MCI announces first Canadian operator to test electric coach
Coach Atlantic Maritime Bus will demonstrate MCI’s new battery-electric MCI D45 CRTe LE coach this spring.

Mike Cassidy (center), Principal of the Cassidy Group, signs battery-electric demonstration agreement on behalf of Coach Atlantic
with MCI’s executives from left; Patricia Ziska, JP Nadeau, Ian Smart and Patrick Scully, during UMA EXPO in Nashville,Tenn. MCI
Mike Cassidy (center), Principal of the Cassidy Group, signs battery-electric demonstration agreement on behalf of Coach Atlantic 
with MCI’s executives from left; Patricia Ziska, JP Nadeau, Ian Smart and Patrick Scully, during UMA EXPO in Nashville,Tenn. MCI
Cassidy Group’s (Coach Atlantic's parent company) T3 Transit, their municipal transit brand, was the first to bring a battery-electric low floor transit bus made by MCI sister company New Flyer for testing on transit routes serving greater Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island in 2018.
The Maritime tour and demonstration, beginning in mid-March, will be the first for Canada. MCI launched the all-electric D45 CRTe LE CHARGE model at a high-profile event at its California Bay Area Service Center on Oct. 1, 2019, followed by demonstrations with both private employee transportation programs and public sector agencies with long distance express routes in the U.S.
The MCI D45 CRTe LE CHARGE features a patented low-entry vestibule with a seating area and a ramp that significantly improves dwell times and the boarding and ride experience for passengers with disabilities.
Winner of the 2020 UMA Environmental Sustainability Award
Cassidy and Coach Atlantic Maritime Bus received the MCI-sponsored 2020 Leadership in Environmental Sustainability Award during the United Motor Coach Association (UMA) EXPO for a broad suite of green practices, including a conservation commitment that applies inside and outside the business. Coach Atlantic utilizes idle-free driver training programs offered by the University of Vermont’s Certification for Sustainable Transportation (CST) program in addition to aggressive recycling programs companywide.
In accepting the 2020 MCI Leadership in Environmental Sustainability Award, Cassidy expressed his passion for the industry’s ability to take cars off the road to mitigate traffic congestion and improve air quality. “What would you rather see, investments in cars or motorcoaches?” he said to members of the industry. “Our green message needs to be visible to the riding public. By working together, we can truly move our message forward, making travel by motor coach attractive beyond its convenience and affordability but for its environmental benefits to North America.
More Motorcoach

Rethinking the Road: Transportation Challenges for Smaller College Athletics
Smaller college athletic programs are rethinking fleet strategies as rising costs, driver shortages, and longer travel distances put new pressure on transportation budgets.
Read More →
Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.
Read More →
Roman Cornell on ABC Companies’ Evolution and the Future of Passenger Transportation
The company’s CEO discusses carrying forward a third-generation family legacy, ABC’s continued evolution in passenger transportation, support for increasingly complex fleets, and how technology and continued investment could help operators improve uptime.
Read More →
From Surviving to Thriving: Building Stronger Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants founder Brian Dickson shares lessons on leadership, organizational health, and creating options for long-term success in a changing transportation industry.
Read More →
Report: Canadian Motorcoach Industry Generates $4.4B in Economic Impact
The 2025 Motorcoach Economic Impact Report finds motorcoach travel supported nearly 25,000 jobs and generated $980 million in federal, provincial, and local taxes.
Read More →
Prevost Opens Expanded Chicago-Area Service Center
The $8.1 million Elk Grove Village investment nearly triples facility space while adding service capacity, parts storage, and customer amenities.
Read More →
People Movement: Dan Dipert Coaches Adds Third-Generation Leader, Keolis Names New Valley Metro VP/GM, and More
In this edition, we also cover recent appointments and announcements at the Wabtec, SilverRide, HNTB, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Alstom Lands Canadian Contract, LYT to Supply California TSP, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Complete Coach Works, Beep, FlixBus, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: RIPTA Unveils New Frontrunners, Clevland RTA Adds New Siemens, and More
In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Siemens, Prevost, Dodge, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.
Read More →