Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

Already holding the highest possible safety and operational ratings from the U.S. Departments of Defense and Transportation, Lamers Bus Lines added the MCI Coach Driving Training Simulator to further its educational programs.

The Certified ++, Select + and Deal program is designed to offer a better way to pair customers with coaches. MCI’s new Website enables operators to shop its broad pre-owned inventory.

The two-day event, held Aug. 3 and 4, offered sessions covering passenger safety, emergency preparedness, motorcoach maintenance, troubleshooting, best marketing practices and reviews of the Trailways tools that help stockholder companies reach their business goals.

The International Motor Coach Group honored Patricia Ziska, vice president and chief customer officer, with the 2010 Alliance Partner of the Year award. She was selected for demonstrating exceptional service and commitment to the industry, especially to IMG members.

Paul Revere Transportation is using the coaches for its airport shuttle service. Coaches are wheelchair lift-equipped, feature Wi-Fi connectivity, exterior and interior destinations signs and a “talking bus system” that audibly announces upcoming stops.

Features a Cummins ISM 410 horsepower engine with an Allison transmission, wide-ride suspension and electronic stability control. Upgrades include onboard Wi-Fi, a Blaupunkt Pro-Line entertainment system and three-point seat belts.

ConnDOT purchased 33 ADA-compliant and Wi-Fi ready D4500 Commuter Coaches. Ridgeland, Miss.-based Cline-Trailways received five J4500s, outfitted with three-point seat belts.

Quebec’s Autocar Hélie’s two new J4500s feature electronic stability control, a tire-pressure monitoring system and a Cummins ISM engine. New Orleans-based David Tours Inc.’s new D4505 features plush seating, clean-diesel engine technology powered by a Detroit Diesel Series 60 engine and ZF Astronic transmission.

Hotard's newest MCI coaches were outfitted with 50 leather upholstered seats that allow for extra legroom. Other features include a clean-diesel Cummins ISM 10.8-liter engine, teamed with an Allison B500 6-speed automatic transmission, Wi-Fi and three-point seat belts.

Post Road Stages in South Windsor, Conn. received two new D4505s and the Massachusetts-based Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority received two new new wheelchair lift-equipped 40-foot MCI Commuter Coaches.