BUS RAPID TRANSIT

Adding CNG vehicles to its diverse fleet, building a fueling facility and refurbishing its maintenance garage are some of the projects the system has on its plate.

Cited as the top challenge experienced by one-fifth of participating operators. Coming in second was land use coordination, at 17%, down by slightly more than 10% from last year, when it was listed as the top challenge.

With eyes set on constant improvements in efficiencies and reliability, CEO Rick Heller reports there is much going on at MCI, including its new ‘Business Excellence’ program. The company is also celebrating its 6,000th J/E coach and a new CNG contract in Los Angeles.

Outgoing APTA President William Millar offered his thanks to the industry and his ringing endorsement to incoming President Michael Melaniphy. The EXPO featured 750-plus exhibitors — 100 first-timers — displaying innovative products and services on the 300,000-square-foot show floor, including two complete railcars and two railcar mockups, and 54 buses and vans.