain a reliable and flexible fleet while continuing to serve residents and visitors across the islands with dependable transportation solutions.
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Complete Coach Works (CCW) headquartered in Riverside, CA, is the largest bus remanufacturing and rehabilitation company in the United States, with over 34 years in the transportation industry. A pioneer in the field of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle technology, CCW has always worked to provide clean vehicles through innovative design and engineering;
CCW unveiled the world’s first remanufactured all-electric, battery-powered bus in 2012. For jobs of any size, CCW’s team of over 350 experts provide cutting-edge products and exceptional customer service.
In 2021, Complete Coach Works, along with Shuttle Bus Leasing, Transit Sales International and D/T Carson Enterprises, wholly owned subsidiaries of Carson Capital Corp transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Corporation.
Roberts Hawaii is the largest employee-owned tours and transportation company in Hawaii, offering top-quality transportation services operated by Robert’s Tours & Transportation. The company provides an array of sightseeing tours, entertainment, and excursions, all delivered with a focus on safety and service by employees who embody the unique culture of Hawaii.
The company began servicing visitors on Kauai in 1941, and now, more than 85 years later, has expanded to include the five major islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, and Hawaii Island (the Big Island). Roberts Hawaii is proud of its longstanding reputation, having hosted countless visitors from around the globe. Many of these visitors have not only chosen to spend their vacations with Roberts Hawaii but have also returned for subsequent trips and recommended the company to friends and family. The company values the relationships it has built over the years with numerous travel industry partners, including travel agents, meeting planners, destination management companies, and escorted tour providers.
Roberts Hawaii’s commitment has always centered on its customers, with a continuous dedication to providing first-class service infused with a genuine aloha spirit.
For more information, please contact Kallie Arevalo at (951) 452-9760 or e-mail karevalo@completecoach.com
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW), a leading provider of transit and sustainable transportation solutions, is proud to announce the successful completion of the refurbishment of eleven (11) 40-foot CNG transit buses for the City of Fresno Department of Transportation – Fresno Area Express (FAX). This project was awarded under the Washington State Contract, enabling FAX to streamline its procurement processes while ensuring value and quality from an experienced transit solutions provider.
The scope of work was completed at CCW’s headquarters in Riverside, California. This project highlights CCW’s approach to bus refurbishment focused on strengthening fleet performance and extending vehicle life. Each bus was carefully refurbished, inspected, and prepared to meet FAX’s operational needs before delivery.
Major components of the completed scope of work included:
• New commercial-grade flooring throughout the bus, reupholstered passenger seating, and a new driver’s seat • Conversion of all interior and exterior lighting to LED, including headlights, marker lights, and engine compartment lighting • Full exterior body repairs, undercarriage corrosion treatment, and complete exterior repainting with FAX paint and graphics • Complete front and rear suspension rebuild, steering system overhauls, and full brake system rebuild • Rebuilt HVAC systems, refurbished radiators and charge air coolers • Rebuilt wheelchair ramp, new ADA restraint equipment, and updated signage • Full engine and transmission service • Installation of APC, CAD/AVL, radio • New camera and destination sign system
“Our team put a tremendous amount of effort into this project, and we’re proud of the result,” said James Carson, Regional Sales Manager at Complete Coach Works. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Fresno Area Express on future fleet initiatives.”
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Complete Coach Works (CCW) headquartered in Riverside, CA, is the largest bus remanufacturing and refurbishment company in the United States, with over 38 years in the transportation industry. A pioneer in the field of alternative fuel and hybrid vehicle technology, CCW has always worked to provide clean vehicles through innovative design and engineering, and it unveiled the world’s first remanufactured all-electric, battery-powered bus in 2012. For jobs of any size, CCW’s team of over 350 experts provide cutting-edge products and exceptional customer service.
Fresno Area Express (FAX) is the public transit agency serving the City of Fresno, California. Operating a fleet of clean-energy buses, FAX provides essential transportation services to thousands of residents and visitors every day. With a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and innovation, FAX is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient transit solutions that connect communities and support economic growth in the Central Valley.
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW), a leading provider of transit and sustainable transportation solutions is pleased to announce its upcoming webinar, “Midlife Refurbishments,” taking place on Wednesday, May 6 at 9:00 AM (PST).
As transit agencies across North America continue to navigate aging fleets, extended OEM delivery timelines, and rising capital costs, midlife refurbishment has emerged as a practical and proven strategy to extend vehicle life and maintain reliable service.
This one-hour session will provide an in-depth look at how midlife refurbishment’s restore performance, improve reliability, and maximize lifecycle value.
During the webinar, we will cover:
What defines a true midlife refurbishment
The systems addressed during the refurbishment
The step-by-step process from evaluation to return-to-service
Financial and operational advantages compared to new bus purchases
An agency perspective from Mountain Line Transit
Attendees will gain practical insight into how agencies are leveraging proven platforms to reduce capital outlay, improve fleet performance, and advance long-term sustainability goals.
“This webinar is focused on giving agencies a clear understanding of the benefits of a midlife refurbishment,” said Patrick Scully, President at Complete Coach Works. “We’re seeing more agencies turn to refurbishment as a strategic investment that keeps fleets moving without the delays and costs associated with new vehicle procurement.”
Event Details: Date: Wednesday, May 6 Time: 9:00 AM (PST) Duration: 60 minutes Registration: Free Platform: Microsoft Teams
Presenters: Heather Dalmolin, CEO and General Manager, Mountain Line Transit Patrick Scully, President, Complete Coach Works
To reserve your spot, please register for the webinar.
Transit agencies are facing rising costs, limited funding, and long delivery timelines, making new bus purchases less practical for maintaining service.
Repurposing buses through refurbishment, overhauls, and repowers offers a cost-effective alternative, extending vehicle life while improving performance and rider experience.
But every successful fleet strategy depends on one critical factor – access to the right bus parts.
Why Repurposing + Parts Works
Extend the life of existing transit buses
Reduce lifecycle costs and capital spend
Avoid long OEM delivery delays
Improve fleet reliability and uptime
Maintain service with faster parts availability
Reliable transit bus parts and components support both daily maintenance and major overhauls, helping reduce downtime, control costs, and keep fleets moving.
By combining refurbishment with dependable parts support, agencies can improve performance and maximize fleet value.
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