METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

MCI delivers first J3500, full production set for January 2019

The smaller MCI J-Series coach, which offers seating for 40 to 44, comes equipped with a 2017 EPA Cummins L9 engine at 350 hp.

December 14, 2018
MCI delivers first J3500, full production set for January 2019

Tuscaloosa’s new J3500 calls for roomy 40-passenger seating by Amaya with partial leather upholstery, three-point passenger seatbelts, and other high-end interior touches including the J-Series rear window and variable programmable lighting option.

MCI

2 min to read


Tuscaloosa’s new J3500 calls for roomy 40-passenger seating by Amaya with partial leather upholstery, three-point passenger seatbelts, and other high-end interior touches including the J-Series rear window and variable programmable lighting option. MCI

Tuscaloosa Charter Service owner Cliff Dorsey received the keys to the first MCI J3500 in a delivery celebration with MCI.

MCI unveiled the J3500 for test drives with customers, and during its Reliability Rallies at its Service Centers this past summer, and at September’s BusCon. When Dorsey drove the newest member of the J-Series, he couldn’t wait to add one to his fleet. “The idea of adding a 35-foot coach had been on my mind for quite some time,” said Dorsey. “I wanted a small bus with a large bus ride.” 

Ad Loading...

Full MCI J3500 production begins in January of 2019 with coaches becoming ready for delivery in February.

The smaller MCI J-Series coach offers big advantages. It begins with industry-leading interior space, seating for 40 or 44 passengers and the best-in-class payload capacity. A semi-monocoque construction equal to the J4500 also means longer vehicle life and the MCI suspension makes for a quieter, smoother ride over the life of the coach. The J3500 also comes equipped with an e-Fan system and a smaller, yet powerful 2017 EPA Cummins L9 at 350 hp, 1150 lb.-ft torque w/engine brake and a Gen V Allison B500, six-speed automatic transmission with prognostics capability.

Tuscaloosa’s new J3500 calls for roomy 40-passenger seating by Amaya with partial leather upholstery, three-point passenger seatbelts, and other high-end interior touches including the J-Series rear window and variable programmable lighting option.

Tuscaloosa Charter Service employs 17, and specializes in group trips across Alabama and throughout the U.S. with a fleet of 12 coaches including the D-Series, J4500 models coaches. 

 

More Motorcoach

Virginia Breeze's new Van Hool motorcoaches with branding, which were delivered by ABC Companies.
Motorcoachby StaffApril 20, 2026

Virginia Breeze Launches New Tidewater Current Service

The Tidewater Current is the first east-to-west Virginia Breeze route, expanding access to key destinations including Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News, Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Harrisonburg.

Read More →
A Coach USA Van Hool CX 45 delivered by ABC Companies.
Busby StaffApril 15, 2026

ABC Delivers Van Hools to Coach USA and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Moovit, CAF, and more.

Read More →
Six people in business wear pose for a picture in front of the Empire State Building in the distance.
Motorcoachby StaffApril 15, 2026

New York City Receives 1,000th Prevost Motorcoach

The milestone delivery caps a historic contract as MTA expands its fleet to serve more than 1 million daily riders.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
ManagementApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Prevost Service Center in Goodlettsville, Tennessee
Motorcoachby StaffApril 9, 2026

Prevost Expands its Tennessee Service Center

The expansion includes a new collision center with 32 additional parking spaces, along with a significant increase in service capacity.

Read More →
Cover photo for A Practical Guide for Selling to Private Equity
MotorcoachApril 3, 2026

How Motorcoach Operators Can Prepare for a Private Equity Sale

Essential strategies to strengthen your business before entering a private equity transaction.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ABA Marketplace Report
Motorcoachby StaffMarch 30, 2026

ABA Marketplace Drives $124.9M in Business, New Report Finds

As the American Bus Association marks its 100th year, a new ABA Foundation report highlights the Marketplace’s role as a key revenue engine for the bus and group travel industry.

Read More →
Coach USA, Samsara cover shot
Technologyby Alex RomanMarch 30, 2026

How Coach USA Is Using AI to Prevent Bus Accidents

As motorcoaches navigate increasingly congested urban corridors filled with pedestrians, cyclists, scooters, and distracted drivers, safety leaders across the industry are confronting a growing challenge: visibility.

Read More →
A Houston automated people mover manufactured by Alstom.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 26, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom in Houston, DATTCO Makes Acquisition, and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A picture of a Croswell Bus Lines 2026 Van Hool CX45.
Motorcoachby StaffMarch 23, 2026

Croswell Bus Lines Expands Fleet With Van Hool CX45 Coaches

A portion of this fleet investment was recently recognized during UMA EXPO 2026, where Croswell Bus Lines was presented with a commemorative $1.8 million check highlighting the company’s continued investment in its fleet and partnership with ABC.

Read More →