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.
In this episode ofBus 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 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry. Stay tuned for Part 2, which will take a deeper dive into AC Transit’s world-class maintenance program, including its approach to technology, innovation, and the operational excellence.
Topics include: • Growing up with a wrench in his hand. • From the military to the public transit industry. • Mentoring and apprenticeship programs. • Training and opportunities at AC Transit
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW), North America’s leading provider of transit bus and sustainable transportation solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its reimagined Parts Department – now branded as Complete Parts. Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo; a new contact telephone 844-CCW-PART; a dedicated order desk; enhanced processes and inventory all designed to provide the parts you need when you need them.
Designed with customers in mind, the enhanced Parts Department delivers more a streamlined and responsive experience, making it easier for transit agencies and operators to access service parts for your operation,
The key differentiator for Complete Parts in the market is the availability of both new and repurposed (or used) parts. CCW’s ability to repurpose parts from their refurbishment work provides customers with the option to purchase repurposed parts at a fraction of the price of new. CCW is one of the few suppliers in the market that can provide a used option as well as new parts to allow transit agencies to save operating funds. Further, Complete Parts specializes in older model year buses that are sometimes not supported by the OEMs. CCW’s expanded inventory includes a wide range of components, including:
• Engines • Transmission • Axles • Alternators • Starters • A/C Compressors • Brake and Suspension Components • Air System Components • Passenger and Driver Seat Components • Destination Signs and Components • Multiplex Electrical Components • Entrance and Exit Door Components • And so much more
To further support customer needs, CCW offers local delivery in Southern California, helping reduce downtime and keep fleets moving.
Leading the department is Parts Manager, Lourdes Dorantes, supported by Parts Sales Representative Veronica Ramirez, who together bring a strong focus on customer service, responsiveness, and building long-term relationships with transit agencies and operators. Complete Parts is overseen by CCW’s President Patrick Scully.
“Our goal was to build a parts program that is easier to work with, more responsive, and aligned with what our customers actually need day-to-day,” said Lourdes, Parts Manager at Complete Coach Works. “With updated resources, dedicated personnel, and expanded inventory, we’re making it simpler for agencies to source dependable parts quickly and efficiently.”
Customers can now place orders directly by calling 844.CCW.PARTS, or browse available inventory online through CCW’s eBay store: ebay.com/str/completecoach
If a specific part is not listed, customers are encouraged to reach out directly. CCW’s team can help source or identify the right component based on vehicle specifications.
With a renewed focus on accessibility, service, and quality, CCW’s Parts Department continues to evolve delivering solutions that support fleet performance while helping agencies manage costs.
For more information about Complete Coach Works, visit sblbus.com/.
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW), North America’s leading provider of transit bus and sustainable transportation solutions, has been awarded a contract to prepare and deliver a refurbished Gillig low-floor transit bus for the GoBus Transit system.
Prior to delivery to GoBus Transit operations in Kilgore, Texas, the vehicle will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment process. CCW will conduct extensive inspections, mechanical servicing, and interior and exterior upgrades to ensure the vehicle meets operational and safety standards required for public transportation service. These improvements support a safe and comfortable environment for both operators and passengers while helping maintain dependable transit service.
Refurbishing transit vehicles is an approach used by many public transportation systems to extend the useful life of fleet assets while reducing waste and supporting responsible use of resources. GoBus Transit joins a growing number of Texas transit agencies that have partnered with CCW to enhance their fleet through sustainable vehicle refurbishment solutions. By repurposing and modernizing existing vehicles, agencies can strengthen fleet reliability while supporting cost-effective asset management.
The procurement was completed through the 791 Purchasing Cooperative, which enables public agencies to access competitively sourced transit equipment and services through a streamlined cooperative purchasing process.
“Our goal is to ensure that the GoBus fleet remains safe, reliable, and ready to serve the communities that depend on us. Partnerships like the one with Complete Coach Works help us improve our fleet in ways that are both effective and efficient, ensuring we maximize resources while continuing to provide reliable transportation throughout East Texas,” said Vince Huerta, Director of Transportation, GoBus Transit
“Pre-owned repurposed buses provide a practical path for agencies looking to maximize their fleet investments,” said Shah Remtulla, Regional Sales Manager for Complete Coach Works. “Compared to new bus procurement, these solutions are delivered faster, require less capital, and ultimately help agencies achieve a stronger return on investment.”
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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 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; 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.
GoBus Transit is operated by the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) and provides public transportation services across multiple counties in East Texas.
For more information, please contact Kallie Arevalo at (951) 452-9760 or e-mail karevalo@completecoach.com
Lifecycle Cost Matters: Value Through Smarter Fleet Investment
Upfront price is only part of the true cost of a transit bus. What truly impacts long-term budgets is lifecycle cost, which, includes acquisition, maintenance, downtime, and overall service life.
The Cost of New Bus Purchases
New bus procurements often bring:
High capital investment per vehicle
Extended OEM delivery timelines
Limited flexibility once orders are placed
A REPURPOSING Alternative
REPURPOSING offers a smarter approach to fleet investment:
Refurbishment and repowers extend the life of proven platforms
Lower capital outlay compared to new bus purchases
Faster deployment keeps service levels intact and communities moving
Lifecycle Value Over Time
With REPURPOSING solutions, agencies achieve:
Comparable performance at a fraction of total lifecycle cost
Improved return on existing fleet investments
The ability to allocate funding across more vehicles or other critical priorities
Smarter Use of Limited Funds
Repurposing supports both short- and long-term planning by allowing agencies to:
Align project scope with real-world budget realities
Reduce financial risk while maintaining fleet reliability
Stretch limited funds without sacrificing performance
Let’s talk about how refurbishment can work for your fleet!
For more information on refurbishment and fleet lifecycle solutions, contact Complete Coach Works.
RIVERSIDE, CA – Transit Sales International (TSI), the nation’s leading provider of pre-owned buses, is pleased to announce the successful delivery of the first of ten (10) pre-owned 40-foot Gillig Low Floor buses to RATP Dev.
The delivered bus underwent preparation to ensure operational readiness upon delivery. This included a full mechanical and system inspection, necessary repairs, and customer-specific modifications to meet RATP Dev’s operational requirements. The vehicle is powered by an ISL engine and B400R transmission and is equipped with a LIFT-U wheelchair lift and Thermo King HVAC system.
“This delivery reflects TSI’s continued commitment to providing dependable, cost-effective fleet solutions tailored to each agency’s needs,” said Jay Raber, Regional Sales Representative at Complete Coach Works. “We’re proud to support RATP Dev with vehicles that are prepared to deliver safe, reliable service to their riders.”
By placing refurbished pre-owned buses back into service, TSI helps transit agencies reduce procurement timelines, maximize fleet value, and advance sustainability goals by extending the life of existing transit assets.
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