Coach USA, NY MTA order new MCI coaches

Coach USA and New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority(MTA) will both begin operating new Motor Coach Industries (MCI) J4500 models featuring clean-diesel, low-emission engine technology.  

Nine of the 10 models delivered to Coach USA at the end of 2007 are equipped with Cummins ISM engines and ZF Astronic transmissions. The other J4500 coach comes with a Detroit Diesel ZF Astronic powertrain combination.  

MCI will deliver an additional 50 J4500 models equipped with Detroit Diesel and ZF Astronic powertrains to Coach USA in spring 2008. At that time, 29 J4500 coaches will be delivered to Coach USA’s east coast and midwest operations, and 21 will be sent to the company’s Coach Canada operations.  

The MTA will purchase 126 clean-diesel commuter coaches from Motor Coach Industries, increasing their fleet of MCI commuter coaches to more than 1,200. The new coaches will also feature several technical upgrades, including a redesigned front-end cap for a more modern look, all wheel disc brakes and an ultra-capacitor starting system for enhanced performance. 

The new coaches are expected to be delivered in mid-2008. These will be the first coaches in both the Coach USA and the MTA fleets to feature the new engine technology mandated by the EPA and designed to reduce particulate matter by 90 percent. The coaches are also equipped with engine fire suppressant systems and SmarTire monitoring systems.