Why Driver Barriers Are Becoming the Standard in Protecting Drivers and How CCW Supports this Shift
The Growing Need for Driver Barriers
At Complete Coach Works (CCW), we recognize that transit systems today face challenges in ensuring a safe and secure experience for passengers and employees. Over the past ten years and certainly the past five years since Covid, transit operators can be exposed to various physical and environmental risks on the job, prompting agencies nationwide to seek effective ways to protect their workforce. One of the most impactful solutions that has gained widespread adoption is the installation of driver barriers – protective enclosures that physically separate the operator from the passenger area.
This shift toward enhanced driver protection is no accident. The Federal Transit Administration’s General Directive 24-1, issued in 2024, calls on agencies to take meaningful action to reduce assaults on operators and improve their working conditions. Agencies across the country have responded:
Los Angeles Metro completed a full fleet retrofit, resulting in nearly a 60 percent reduction in operator assaults.
San Mateo (CA) Transit is investing millions in safety barrier upgrades.
SEPTA (Philadelphia) is piloting bullet-resistant barriers, setting new standards for operator security.
Why Driver Barriers Are Essential Today
Driver barriers offer multiple benefits that address current occupational, and rider experience issues:
Improve Safety and Security: By creating a physical separation between drivers and passengers, barriers reduce the risk of assaults and confrontations.
Protect Against Illness: Barriers serve as a shield against airborne germs, which remain critical during flu seasons and pandemics.
Boost Operator Confidence: Operators who feel safe and protected tend to be more confident and engaged, which supports retention and morale.
How CCW Supports Your Fleet’s Goals
With upwards of ten thousand driver barrier installations completed nationwide, CCW brings unparalleled experience and proven expertise to every project. We provide more than just one product, we deliver trust. Trust knowing that CCW provides a comprehensive service that delivers on time, on budget and of the highest quality.
Keyways we support include:
Pilot Installations: Each project requires careful considerations for bus variability and component variability such as fareboxes and dash mounted electronics. CCW has mastered the need for pilot installation ensuring that the series installation for the project is completed correctly and efficiently.
On-Site Expert Installation: Our skilled technicians come directly to your location to perform the installations. We do not use subcontractors, ensuring accountability and consistent quality.
Project Management: We manage each project from our Riverside headquarters and maintain consistent communications with the transit agency.
Thinking Beyond the Barrier
As transit agencies nationwide raise the standard for operator safety, CCW stands ready to help you move forward with confidence. We think beyond the barrier by delivering solutions that protect your operators and improve overall transit experience
Complete Coach Works (CCW) has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26. For the purpose of this DBE Program, CCW proposes to set its overall goal utilizing all information available to it, including information available in CCW’s area of manufacturing operation and comments received from the public in response to this notice.
CCW has set a goal of 1.00% participation in DOT-assisted contracts FY2025. This proposed goal and its methodology are available for public inspection during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) at CCW’s corporate office located at 1863 Service Court, Riverside, CA 92507 for 30 days following the date of this notice. CCW and the FTA will accept comments on the goal for 45 days from the date of this notice. The goal may be adjusted depending upon comments received.
Comments may be addressed to:
Amber Lindsey, DBE Liaison Officer Complete Coach Works 1863 Service Court Riverside, CA 92507 Phone: (951) 684-9585 Email: DBE@completecoach.com
Complete Coach Works (CCW) is actively pursuing experienced DBE firms who are interested in participating in transit bus rebuilding operations at its headquarters in Riverside, California. DBE opportunities include, but are not limited to, a range of goods and services for the remanufacture, rehabilitation, and retrofit of heavy-duty transit buses.
The wait is over! In the premiere episode of Bus Tech Talk, Alex Roman, Editor of METRO Magazine, and Mark Hollenbeck of Complete Coach Works sit down with Charlie Busse, Director of Maintenance at Connect Transit in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Charlie shares his journey in the transit industry and how he’s helping lead Connect Transit into a more sustainable, tech-forward future. From rolling out electric buses to addressing technician shortages, Charlie is a hands-on leader driving real change within his agency.
In this episode, you’ll hear how Charlie got his start in public transit, what it’s like managing a fleet for a small agency, strategies for recruiting, retaining, and training skilled technicians, and why embracing innovation is essential in today’s maintenance operations.
About our Guest
Charlie has been with Connect Transit for 4.5 years, serving as Maintenance Manager for the past 3.5 years. With over 12 years of experience in the automotive industry, his background includes managing auto parts stores, working in the service department of a Ford dealership, and overseeing operations at several independent repair shops. Of all his roles, Charlie has found the most fulfillment in public transit. His position allows him to stay hands-on in the shop while also managing facilities maintenance and new construction projects. Most importantly, he takes pride in contributing to a vital service that supports the community. For Charlie, transit has proven to be the ideal fit, and he values the many meaningful connections he has built throughout the industry.
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW), a leading provider of transit and sustainable transportation solutions, is proud to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of METRO Magazine’s Innovative Solutions Award for its refurbishment program in partnership with Everett Transit in Washington State.
Everett Transit has once again turned to Complete Coach Works for a facet of its fleet strategy that includes refurbished pre-owned transit buses. CCW’s innovative vehicle refurbishment program transforms transit buses into renewed and refreshed vehicles, delivering mechanical upgrades, refreshed interiors, structural restoration, and exterior rebranding—all at a fraction of the cost and turnaround time of new bus purchases.
“We’re honored to be recognized by METRO Magazine for an approach that’s both practical and forward-thinking,” said Patrick Scully, Chief Commercial Officer at Complete Coach Works. “This project with Everett Transit demonstrates that innovation in public transportation doesn’t always require new technology—it can also mean reimagining how we maximize existing assets for greater impact.”
Everett Transit first partnered with CCW in 2024 for the purchase of five remanufactured buses. Following the success of that order, Everett has awarded a second contract again in 2025 for additional vehicles, further expanding their fleet with this cost-effective transportation solution.
By extending vehicle life and reducing the need for new manufacturing, the program delivered significant sustainability benefits, earning praise for offering a “New Shade of Green” in public transit innovation.
As part of this award, Complete Coach Works has been invited to share insights from the project at the upcoming Public Transit & Technology Exchange (PTTX), held September 22–24 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event brings together leading transit professionals, technology partners, and policy leaders to celebrate innovation and chart the future of public transportation.
RIVERSIDE, CA – Shuttle Bus Leasing (SBL), the nation’s leading provider of pre-owned buses, in collaboration with its affiliate Complete Coach Works (CCW), is proud to announce a new agreement to lease eight 60’ articulated buses to the University of Minnesota.
The project includes the preparation of eight New Flyer D-60LF buses to meet University-specific requirements. All of the work will be performed at Complete Coach Works’ headquarters in Riverside, CA, with SBL coordinating the final delivery of the units.
The scope of work includes customer- requested enhancements such as:
Installation of the Peak Transit CAD/AVL System
Installation of an 11-camera Seon (Safe Fleet) surveillance system
Passenger seat reupholstery
Interior and exterior paint
New tires
Installation of floor heaters at all doors
New brakes and drums
“We’re excited to support the University of Minnesota with this fleet addition,” said James Carson, Regional Sales Manager at CCW. “These upgrades ensure the buses are reliable, comfortable, and ready for high-volume campus service.”
SBL and its sister company Complete Coach Works continues to be a trusted partner in the transportation industry, offering flexible and reliable bus leasing solutions to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
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