Second annual Bus Maintenance Survey finds that many agencies around the nation are experiencing difficulties with alternative propulsion, as they continue to add new equipment in the shop to service as well as learn new ways to make repairs to the vehicles. Meanwhile parts issues, including concerns about availability, lead times and frequent failures, remains the biggest issue.

The company is adapting to become a one-stop shop of supply-chain solutions and training tools as the relationship between transit operators and vehicle manufacturer becomes more interactive.

Transit agencies see several cost savings in outsourcing parts inventory management, including personnel, storage and procurement costs. Other advantages include dealing with just one parts vendor, reduced inventory, streamlined supply chain and improved availability.