In this episode of the video podcast from METRO Magazine in collaboration with Complete Coach Works, Alex Roman (Editor, METRO) and Mark Hollenbeck (CCW) sit down with Josh Stoddard, Director of Vehicle Maintenance at Spokane Transit Authority (STA), to discuss how Spokane Transit is preparing for the future while supporting its team and community.
What you’ll learn:
✔️Spokane Transit’s growing fleet and facility needs
✔️How technology is creating new opportunities for technicians
✔️The importance of information sharing at state and federal levels
✔️Building the right team to support long-term success
About our Guest
Josh Stoddard is the Director of Maintenance for Spokane Transit Authority, bringing in over 16 years of experience in fleet and maintenance management. Josh attended Washington State University and now oversees all aspects of maintenance for a fleet of more than 450 vehicles, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. He is currently leading the development of Spokane Transit’s battery electric vehicle strategy for maintenance, aligning operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Josh is known for his leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to continuous improvement in public transportation. Outside of work, he’s a proud husband and father of two daughters who loves spending time outdoors and making the most of family life in the Pacific Northwest.
Navigating Transit Industry Supply Chain Issues: How CCW Helps Agencies Stay on the Road
The North American transit bus industry has faced some recent challenges in regard to the health of its overall supply chain. From component manufacturers’ ability to supply to production lines on time to bus OEMs exiting the US market, this has created real challenges for transit agencies’ fleet strategies. Agencies across the country are grappling with extended lead times, parts shortages, and pressure to meet sustainability goals while also performing a balancing act with their capital and operating budgets in light of shifting federal and state policies in regard to public transportation.
At Complete Coach Works (CCW), we speak with agencies of all sizes, and the message is clear. Transit leaders are being asked to do more with less. Many are searching for immediate, cost-effective alternatives to traditional fleet replacement.
Here is a breakdown of the current challenges and how CCW can help bridge the gap.
Key Challenges Facing Transit Agencies
Lead Times for New Buses: OEM production lead times have been extended recently due to fewer OEMs in the market and some challenges with component suppliers resulting in new bus deliveries in the 18–24-month range. For many agencies this creates fleet replacement gaps requiring older buses to remain on the road longer stretching maintenance budgets.
Parts Shortages: At times, parts shortages occur especially for older equipment. Some agencies have resorted to cannibalizing other buses or reducing service to make daily pullouts.
Aging Fleets: Many fleets are operating beyond their intended service life. This increases maintenance costs, reduces reliability, and negatively impacts the rider experience.
Budget Constraints: Fluctuating state and federal funding are often a challenge to navigate. For bus fleets, a balanced fleet strategy that includes a mix of new buses and bus refurbishments has proven to be both cost effective and timely. More agencies are turning to refurbishments, and engine repowers to stretch their dollars further.
Zero Emissions Strategies: Reducing emissions remains a desired goal for all of us in the industry. However, with the roll out of zero emission buses over the past few years everyone has learned that they are not a 1:1 replacement for traditional diesel buses and require significant attention in the short term for charging, route design and maintenance. For many, zero emission fleet plans have been slowed or put on hold in order to stabilize maintenance and operations groups to ensure on-time quality service to riders. This slowing has created gaps in fleet replacement plans for transit agencies.
How CCW Can Help
CCW provides fast, cost-effective solutions that help agencies respond to today’s challenges without waiting years or exceeding budgets. Our mid-life transit bus overhauls and refurbishments extend the life of existing buses through customized work scopes that improve reliability and passenger experience. These solutions are completed in a fraction of the time and at a much lower cost than new bus procurements. Further, CCW has the nation’s largest pre-owned bus inventory that can be purchased or leased with refurbishment as part of the scope of work as well.
For agencies dealing with parts shortages, we offer direct access to hard-to-find components for older buses, maintenance support, and repower services to keep fleets running. With in-house manufacturing and engineering, we deliver faster turnaround times and consistent quality.
We also support agencies in expediting procurement processes as we have a number of State Cooperative procurement contracts that can be used by transit agencies minimizing the amount of time needed to process a transaction.
