METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

MCI delivers first J3500, full production set for January 2019

The smaller MCI J-Series coach, which offers seating for 40 to 44, comes equipped with a 2017 EPA Cummins L9 engine at 350 hp.

December 14, 2018
MCI delivers first J3500, full production set for January 2019

Tuscaloosa’s new J3500 calls for roomy 40-passenger seating by Amaya with partial leather upholstery, three-point passenger seatbelts, and other high-end interior touches including the J-Series rear window and variable programmable lighting option.

MCI

2 min to read


Tuscaloosa’s new J3500 calls for roomy 40-passenger seating by Amaya with partial leather upholstery, three-point passenger seatbelts, and other high-end interior touches including the J-Series rear window and variable programmable lighting option. MCI

Tuscaloosa Charter Service owner Cliff Dorsey received the keys to the first MCI J3500 in a delivery celebration with MCI.

MCI unveiled the J3500 for test drives with customers, and during its Reliability Rallies at its Service Centers this past summer, and at September’s BusCon. When Dorsey drove the newest member of the J-Series, he couldn’t wait to add one to his fleet. “The idea of adding a 35-foot coach had been on my mind for quite some time,” said Dorsey. “I wanted a small bus with a large bus ride.” 

Ad Loading...

Full MCI J3500 production begins in January of 2019 with coaches becoming ready for delivery in February.

The smaller MCI J-Series coach offers big advantages. It begins with industry-leading interior space, seating for 40 or 44 passengers and the best-in-class payload capacity. A semi-monocoque construction equal to the J4500 also means longer vehicle life and the MCI suspension makes for a quieter, smoother ride over the life of the coach. The J3500 also comes equipped with an e-Fan system and a smaller, yet powerful 2017 EPA Cummins L9 at 350 hp, 1150 lb.-ft torque w/engine brake and a Gen V Allison B500, six-speed automatic transmission with prognostics capability.

Tuscaloosa’s new J3500 calls for roomy 40-passenger seating by Amaya with partial leather upholstery, three-point passenger seatbelts, and other high-end interior touches including the J-Series rear window and variable programmable lighting option.

Tuscaloosa Charter Service employs 17, and specializes in group trips across Alabama and throughout the U.S. with a fleet of 12 coaches including the D-Series, J4500 models coaches. 

 

More Motorcoach

SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
MotorcoachJanuary 12, 2026

Nashville’s Anchor Transportation Named METRO’s 2026 Innovative Operator of the Year

METRO’s Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to Anchor’s President Jared Stancil during the American Bus Association’s Marketplace, which is taking place in Reno, Nevada.

Read More →
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 9, 2026

Biz Briefs: Hitachi Rail, GreenPower, and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two people standing in front of a white charter bus parked at a transportation facility.
Motorcoachby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 8, 2026

Charter Bus Company Helps California District with School Transportation

Busloop is helping Oakland Unified School District with field trip and other travel needs to aid in combatting effects of budget cuts and support underserved communities.

Read More →
Motorcoachby StaffJanuary 6, 2026

ABC to Honor Industry Roots and Future Tech at ABA 2026

ABC will showcase its full range of fleet solutions at Booth 301, featuring a fully equipped 2026 Van Hool CX45 and an interactive virtual showroom that highlights the company’s latest products, services, and innovations.

Read More →
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 5, 2026

Forest River Working to Redefine Reliability, Responsibility in the Bus Industry

As the transportation landscape continues to evolve in the wake of the pandemic, few manufacturers have faced, or embraced, change as decisively as Forest River Bus.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby Alex RomanDecember 31, 2025

Best of METROspectives: Industry Leaders Driving the Future of Transit & Motorcoach

From navigating post-pandemic growth to rethinking customer engagement and operational efficiency, these five standout interviews offer invaluable insights from leaders who are shaping what’s next.

Read More →
Managementby StaffDecember 19, 2025

American Bus Association Partners with Great American Road Trip

Through this partnership, The Great American Road Trip and the ABA aim to highlight the essential role of motorcoach travel in connecting communities.

Read More →
New Mobilityby Staff and News ReportsDecember 12, 2025

Biz Briefs: Fare Collection, Motorcoach Orders, and More

Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier news in the motorcoach and public transit industries.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffDecember 1, 2025

DRPT Taps Academy Bus to Operate Virginia Breeze’s Tidewater Current

With a provider in place, the route is now set to launch in Spring 2026.

Read More →