U. of Maryland adds 5 Setra 417s
With the Maryland Terp as a focal point, the exterior livery combines the familiar university flag with the fierce mascot looking down on passing traffic.
Inside, the Setra S 417 TC offers 56 Setra exclusive seats, with seatbelts, in a black and red color scheme.
[IMAGE]U-of-Maryland-Front-View-2.jpg[/IMAGE]The University of Maryland's Department of Transportation (UMD) purchased five Setra TopClass S 417 motorcoaches from Daimler Buses North America. These replaced the Setra motorcoaches that have been in the university's fleet since 2003 and were delivered in June.
"We started offering motorcoach service to our students and staff in 2003, and immediately, the Setra coaches captured attention and demand," said David Davitaia, senior associate director at the UMD. "We have been very pleased with the design, reliability and dependability of the Setra brand. Our eight years of experience with the fleet confirmed our decision to replace our aging fleet with the new Setra TopClass S 417, this time with a newer, bolder exterior graphics design."
With the Maryland Terp as a focal point, the exterior livery combines the familiar university flag with the fierce mascot looking down on passing traffic.
Inside, the Setra S 417 TC offers 56 Setra exclusive seats, with seatbelts, in a black and red color scheme. The coach is equipped with Wi-Fi and offers electrical outlets throughout the interior that provide power for electronic devices, as well as a Bosch entertainment system that provides six, 19-inch monitors throughout the cabin.
[IMAGE]U-of-Maryland-Interior-II-2.jpg[/IMAGE]The 2011 Setra TopClass S 417 motorcoaches are powered by a Mercedes-Benz BlueTec engine that meets the 2010 EPA emission standards. This provides a significant reduction of particulate matter and NOx gases from the tailpipe, not to mention an improvement in fuel economy.
The BlueTec system by Mercedes-Benz is a one-box configuration that combines the diesel oxidation catalyst, diesel particulate filter and SCR catalyst into one component. This cleaner diesel initiative is used in Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses worldwide.
"There is no better university to partner with than the University of Maryland, and we were pleased of their decision to return to Setra for a fleet replacement," said Patrick Scully, chief commercial officer for Daimler Buses North America. "Setra motorcoaches are unlike any coach on the market today, and we stand behind our product to deliver only the best service and value."
More Motorcoach
Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI
Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.
Read More →
ABA's Ferguson Testifies in Support of BUS Act, National Standards for Bus Operators
The BUSES Act would create a nationwide framework preventing state and local governments from enforcing bus idling restrictions of less than 15 minutes, a threshold consistent with existing Environmental Protection Agency guidance.
Read More →
A True Low-Floor Minibus Design Delivers Better Accessibility and Efficiency for Everyone
As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.
Read More →
2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.
Read More →
ABA Foundation’s 2025 Motorcoach Census Highlights Industry Growth, 77K Jobs
Conducted annually by Tourism Economics, the study found that 1,769 companies operating 49,543 motorcoaches are based in the US, while 122 companies operating 1,425 motorcoaches are located in Canada.
Read More →
ENC Lands Additional 10-Bus Order From Academy Bus
The latest purchase brings Academy Bus’ AXESS fleet orders to 35 vehicles as ENC continues expanding its heavy-duty transit lineup.
Read More →
American Bus Association Files Lawsuit Against NYC Over Bus Idling Rules
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenges the City’s use of its Citizens Air Complaint program.
Read More →
Avoiding Mid-Season Breakdowns: A Fleet Readiness Q&A
John Hatman, COO of Master’s Transportation, breaks down the priorities, warning signs and common mistakes fleet managers should address now to stay ahead of summer demand.
Read More →
ABA Report: Motorcoach Sales Tick Up in Q1 2026 as Market Stabilizes
The Foundation produces the report each quarter, using data collected from surveys of major motorcoach manufacturers that sell vehicles in the US and Canada.
Read More →
How the Motorcoach Industry Supports Disaster Response and National Preparedness
Fred Ferguson, president and CEO of the American Bus Association (ABA), discussed how the industry prepares for emergencies, the growing recognition of motorcoaches as critical infrastructure, and steps operators can take to strengthen disaster readiness.
Read More →