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.
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.”
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 recognized by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) with an Ad Wheel Award for its 50-50 Bus Comprehensive Campaign, earning First Place in the Business Member category for Best Marketing and Communications to Increase Ridership or Sales.
The award-winning campaign centered on CCW’s innovative 50-50 Bus, a fully functional demonstration vehicle showcasing a side-by-side comparison of a refurbished bus on the curbside and the original bus condition on the roadside essentially making the split down the middle of the vehicle. Designed as a mobile educational tool for customer visits and trade shows, the 50-50 Bus provided transit agencies with a clear, hands-on view of how midlife refurbishment can extend vehicle life, improve reliability, and enhance the rider experience as well as showcasing the cost benefit of refurbishment at half the cost of new and in half the delivery period as new.
As part of the comprehensive campaign, the 50-50 Bus traveled nationwide throughout 2025, appearing at major industry trade shows and making on-site visits to transit agencies across multiple regions. At each stop, CCW hosted guided walkthroughs, technical discussions, and in-depth explanations of the refurbishment process, supported by coordinated print advertising, social media outreach, and digital promotion to ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
The campaign generated strong engagement from transit leaders, fleet managers, and decision-makers, many of whom cited the live, side-by-side demonstration as a key factor in understanding the value of refurbishment in their fleet decisions. By combining in-person experiences with strategic print and digital media, the 50-50 Bus Comprehensive Campaign created a memorable national presence and strengthened CCW’s position as a leader in fleet life-extension solutions.
“The 50-50 Bus campaign allowed agencies to see, touch, and experience the impact of refurbishment in a way traditional marketing simply can’t deliver,” said Kallie Arevalo, Marketing Manager at Complete Coach Works. “This award recognizes not just a marketing effort, but a commitment to educating the industry and providing practical, cost-effective solutions for today’s transit challenges.”
CCW will receive the award during APTA’s annual Marketing, Communications and Customer Experience Workshop, held from February 22-25 in Savannah, GA. The Ad Wheel Awards celebrate excellence in marketing, communications, and customer experience within the public transportation industry. Winners are selected based on creativity, effectiveness, and measurable impact in advancing industry awareness and engagement.
For more information about Complete Coach Works, visit CompleteCoach.com.
RIVERSIDE, CA – Complete Coach Works (CCW), North America’s leading provider of transit bus and sustainable transportation solutions, is pleased to announce that Minot City Transit has selected CCW to refurbish and deliver a 30-foot Gillig Low Floor diesel transit bus, supporting the agency’s ongoing fleet replacement efforts.
The contract was initiated following discussions between CCW and Minot City Transit at the Community Transportation Association of America Transit Expo industry trade show, where agencies and suppliers from across the country gathered to share insights and explore a wide range of public transportation topics. Refurbishment allows Minot City Transit to extend vehicle life while achieving significant cost and schedule advantages compared to new bus procurement.
All refurbishment work will be completed at CCW’s headquarters in Riverside, California, with final delivery to Minot, North Dakota. The project includes comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and interior upgrades designed to support Minot’s operating environment and cold-weather conditions.
Major Scope Highlights Include:
• Replacement of the existing engine with a Cummins ReCon diesel engine, • Replacement of the existing transmission with a rebuilt Allison transmission • Refurbishment and replacement of the radiator, charge air cooler (CAC), surge tank, air intake, and exhaust components • Installation of new Altro commercial-grade flooring, reupholstered passenger seating, a new ergonomic driver’s seat, refurbished stanchions, and refreshed interior panels • New interior and exterior LED lighting, replacement of batteries, upgrades to electrical panels and wiring, and installation of a new Luminator destination sign • Complete front and rear suspension rebuild, power steering system overhaul, and full brake replacement • Rebuilt wheelchair ramp, new ADA restraints, and updated accessibility signage • Full HVAC service, including rebuilt components, new hoses, and installation of a Spheros auxiliary pre-heater
“This project is a great example of how agencies can take a smart, strategic approach to fleet growth,” said Jay Raber, Regional Sales Representative at Complete Coach Works. “Refurbishment allows transit systems like Minot City Transit to expand service faster, control costs, and get more value from proven vehicles.”
Beyond the immediate delivery, the project represents a strategic foothold in the Upper Midwest, where CCW and Minot City Transit see opportunities to leverage this successful refurbishment as a model for future regional fleet investments.
Minot City Transit is thrilled to partner with CCW, marking a significant step in its initiative to upgrade its aging bus fleet with refurbished vehicles. This collaboration aims to enhance service efficiency while addressing the challenges posed by tighter budgets and extended lead times for acquiring new buses.
“At Minot City Transit, we recognize the importance of providing reliable and safe transportation options for our community,” said Brian Horinka, Superintendent of Minot City Transit. “This partnership with CCW is an exciting opportunity for us to rejuvenate our fleet and deliver tangible benefits to our riders. By integrating refurbished buses into our system, we can maximize our resources while still meeting the transit needs of Minot’s residents.” As cities across the country face increasing financial pressures, Minot City Transit is committed to finding innovative solutions that ensure the continued provision of quality public transport. Enhancing the fleet through refurbishment not only optimizes existing resources but also promotes sustainability within the community.
The refurbishment will be completed using CCW’s proven transit processes, ensuring DOT compliance, OEM standards, and durability suited for cold-weather and high-demand operating environments.
RIVERSIDE, CA – Shuttle Bus Leasing (SBL), the nation’s leading provider of pre-owned buses, in collaboration with its affiliate Complete Coach Works (CCW), has been awarded a contract to prepare two (2) 2010 40-foot Gillig Low Floor buses for lease to Ozark Regional Transit Authority (Ozark RTA) in Springdale, Arkansas. The lease agreement includes an initial 12-month term with delivery scheduled for early this year.
The project includes the pre-lease preparation and refurbishment of the two (2) Gillig diesel buses. All work will be performed at one of SBL’s satellite production facility located in Tucson, AZ. Under the awarded contract, CCW will complete SBL’s standard pre-lease scope of work.
Key Scope of Work Highlights Include:
Engine & Powertrain Servicing: Full engine and transmission inspection, replacement of oil, filters, belts, fluids, and batteries
Interior & Passenger Area Preparation: Interior detailing, seat inspections, operational checks of all interior lighting, PA system, destination signs, wheelchair ramp, and safety equipment
HVAC: HVAC and defroster systems evaluated and serviced to ensure proper climate control and reliable performance
Brake & Air Systems: Full brake and air system inspection and adjustment, including air dryer service and deceleration brake testing
Exterior & Safety: Operational verification of exterior lighting, mirrors, glass, bike rack installation, roof hatches, and completion of a comprehensive road test
Joel Gardner, executive Director of Ozark stated, “As Ozark Regional Transit Authority grows to meet the transit needs of NW Arkansas, we need to have vehicles ready to support that growth. The partnership with SBL/CCW ensures that we can meet the need of an ever-growing region.”
“Shuttle Bus Leasing continues to work closely with transit agencies nationwide to provide reliable, cost-effective fleet solutions,” said Shah, Regional Sales Manager. “By leveraging CCW’s refurbishment expertise, we’re able to deliver lease-ready buses that support Ozark RTA’s service needs.”
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