Complete Coach Works (CCW) received a contract award to perform mid-life rehabilitation on 72 Gillig buses for Long Beach Transit (LBT), the second-largest public transit agency in Los Angeles County, with 26 million annual boardings. This rehabilitation project is part of LBT’s State of Good Repair Program.
All buses will be given a complete exterior paint job with associated decals, Cummins ISL-G recon engines, new aluminum wheels, upgrades to exterior and interior lightning, upgrades to exterior mirrors, repainted driver’s area, and new decals as part of a cosmetic rehab.
“As these vehicles reach their mid-life points, the cosmetic, mechanical, and electrical restoration work will return them to like-new condition. CCW provides high-quality remanufacturing services, and we are proud that our work is ensuring the optimal performance of buses, such as those in the Long Beach Transit fleet, through their entire lifespan,” says Kevin O’Brien, general sales manager of Complete Coach Works.
CCW provides a range of remanufacturing, repair, and alternative fuel conversion services, recognizing that transit vehicles are expensive and valuable assets with highly sophisticated systems. CCW technicians have the specialized training, OEM qualifications, and technical equipment to properly diagnose and repair these systems and return vehicles that are ready for revenue service.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.