Let’s Talk
If your agency is facing procurement delays, aging fleet challenges, or budget constraints, CCW is here to help and we have deployable solutions available at lower prices and faster delivery times to fill fleet gaps. Whether you need fleet overhauls, parts support, or assistance navigating complex procurement requirements, we offer real-world solutions that get results – fast.
Visit us at transitsales.com/contact to learn more!
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW), a leading provider of transit and sustainable transportation solutions, is proud is proud to announce it has been contracted to perform a full rehabilitation of ten (10) 2020 New Flyer XN40 buses for SunLine Transit Agency, headquartered in Thousand Palms, CA.
Under the agreement, CCW will perform a complete refurbishment of the 40-foot buses at its Riverside, CA facility. The scope of work includes both cosmetic restoration and mechanical refurbishment. Every vehicle will receive:
New Cummins L9N ReCon CNG engines and rebuilt ZF transmissions.
Replacement and overhaul of key bus systems including power steering, suspension, braking, HVAC, electrical, exhaust, and ADA accessibility equipment.
Inspection and repair of passenger seating, flooring, modesty panels, and stanchions.
Exterior body repairs, full exterior repainting, and decal reapplication using agency-approved paint samples and graphics.
System updates to fire suppression and gas detection systems.
Detailed interior and exterior vehicle cleaning prior to delivery.
“We’re honored to continue supporting SunLine in maintaining a high-performance, sustainable fleet,” said James Carson, Regional Sales Representative of Complete Coach Works. “These buses represent an important investment in clean transportation, and we’re committed to restoring them to peak operational condition.”
The refurbishment will extend the useful life of the buses while ensuring they meet current performance, safety, and appearance standards. Once complete, the vehicles will return to SunLine’s fleet ready to serve riders across the Coachella Valley.
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW), a leading provider of transit and sustainable transportation solutions, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract to supply and refurbish five (5) 40-foot diesel-powered New Flyer D-40LF buses for Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) in Rochester, NY. The project was awarded under the Washington State DES Contract which allows agencies to procure high-quality refurbished transit buses from CCW.
The work will be performed at CCW’s Riverside, CA facility and will include mechanical, cosmetic, and system upgrades to extend the useful life of the bus. The contract includes:
A Cummins ReCon diesel engine and remanufactured ZF transmission.
A/C systems will be serviced, including filter replacement, recharging, and testing.
New Q-Straint wheelchair tie-down systems, validated ADA wheelchair ramps, new Recaro Ergo driver’s seat, and DOT inspections.
Buses will receive exterior repainting, including wheels, bumpers, mirrors, and graphics installation.
Installation of advanced vehicle technology systems such as March Networks camera systems, Automatic Passenger Counter systems, and pre-wiring for farebox and transit management systems.
“We’re proud to support RGRTA with this refurbishment project that aligns with their commitment to sustainability and fiscal responsibility,” said James Carson, Regional Sales Representative of Complete Coach Works. “Refurbishing transit vehicles not only extends their life but delivers a cost-effective solution that allows agencies to maintain fleet reliability and passenger comfort.”
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 pleased to announce the continuation and expansion of its partnership with the University of Minnesota through the successful execution of a new lease agreement for four 40-foot New Flyer D-40LFR buses.
This agreement marks the second phase of an ongoing collaboration that began with the lease of eight 60-foot articulated units earlier this year. The four additional 2007 buses will be delivered and tailored to the University’s performance, and operational requirements, bringing the total leased fleet to twelve buses.
“We’re proud to continue supporting the University of Minnesota’s campus transportation initiatives,” said James Carson, Regional Sales Manager at CCW. “Each bus underwent SBL’s extensive pre-lease scope of work and system upgrades to ensure they meet the rigorous demands of campus transit.”
Each bus will be prepared at CCW’s Riverside, CA facility and includes the following key upgrades:
Installation of the Peak Transit CAD/AVL system with AVAS and MDT display
11-camera Seon (Safe Fleet) surveillance system
Reupholstered passenger seating with stock fabric
Brake and drum replacement on all axles
Installation of new tires
“This fleet expansion reflects the University’s continued commitment to reliable transportation solutions for students, faculty, and staff,” added Carson.
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 FY2024. 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.
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