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Bus Tech Talk: Keeping Transit Technicians Ahead of the Technology Curve

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October 2, 2026

In this episode of Bus Tech Talk, Complete Coach Works’ Business Development Manager Mark Hollenbeck and METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman sit down with Obed Mejia, Senior Technical Trainer for Bus Maintenance, at LA Metro to discuss how rapidly evolving bus technology is changing the maintenance shop — and the skills technicians need to keep pace.

Mejia shares how LA Metro approaches technical training, the importance of giving technicians hands-on experience with new technologies, and how collaboration through the California Transit Training Consortium is helping strengthen workforce development across the industry. The conversation also explores fleet replacement strategies, maximizing the performance and useful life of existing vehicles, and preparing maintenance teams for what comes next.

Topics discussed include:

  • How LA Metro is evolving its technical training approach as new technologies enter the maintenance shop.
  • The role of the California Transit Training Consortium in developing skills and supporting the transit maintenance workforce.
  • How fleet replacement, effective maintenance, and workforce preparation can help agencies get the most out of their fleets.

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Cover Photo for METROspectives with Timothy Menard

How AI and Innovation Are Powering the Future with LYT’s Timothy Menard

March 5, 2026

Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.