Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) New York City Transit and MTA Bus Co. will receive 54 MCI Commuter Coaches.

The coaches, which will be delivered over the next few months, feature the same amenities to which passengers have become accustomed, including plushy, upholstered, forward-facing reclining seats; 29 inches of legroom; personal reading lights and air flow controls.  

The new coaches also come equipped with advanced features such as Electronic Stability Control and a fourth-generation ACTIA multiplex system for simplified diagnostics. Like all MTA New York City Transit MCI Commuter Coaches, these latest models are ADA compliant and come equipped with a Cummins ISL engine and Allison transmission powertrain.

MTA relied on MCI Commuter Coaches for more than a decade, operating more than 900 MCI coaches in its fleet of 5,600 buses.

Additionally, Delaware Express took delivery of a new 2013 J4500, wrapping up a four-coach order.

The restyled coach caught Gerry Frenze, president, Delaware Express, by surprise. “We didn’t know that we would be one of the first getting the 2013,” said Frenze. “It’s good to be on the cutting edge.”

Indeed, the newest J4500 has some leading amenities and options, including Wi-Fi, satellite television and 110-volt outlets, plus a wheelchair lift. The newest J4500 is further distinguished by wood-grain flooring and hydrographics in the interior on the parcel rack doors, driver’s dash area, and front entrance area and door.

The previous three J4500s have come with similarly high-end amenities; those coaches additionally have galleys (by Creative Mobile Interiors, Ohio) instead of the wheelchair lift, along with a 50-seat configuration that’s roomy enough to accommodate the college athletes who make up a significant portion of Delaware Express riders. Delaware Express serves teams at the University of Delaware, Wilmington University, Delaware State University and Goldey-Beacom College.

Delaware Express’ newest coaches feature flashy exterior graphics in a blue and green motif that underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its green fleet options. The company started switching over to low-emission engine technology with the 2011 delivery of two MCI J4500s.