Beach Transportation adds to all-MCI fleet

Missoula, Mont.-based Beach Transportation recently purchased two MCI J4500 coaches, representing the first ADA-accessible J4500s in western Montana.

The 54-passenger J4500s feature Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines, Allison B500 automatic transmissions and wheelchair lifts.

In operation for more than 65 years, the company has been managed by the Beach family for three generations. Scott Beach, vice president of operations and grandson of founder Ray Beach, says the company has gone through several generations of MCI models since starting the coach side of their operation in 1969, including the 5A, 5B, 8, 9 and 102. The company still has a 1980 MC-5C in service, the second-to-last ever built.

Today, Beach Transportation primarily runs charters for schools, senior groups and local industry, but also contracts with national tour operators for trips throughout the national parks in the Western United States and Canada.