Coach USA, NY MTA order new MCI coaches
Take delivery of new J4500 clean-diesel engine models.
Coach USA and New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority(MTA) will both begin operating new Motor Coach Industries (MCI) J4500 models featuring clean-diesel, low-emission engine technology.
Nine of the 10 models delivered to Coach USA at the end of 2007 are equipped with Cummins ISM engines and ZF Astronic transmissions. The other J4500 coach comes with a Detroit Diesel ZF Astronic powertrain combination.
MCI will deliver an additional 50 J4500 models equipped with Detroit Diesel and ZF Astronic powertrains to Coach USA in spring 2008. At that time, 29 J4500 coaches will be delivered to Coach USA’s east coast and midwest operations, and 21 will be sent to the company’s Coach Canada operations.
The MTA will purchase 126 clean-diesel commuter coaches from Motor Coach Industries, increasing their fleet of MCI commuter coaches to more than 1,200. The new coaches will also feature several technical upgrades, including a redesigned front-end cap for a more modern look, all wheel disc brakes and an ultra-capacitor starting system for enhanced performance.
The new coaches are expected to be delivered in mid-2008. These will be the first coaches in both the Coach USA and the MTA fleets to feature the new engine technology mandated by the EPA and designed to reduce particulate matter by 90 percent. The coaches are also equipped with engine fire suppressant systems and SmarTire monitoring systems.
More Management

NITA Proposes $5B Operating Budget, $9.7B Capital Program for 2027
The proposed budget includes funding for expanded transit service, safety initiatives, fleet upgrades, and infrastructure improvements across CTA, Metra, and Pace.
Read More →
Financing, Fleet Replacement Requires a More Strategic Approach
Executives from ABC Companies and MCI discuss how rising costs, changing market conditions, and post-pandemic challenges are prompting motorcoach operators to rethink financing strategies, fleet replacement cycles, and long-term planning.
Read More →
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO
In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.
Read More →
How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access
Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs
CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →