Complete Coach Works (CCW) is shining a spotlight on transit’s behind-the-scenes heroes with the launch of “Bus Tech Talk,” a new video and podcast series focused on real-world challenges and innovations in bus maintenance.
The series is hosted by Mark Hollenbeck, CCW’s National Business Development Manager, who has more than 27 years of experience working with transit agencies nationwide.
The goal of “Bus Tech Talk” is to create a space where transit professionals can share their experiences, learn from one another and discuss practical solutions to the industry’s biggest maintenance challenges.
From electrification and technician shortages to multi-propulsion fleets and workforce development, each episode tackles timely topics that matter to agencies of all sizes.
CCW has partnered with METRO Magazine to co-host the series. In the premiere episode, Hollenbeck and METRO’s Alex Roman sit down with Charlie Busse, Director of Maintenance at Connect Transit in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Busse shares how his agency is rolling out electric buses, recruiting and retaining technicians and balancing sustainability with operational demands.
“We’re not just replacing diesel buses with electric ones,” Busse says. “We’re transforming how we train staff, plan facilities and maintain reliability across a mixed fleet.”
The episode offers a candid look at how a smaller agency can lead in innovation while managing limited resources. It also highlights the importance of mentoring and upskilling maintenance staff to meet the demands of new technologies.
Bus & Motorcoach News caught up with Hollenbeck for a Q&A about his career and latest project, “Bus Tech Talk.”
Bus & Motorcoach News: Can you start by sharing a bit about your background and what brought you to co-host this new podcast?
Mark Hollenbeck: I’ve spent over 27 years working with transit agencies across the country, while at CCW, Metro Magazine, and Proterra. I’ve always enjoyed building relationships and sharing knowledge with people in the industry, so when the opportunity came up to co-host this podcast, it felt like a natural extension of what I love to do – connect, learn and help others learn too.
BMN: What inspired Complete Coach Works to launch this podcast, and what’s the overall goal of the series?
MH: Transit maintenance is such an essential piece of public transportation – it’s truly the backbone of every agency. We wanted to create a space where real-world maintenance challenges, solutions, and innovations could be discussed openly and practically. The goal is to share expertise, highlight best practices, and offer transit professionals a platform to learn from one another. Ultimately, it’s about helping agencies keep their buses on the road safely, reliably, and cost-effectively.
BMN: Who are some of the guests you’ll be interviewing, and what kinds of conversations can listeners expect?
MH: We’re featuring seasoned maintenance managers and technical experts – people with deep, hands-on experience who can speak candidly about what’s working, what’s not, and how they’re adapting. Listeners can expect real conversations about fleet refurbishment, training, sourcing parts, managing tight budgets, and even future-focused topics like workforce development and sustainable operations.
BMN: What do you hope listeners will take away from each episode?
MH: We want every episode to deliver at least one actionable takeaway, whether that’s a new preventative maintenance strategy, a creative approach to technician training, or simply feeling more connected to others facing similar challenges. Even for longtime professionals, there’s always something to learn from each other’s experiences.
BMN: Is this podcast coming directly from CCW, or is it a broader industry effort?
MH: It’s a collaboration between Complete Coach Works and Alex Roman from METRO Magazine. We see it as a service to the industry—a way to build community and promote knowledge sharing that benefits everyone involved in transit maintenance.
The first episode is available on YouTube: “Bus “Tech Talk: Maintenance Insights from Connect Transit’s Charlie Busse.”
