Clarksburg, Ohio-based Ohio CAT and Matthews Buses Inc. in Avon, New York, are the latest Thomas Built Buses dealers to receive the school bus manufacturer's Platinum Support certification.

Established in 2015, the Thomas Built Buses Platinum Support Dealer Certification Program is focused on improving the customer experience, according to a news release from the school bus manufacturer. Platinum Support-certified dealers and their staff members provide rapid diagnosis, responsive turnaround and quality, consistent communication, robust parts availability, and superb customer service, according to Thomas Built Buses. Through rigorous Platinum Support training, dealers and their staff members reportedly learn to eliminate areas of waste from day-to-day operations, producing faster vehicle assessment, reducing vehicle downtime, and lowering vehicle lifecycle costs to the customer.

“Through this program, Ohio CAT’s and Matthews Buses’ customers will experience greater efficiencies, an elevated level of service, communication, and quality of care,” said Paul Start, market growth development manager for Thomas Built Buses. “We are proud of these dealerships and their commitment to this program, and we look forward to the positive effect this certification will have for their customers.”

This is the second Matthews Buses location to receive Platinum Support certification. Both dealerships underwent extensive training and invested in upgrades to achieve this recognition. Today, more than half of Thomas Built Buses’ dealers are Platinum Support-certified.