Mar 31, 2026 | News & Press
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 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
Mar 19, 2026 | News & Press
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
Mar 5, 2026 | News & Press
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.
Mar 5, 2026 | News & Press
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.
Feb 18, 2026 | News & Press
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW) and the affiliated companies of Carson Capital Corp., Transit Sales International (TSI) and Shuttle Bus Leasing (SBL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Scully to President of the organization. Scully succeeds the company founder Dale Carson who remains Chairman of the Board.
“We transitioned to an Employee-Owned Stock Ownership Plan or ESOP four years ago and have experienced significantly increased performance in both our topline revenue and earnings over the period,” said Carson. “As we look to our future, it is important to set the stage for the further development of the organization and I am pleased that we can call on Patrick Scully to lead us into the future as President of the company.”
Patrick Scully has been with CCW as its Chief Commercial Officer since 2023 having spent his entire career in the bus and coach industry including senior leadership positions at Motor Coach Industries (MCI), Daimler Buses North America (DBNA) and Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) among others. His significant industry and leadership experience make him an ideal fit to now lead Complete Coach Works.
“I have been involved with CCW for over 30 years as a customer, supplier and most recently as a senior leader of the organization,” said Scully. “I have the utmost respect for the Carson family and the businesses they have developed over the past 40 years. To now have the opportunity to lead the organization and continue the company’s rich legacy is truly an honor. Our over 350 employees is what makes our organization what it is and I look forward to working with each and every one of our employee-owners to provide our customers with what CCW has been known for – being the premier Transportation Solutions Provider to the bus and coach market.”
