METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

MCI Rolls Into EXPO with its Greenest Commuter Coach

MCI’s latest appearance at EXPO will feature a Houston Metro clean-diesel Commuter Coach; a 40-foot CNG model and a pilot coach with new Bendix braking and a ZF axle system.

October 13, 2014
MCI Rolls Into EXPO with its Greenest Commuter Coach

 

3 min to read


Demanding commuters demand more. That’s why the latest generation of MCI Commuter Coaches will arrive at APTA EXPO with the greenest, safest and most comfortable product features in the model’s history.

MCI’s latest appearance at EXPO will feature a Houston Metro clean-diesel Commuter Coach; a 40-foot CNG model and a pilot coach with new Bendix braking and a ZF axle system.

The new commuter express
As cities, suburbs and exurbs plan high-speed coach routes, MCI’s Commuter Coach offers high-floor design and a rugged semi-monocoque structure that elevates passengers and drivers well above traffic. Forward-facing seating and advanced safety features, such as electronic stability control, provide comfortable, secure round trips.

Ad Loading...

As for total low cost of operation, the MCI Commuter Coach offers a highly competitive per-seat price and the industry’s leading mean distance between failure rate.

It’s a hit with passengers too, thanks to those above-traffic views, comfortable seats, reading lights, airflow controls, 110-volt outlets and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Finally, the 2014 MCI Commuter Coach is Buy America-compliant and available in clean-diesel, hybrid and CNG options.

Metro’s new workhorse
At the MCI booth, attendees will have the chance to inspect one of Houston Metro’s clean-diesel coaches, part of a recent 95-coach order for MCI. Currently, Metro runs 300 MCI coaches, including 122 diesel-electric hybrid models. On their latest Commuter Coach, Metro has ordered an impressive set of standard features including a Luminator destination sign, a Transmark Mobile View nine-camera color surveillance system and 110-volt power outlets with USB plugs at every seat.

Accelerating Clean-Air CNG
MCI will also feature a 40-foot CNG Commuter Coach with a proven powertrain pairing a Cummins ISL engine with an Agility fuel system. This new model offers a range of 400 miles with near-zero emissions. New Jersey Transit (NJ TRANSIT) recently ordered 84 CNG Commuter Coaches, which meet EPA and CARB standards and let any transit agency prove its commitment to cleaner air and meeting alternative fuel standards.

MCI’s first CNG coaches have been in the NJ TRANSIT fleet since they were delivered in 1999 and 2000 — many have logged as many as half a million miles or more.

Going clean-diesel
MCI will also display a clean-diesel coach with Cummins ISX engine and Allison B500 transmission for power and fuel economy. The new ZF axle and steering component offers enhanced handling and durability. The Bendix ADB22X disc brakes offers powerful stopping, while the Bendix AD-IS Air Dryer improves performance and serviceability. The coach also features Sachs shocks and corrosion-resistant stainless steel frame tubing.

MCI Service Parts at APTA
MCI Service Parts will be in attendance at the MCI booth to work with transit operators on a range of coach brands, not just MCI. MCI’s parts organization includes an entire team dedicated to answering transit parts bids. MCI has been making major investments in its inventory of both OEM and Coach Guard parts with a special transit team to handle complex bids, facilitate ordering and offer technical support.

More familiarization and fun
MCI will use its “Roadmap to Reliability” concept to guide booth visitors through the MCI lineup of products, parts and services. Front and center will be the coaches themselves, with MCI’s Public Sector team on hand to offer guidance and answer questions.

Other MCI activities include an All-American Party at Transmark, home of the Transmark. Guests will experience batting practice on the field; play arcade games; meet Astro players; and mingle with MCI, APTA members and friends.

More Bus

Finding the Right Balance: Optimizing Transit Maintenance
ManagementAugust 14, 2026

Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability

The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.

Read More →
AI Powers Bus Lane Enforcement
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 12, 2026

LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement

The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.

Read More →
PSTA employees clocking in.
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 10, 2026

PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System

The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Community Transit Swift Green Line bus
Busby Staff and News ReportsAugust 7, 2026

Washington's Community Transit Sets Six-Year Roadmap for Growth, Expansion

Approved TDP targets more bus service, new mobility options, Swift BRT expansion, and a potential Everett Transit annexation.

Read More →
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 6, 2026

DART Customer Satisfaction Reaches Six-Year High

Overall satisfaction rose to 74.9%, while the agency’s Net Promoter Score reached a record 33.7.

Read More →
Innovative Solutions Awards: DART, Kuba Pay Launch Next-Gen Fare Payment
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 5, 2026

How DART's GoPass Is Redefining Regional Mobility

Serving 14 transit agencies, GoPass simplifies multimodal travel by allowing riders to plan, pay for, and manage an entire trip through one app.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An OCTA ZEB.
Technologyby Alex RomanJuly 31, 2026

Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Driving Change: Award Winners Redefine Industry Standards
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners

Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence

Read More →
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
LA Metro at State of the Agency event.
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 23, 2026

LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year

Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.

Read More →