Galena-based Tri-State Travel recently took delivery of a J3500 from Motor Coach Industries (MCI).

The new coach put into service by the all-MCI operator is a 40-seat model with extra legroom and features MCI’s top-of-the-line advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS), as well as a customizable interior lighting package.

The new J3500 — the second member of the new MCI J-Family — was designed with operator cost-savings in mind. Like the 45-foot MCI J4500, the J3500’s all stainless steel, semi-monocoque construction provides a longtime lifespan and is backed by MCI’s standard Super-60 limited warranty, which extends coverage on many of the coach’s components up to five years or 500,000 miles and expands coverage on others.

Parts commonality with the MCI J4500 in electrical, suspension, HVAC, frame, body, and brake components helps J-Series operators keep a lean parts inventory as well. Additionally, the J3500’s EPA 2017 Cummins L9 engine is cooled by an all-electric e-Fan system for gains in fuel efficiency and reliability. The L9 connects to the Allison Gen V B500, 6-speed automatic transmission found in J4500 series coaches.

For extra safety, Tri-State’s new J3500 carries the optional Bendix Wingman Fusion System with adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation functionality and a 360-degree camera system and 500 GB digital recording system.