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.
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.
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“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.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.
