Demanding commuters demand more. That’s why the latest generation of MCI Commuter Coaches will arrive at APTA EXPO with the greenest, safest and most comfortable product features in the model’s history.

MCI’s latest appearance at EXPO will feature a Houston Metro clean-diesel Commuter Coach; a 40-foot CNG model and a pilot coach with new Bendix braking and a ZF axle system.

The new commuter express
As cities, suburbs and exurbs plan high-speed coach routes, MCI’s Commuter Coach offers high-floor design and a rugged semi-monocoque structure that elevates passengers and drivers well above traffic. Forward-facing seating and advanced safety features, such as electronic stability control, provide comfortable, secure round trips.

As for total low cost of operation, the MCI Commuter Coach offers a highly competitive per-seat price and the industry’s leading mean distance between failure rate.

It’s a hit with passengers too, thanks to those above-traffic views, comfortable seats, reading lights, airflow controls, 110-volt outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Finally, the 2014 MCI Commuter Coach is Buy America-compliant and available in clean-diesel, hybrid and CNG options.

Metro’s new workhorse
At the MCI booth, attendees will have the chance to inspect one of Houston Metro’s clean-diesel coaches, part of a recent 95-coach order for MCI. Currently, Metro runs 300 MCI coaches, including 122 diesel-electric hybrid models. On their latest Commuter Coach, Metro has ordered an impressive set of standard features including a Luminator destination sign, a Transmark Mobile View nine-camera color surveillance system and 110-volt power outlets with USB plugs at every seat.

Accelerating Clean-Air CNG
MCI will also feature a 40-foot CNG Commuter Coach with a proven powertrain pairing a Cummins ISL engine with an Agility fuel system. This new model offers a range of 400 miles with near-zero emissions. New Jersey Transit (NJ TRANSIT) recently ordered 84 CNG Commuter Coaches, which meet EPA and CARB standards and let any transit agency prove its commitment to cleaner air and meeting alternative fuel standards.

MCI’s first CNG coaches have been in the NJ TRANSIT fleet since they were delivered in 1999 and 2000 — many have logged as many as half a million miles or more.

Going clean-diesel
MCI will also display a clean-diesel coach with Cummins ISX engine and Allison B500 transmission for power and fuel economy. The new ZF axle and steering component offers enhanced handling and durability. The Bendix ADB22X disc brakes offers powerful stopping, while the Bendix AD-IS Air Dryer improves performance and serviceability. The coach also features Sachs shocks and corrosion-resistant stainless steel frame tubing.

MCI Service Parts at APTA
MCI Service Parts will be in attendance at the MCI booth to work with transit operators on a range of coach brands, not just MCI. MCI’s parts organization includes an entire team dedicated to answering transit parts bids. MCI has been making major investments in its inventory of both OEM and Coach Guard parts with a special transit team to handle complex bids, facilitate ordering and offer technical support.

More familiarization and fun
MCI will use its “Roadmap to Reliability” concept to guide booth visitors through the MCI lineup of products, parts and services. Front and center will be the coaches themselves, with MCI’s Public Sector team on hand to offer guidance and answer questions.

Other MCI activities include an All-American Party at Transmark, home of the Transmark. Guests will experience batting practice on the field; play arcade games; meet Astro players; and mingle with MCI, APTA members and friends.

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