MCI delivers 25 J4500s, announces staffing changes
Roberts Hawaii’s newest J4500 coaches feature a redesign, which includes stylish LED headlights and a heightened presence for more curb appeal on the outside, while on the inside, passengers still enjoy the easy-to-board spiral entryway and tiered theater seating.

Roberts Hawaii founder Robert Iwamoto (center) and his wife, Arlene, mark the delivery of 25 new MCI J4500 coaches with his sons Scott (second from left) and Chad (far right), along with company president and COO Percy Higashi.

The purchase represents a return to the J4500 model for the company, which has been an MCI customer for three decades.
Roberts Hawaii’s newest J4500 coaches feature a redesign, which includes stylish LED headlights and a heightened presence for more curb appeal on the outside, while on the inside, passengers still enjoy the easy-to-board spiral entryway and tiered theater seating for exceptional views from every seat.
The model comes equipped with new clean-diesel engine technology for lower emissions and better fuel economy, along with MCI’s MDSS suspension system for greater maneuverability and a smoother ride. Standard safety features include three-point passenger seatbelts, electronic stability control, and tire pressure and fire-suppression systems.
MCI also announced it is promoting four people to VP positions and adding new roles to marketing, following a solid year of “sales and marketing triumphs.”
The new VPs are Mitch Guralnick, VP, pre-owned coach sales; Tom Wagner, VP, public sector sales; Louis Quaglia, VP, regional public sector sales; and Darill King, VP, Setra sales specialist.
Meanwhile, Brent Danielson, based at MCI’s Winnipeg plant, moves into director, sales engineering and product planning, where he will work with sales, engineering, and production to improve information flow and customer satisfaction, while Brad Noeske has been promoted to manager, product planning and analysis.
Last year, MCI won several large orders from Public Sector accounts including a 31-coach order from MASS DOT for its Bus Plus+ program and a NJ Transit order for 84 CNG Commuter Coaches.
The company also rolled out its highly popular Re-energized pre-owned coach program that allows operators to outfit their existing or purchased MCI pre-owned coaches with features to achieve like-new condition.
More Management

VIA Metropolitan Transit Reports 2 Million More Passenger Trips as Better Bus Plan Gains Momentum
San Antonio's transit agency said accelerated service improvements are driving ridership growth, offering another example of how increased frequency and workforce investments can translate into stronger transit performance.
Read More →
ABAF Study Reveals Growing Insurance Crisis for Motorcoach Operators
Preliminary findings show 98% of operators faced premium increases over the past five years, while shrinking insurer participation is putting added pressure on businesses and customers.
Read More →
PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System
The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.
Read More →
Chicago to Host Public Transportation's Biggest Gathering at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026
North America’s largest public transportation gathering returns to Chicago, connecting transit decision-makers with the technologies, ideas, and partnerships driving the industry forward.
Read More →
New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick
Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.
Read More →
Washington's Community Transit Sets Six-Year Roadmap for Growth, Expansion
Approved TDP targets more bus service, new mobility options, Swift BRT expansion, and a potential Everett Transit annexation.
Read More →
OKC Streetcar Makes Zero-Fare Service Permanent
Ridership increased an average of 71% compared with the same period a year earlier during the fare-free pilot.
Read More →
DART Customer Satisfaction Reaches Six-Year High
Overall satisfaction rose to 74.9%, while the agency’s Net Promoter Score reached a record 33.7.
Read More →
House Surface Transportation Bill Advances as Transit Funding Debate Intensifies
A bipartisan transportation package moving through Congress could redefine how the U.S. funds highways, transit, and motorcoach travel, while igniting new fights over electrification, regulation, and federal priorities.
Read More →
How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit
In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.
Read More →