Cummins team works quickly to repair buses for federal response

The team at Cummins Sales and Service in Altoona, Pennsylvania, didn’t hesitate when a valued customer was recently asked to provide 60 buses to federal officials to help with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader

This photo of the team in Altoona, Pennsylvania, was taken last summer, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S. The team now practices social distancing and other precautions to keep employees safe.

Although the transportation fleet has not yet deployed, the customer was asked to prepare the buses for deployment. Altoona is relatively close to several east coast cities hit hard by the crisis.

There was only one problem. The customer’s 60-bus fleet included eight ISX12 powered coach buses needing air compressor replacements and four more buses needing to be inspected and prepared for service.

“Our customers are our number one priority, and we take pride in helping them always, particularly in difficult times,” said Brenden Beedle, General Manager of the Altoona branch.

Replacing an air compressor can be a complicated job. They are located deep in the engine bay, where access can be very difficult.  The air compressor's main job is to supply air to the brake system and aid in multiple systems within the bus that require air pressure to operate correctly.  Without a functioning air system, the bus simply will not move.

To date, the Altoona branch has completed repairs on five buses with the remaining three awaiting parts that are expected to arrive soon. The buses will be ready as soon as they are called out. That ultimately means scarce human resources will get to where they need to go to address the growing  number of coronavirus cases.

Beedle says his team is working hard and smart, taking all recommended precautions to stay safe while they do their essential jobs. He says the team feels good to be doing its part in the midst of a national crisis.

“It is rewarding to know our customer trusts us to make sure his fleet of coach and school buses are prepared for service,” Beedle said. 

Author Profiles

Cummins Office Building

Cummins Inc., Global Power Technology Leader

Cummins Inc., a global power solutions leader, comprises five business segments – Components, Engine, Distribution, Power Systems, and Accelera by Cummins – supported by its global manufacturing and extensive service and support network, skilled workforce and vast technological expertise. Cummins is committed to its Destination Zero strategy – the company’s commitment to sustainability and helping its customers successfully navigate the energy transition with its broad portfolio of products. Cummins has approximately 69,900 employees and earned $3.9 billion on sales of $34.1 billion in 2024. See how Cummins is leading the world toward a future of smarter, cleaner power at www.cummins.com.

Want to find out more?

Receive the latest from Cummins in technologies, products, news, and insights.

Redirecting to
cummins.com

The information you are looking for is on
cummins.com

We are launching that site for you now.

Thank you.