Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a subsidiary of New Flyer Industries Inc., announced that the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LA DOT) added nine more compressed natural gas (CNG) Commuter Coaches. The new 45-foot coaches, purchased off an option at an estimated cost of $6.8 million, brings the number of CNG-powered MCI coaches now part of LA DOT’s fleet to 104.

The new coaches come equipped with a Cummins ISX-G CNG engine and meet standards under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California’s Air Resource Board, which have led to advances in lowering emissions.

“MCI is proud of all of its long-time public transportation partnerships, but Los Angeles is special because of the city’s history working for a cleaner environment,” said Patrick Scully, MCI executive VP, sales and marketing. “MCI is dedicated to innovation in green mass transit and we are honored LA DOT has put our products to work in their effort.”

According to LA DOT Chief of Transit Corinne Ralph, the new 45-foot models serve the agency’s goal to improve the quality of express service by replacing older buses, expanding seating capacity, and leveraging technology for improved operational integration.

The MCI Commuter Coach is built with a semi-monicoque stainless steel frame and advanced handling features for a safe ride at highway speeds. The new coaches have wheelchair lifts, padded forward-facing seats for 57 riders and amenities like personal reading lights and airflow controls. Options added include bike racks, security cameras, power outlets and USB ports at every seat, and most importantly, in-cabin Wi-Fi to allow distance riders to work and relax with their digital devices.

LA DOT’s Commuter Express system connects outlying suburban districts with Downtown Los Angeles and other busy centers including Century City, Westwood, LAX, El Segundo, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank and Encino. LA DOT first ordered 84 40-foot CNG MCI Commuter Coaches with seating for 49 passengers in 2011.