The new MCI J4500s feature a new, smooth, wide-ride suspension, electronic stability control, fire suppression system, tire-pressure monitoring and the newest clean-diesel engine technology.
MCI gathered employees from throughout its plants to mark the delivery of the 6,000th unit off the company's E/J assembly line to the Shriners of British Columbia and Yukon, who will use the new J4500 to provide medical transport to children.
"Everyone at MCI has an important role in providing our customers with industry leading, quality coaches," said Bryan Couch, MCI VP/GM, operations. "Achieving this milestone coincides with our J4500 coach ranking as North America's best-selling intercity coach, a distinction it has enjoyed for seven years running. We take great pride in this accomplishment. We appreciate the trust our customers place in MCI models to transport their passengers in comfort, safety and reliability and the confidence they have knowing that MCI will continue to innovate and build the coaches best suited to their needs."
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The Shriners and all MCI customers should notice a new trend of continuous improvement, according to the company. Internally, MCI has a number of Business Excellence programs underway including the MCI Reliability Team — a management-level taskforce emphasizing the importance and rigorous standards of quality and reliability throughout MCI's product line.
The new MCI J4500s feature a new, smooth, wide-ride suspension, electronic stability control, fire suppression system, tire-pressure monitoring and the newest clean-diesel engine technology.
Bryan Coach (left) MCI VP/GM, operations marks milestone of 6000th coach of the e/j assembly line with Shriner Careexecutive Jim Harrison.
Based in Burnaby, B.C., the Shriners of British Columbia and Yukon operate what is now a fleet of five Shriners Care Cruisers; all MCI models that include three J4500s, an E4500 and a 102C.
The J4500s used by the Shriners Care Cruisers program require special features to transport sick children, including medical chairs that can fully recline as well as assist a patient to a standing position; wide, accessible lavatories; galleys; docking space for stretchers; hospital beds or couches; and additional HVAC equipment to make sure the coach can maintain a constant 72-degree interior even in the coldest Canadian winters. The floors are also heavily carpeted so children can play during their ride.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.
CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.
