Motor Coach Industries marks new milestone with NJ TRANSIT; Agency places order for 772 MCI Commuter Coaches

Accessible, Wi-Fi ready, and passenger seatbelts in new 45-foot cruiser-style, 57-seat passenger clean-diesel coaches; Will replace older models

DES PLAINES, Ill., July 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In one of the largest contracts between NJ TRANSIT and Motor Coach Industries (MCI), New Jersey's public transportation board of directors has authorized the purchase of 772 fully featured MCI 45-foot Commuter Coaches.

In the latest equipment purchase in a 33-year relationship between NJ TRANSIT and MCI, the $395 million order for clean diesel, cruiser-style coaches will offer NJ TRANSIT riders three-point seatbelts,  comfortable forward-facing seating for 57 passengers, as well as individual airflow controls and reading lights. The six-year delivery schedule for the new Commuter Coaches will begin in 2016.

This latest order between MCI and NJ TRANSIT will replace existing MCI coaches in New Jersey's fleet. MCI has delivered over 2,000 Commuter Coaches to the agency since 1982. NJ TRANSIT was one of the first public transit operators to use the MCI Commuter Coach to reach outlying city and expanding suburban areas.

NJ TRANSIT will use this order to replace older 2000-2008 models, many with more than 500,000 miles. Specifically, they'll replace 235 45-foot and 360 40-foot MCI coaches operated by NJ TRANSIT, and 177 45-foot MCI coaches operated by private carriers contracting with the agency.

NJ TRANSIT estimates the new MCI Commuter Coaches will allow the agency to boost seating capacity by six percent.

Latest features

The MCI Commuter Coach is renowned for its durability and quality; built with a rugged semi-monocoque structure that elevates passengers and drivers above traffic, while safety features including electronic stability control offer even more security. 

Compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the new coaches will offer cleaner engine technology with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to reduce exhaust emissions required by the latest Clean Air Act amendment.

"We are tremendously honored that NJ TRANSIT has once again selected MCI," said Rick Heller, MCI President and CEO. "Our Commuter Coach has been the mainstay in its express service capabilities for decades. Today's announcement for 772 additional vehicles marks another milestone in an important customer relationship centered on coach performance and innovation."  The MCI Commuter Coach was the industry best-seller in the public sector in 2014. Heller points out that MCI's long relationship with NJ TRANSIT has helped drive company sales records and innovation. MCI won its first contract with NJ TRANSIT in 1982 for 700 MC-9 cruiser buses, purchasing another 415 in 1987. In 2000, the agency gave MCI the biggest public transit order in North American bus-industry history at the time with a 1,400- vehicle purchase.

NJ TRANSIT was also the first U.S. public transit agency to purchase new-model CNG MCI Commuter Coaches, starting with a 50-coach order as part of a 1999 pilot program and adding 27 more units the following year. It recently replaced those inaugural models with 177 CNG MCI Commuter Coaches delivered in 2014 and 2015. 

"MCI greatly values our relationship with NJ TRANSIT," said Patrick Scully, MCI Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Our newest models incorporate next-generation leaps in engine technology, efficiency, environmental innovation and passenger comfort. Our innovations will help New Jersey Transit to deliver reliability, value and environmental benefits to the riding public in the state. Furthermore, we're committed to providing NJ TRANSIT with superior parts and service to support the agency's strong reputation for dependable commuter express service."  

A Star in Public Transit

Transit agencies appreciate the MCI Commuter Coach's highly competitive per-seat price and workhorse reliability. The MCI Commuter Coach continues to grow its reputation in longer-distance public transit express service by offering low cost of ownership; a lower per-seat cost with 42 percent more seating capacity (versus a typical 40-foot transit bus); and an excellent MDBF ( Mean Distance Between Failures) rate, measured as the #1 performer with the fewest failures per vehicle among all bus types. 

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's third largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit, linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

Motor Coach Industries (MCI), headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill. is the leading intercity coach manufacturer in the United States and Canada, with sales, service and repair facilities in both countries. The MCI J4500 coach model has been the private sector's best-selling intercity coach for 11 consecutive years. MCI's D-Series, including its Commuter Coach, is the best-selling line of coaches in industry history. MCI is also the distributor of the Setra S 417, Setra S 407 and Setra parts in the U.S. and Canada. The company offers 24-hour technical support and industry-leading technician training along with the market's most extensive aftermarket parts and repair service. Learn more at www.mcicoach.com.

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SOURCE Motor Coach Industries

Pat Plodzeen, [email protected] or call 312-720-8720., http://www.mcicoach.com