Motor Coach Industries (MCI) delivered six “talking” D4005 coaches to DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite National Park, the company that provides transportation and other concessions to America’s oldest park, to use for customer tours and shuttles.
The 40-foot coaches feature “talking bus” DR600 destination sign systems, which, in addition to announcing stops according to GPS, can transmit data back to a home office.
The D4005s, part of MCI’s all-time best-selling D Series coach family, feature clean-diesel Cummins ISX engines and AllisonB500 transmissions along with three-point seatbelts and Braun UVL wheelchair lifts. They also offer passengers amenities including power outlets at every seat, footrests, parcel racks, individual comfort controls, reading lamps and a DVD entertainment system with video monitors.
The coaches, with their vivid Yosemite scenery wraps, reflect the beauty of the park.
The DR600 sign system, in addition to announcing stops inside the coach based on GPS inputs, can let passengers waiting at a stop know when the next bus is coming. It can also send information back to DNC such as how many passengers are aboard, who is driving and what the coach is doing at any given moment. DNC requests the system on all of its coaches.
Meanwhile, Garden Grove, Calif.-based Pacific Coachways Trailways purchased four MCI 2013 J4500s.
The coaches mark the company’s first purchase of new MCI models, bringing its fleet to 12 coaches and seven school buses.
In addition to featuring the latest clean-diesel engine technology for near-zero emissions, the 2013 J4500 also delivers improved fuel economy through powertrain optimization. The model has been redesigned with new LED headlights, a more elevated appearance, impact-resistant bumpers and some 30 other improvements. A new smooth rear cap also modernizes the back of the coach and provides more space for brand messaging. Wide-ride suspension, electronic stability control, a SmartWave tire-pressure monitoring system, a fire-suppression system and three-point passenger seat belts are standard. Pacific Coachways Trailways added 110-volt power outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Profiled as an “Innovative Operator” in Metro Magazine’s January 2013 issue, Pacific Coachways Trailways credits it success to great customer service and going the extra mile in driver recruitment and training.
