In what is said to be the largest bus transaction recorded for a transit agency, Motor Coaches Industries was awarded a $500 million, three-year contract from New Jersey Transit. MCI will supply 1,244 "cruiser" lift-equipped motorcoaches to NJ Transit. The contract provides an option for an additional 156 bus units in the fourth year for a total of 1,400 motorcoaches. "This Board [of Directors] action will deliver significant quality of life improvements for thousands of bus riders, including more comfortable seats, modern heating and air conditioning systems, more reliable service and expanded travel options for people with disabilities," said NJ Transit Executive Director Jeffrey A. Warsh. The coaches will replace older cruisers in the transit agency's current fleet of 1,234 buses as part of its rolling stock replacement initiative. The coaches are MCI D-Series 40- and 45-foot models. "We are honored to have NJ Transit select us as its cruiser coach provider," said Roberto Cordaro, CEO of Motor Coach Industries International. A total of 650 buses will be delivered in the first year. Delivery of the buses will begin near the end of the year.