METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

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.

January 28, 2014
MCI delivers 25 J4500s, announces staffing changes

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.

2 min to read


Roberts Hawaii's (left to right) Percy Higashi, Scott Iwamoto, Robert Iwamoto, Arlene Iwamoto and Chad Iwamoto with one of the company's 25 new MCI J4500 coaches.
Roberts Hawaii, which welcomes visitors to the Hawaii Islands from all over the world on its excursions and tours, took delivery of 25 new MCI J4500 coaches. Its subsidiary, Chicago Coach Classic, received five of the new models.

The purchase represents a return to the J4500 model for the company, which has been an MCI customer for three decades.

Ad Loading...

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.

Ad Loading...

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

People Movement for April, 17, 2026
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

People Movement: New NTSB Vice Chair, HDR, and More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
A picture of a San Diego MTS railcar and bus at a transit station.
Managementby StaffApril 17, 2026

San Diego Transit Agencies Propose Fare Hike to Close Budget Gaps

The agencies, San Diego MTS and NCTD - San Diego Railroad, which share a fare system (PRONTO), proposed the changes to help address their respective financial sustainability strategies.

Read More →
A light green and blue MST public transit bus parked on grass.
Managementby Elora HaynesApril 17, 2026

Inside Monterey-Salinas Transit’s New Approach to Ridership Recovery

See how the agency is aligning service with shifting travel patterns, delivering ridership gains while advancing equity across its system.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A headshot of Inez Evans Benson
Busby Alex RomanApril 15, 2026

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience

The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.

Read More →
NJ TRANSIT's new Multilevel III commuter railcar manufactured by Alstom
Technologyby StaffApril 14, 2026

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar

The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.

Read More →
New Cincinnati Metro bus stop sign with large route numbers and clear layout at a city intersection, part of a systemwide signage upgrade initiative.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 13, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade

Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A BART train on the tracks.
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March

BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).

Read More →
Rod Diridon Sr. speaking at a podium wearing a brown blazer.
Managementby StaffApril 13, 2026

Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87

See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.

Read More →
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
ManagementApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Ribbon cutting photo celebrating SEPTA's new Ardmore Station
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station

The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.

Read More →