Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc., delivered two 2016 MCI J4500 coaches to Krapf's Coaches to help kick off its strategic plan to renew its fleet over the next eight years.

“We’re in the process of a fleet revitalization,” said Gary Krapf, president and third-generation of the family-run company. “Our goal is to offer a fleet of newer models. It’s what our market demands.”

The West Chester, Pa.-based operator, which has a long purchasing history with MCI, plans to refresh its entire fleet exclusively with MCI models. “We’ve been a long-time customer and have an agreement to upgrade our fleet semi-annually based on our specs. This way, we get exactly what we want,” added Krapf.

Optional features on Krapf’s new MCI J4500 coaches include plush seating with footrests and leather headrests, interior simulated woodgrain finishes, Tarabus Harmonia wood flooring, 110-volt seatback power outlets with USB ports in every row and a state-of-the-art REI entertainment system with HD LCD monitors.

Krapf’s drivers will enjoy backup cameras and GPS for an extra level of security to the model’s already robust standard safety features that include electronic stability control and tire-pressure monitoring systems. One of Krapf’s newest MCI J4500s is equipped with a wheelchair lift and both coaches have Detroit Diesel engines featuring the newest clean-diesel technology for near-zero emissions.

“We couldn’t be happier about this agreement,” said Patricia Ziska, MCI VP, new coach sales. “There’s nothing better than providing quality, customized coaches for a diversified, creative operator like Krapf’s. They’re excellent at seeing group and transit opportunities in their home market and all around the country, and we at MCI are very excited about becoming a bigger part of that.”

Krapf’s unveiled the new arrivals to employees and others during a mini-celebration at its West Chester headquarters. “It was an initiation and kickoff of our fleet revitalization program,” said Krapf. “We’re happy with the J4500. It’s an upscale coach that’s right for our high-end charters.”

Krapf Bus Companies started in 1942 with two school buses and has become one of the most successful, diversified ground transportation operators in the U.S.

As one of the largest family-owned pupil transportation companies in the nation, Krapf’s fleet of 1,500 school buses transport over 95,000 students each day during the school year. Meanwhile, Krapf’s Transit maintains several contracts with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and a high-profile agreement with the Independence Visitor’s Center to operate the Philly Phlash, a hop on-and-off service with 22 stops at key Philadelphia destinations.

Through the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Krapf’s also operates the Navy Yard Shuttle with five state-of-the-art vehicles looping across the 1,200-acre business campus and connecting to Center City. And since 1984, Krapf’s has provided paratransit service for Chester County known as Rover Community Transportation.

Krapf’s also has a relationship with MCI’s parent New Flyer Industries Inc. — the company also has a New Flyer Excelsior and seven New Flyer MiDi’s in their fleet.