CCW repowering 199 OCTA CNG-powered buses

Complete Coach Works (CCW) is about one-third of the way through a project with Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to install new CNG engines and cooling systems along with upgrading the transmissions in 199 buses.

As of late December, 65 buses had been repowered at CCW’s Riverside location and returned to service in Orange County.

“The new CNG engines are more powerful and emit significantly less pollution,” said Kevin O'Brien, general sales manager for CCW. "CCW has been contracting work with OCTA for 30 years and this it is one of the most rewarding projects to date."

The work includes installing new engines, upgrading the transmissions and switching from hydraulic cooling to electric cooling systems. The electric system uses seven fans, which requires upgrading to 450-amp alternators.

OCTA destroys the old engines and provides documentation of that work to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, which in return provides funding to help pay for the project.

The project is expected to be completed by mid-2016.