New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) issued a purchase order for 334 new Motor Coach Industries (MCI) D4500 Commuter Coaches in year five of its six-year MCI contract.
This order nearly doubles the 183 commuter coaches ordered in 2019. MCI says NJ Transit is replacing many 40-foot models with the company’s new generation of efficient and comfortable 45-foot commuter coaches, which provide increased capacity with improved maintenance and operating costs.
This new 2020 MCI Commuter Coach order will be powered by the next-generation, clean-diesel Cummins X12 engine, which is quieter and offers increased fuel economy and lower emissions, according to the company. The MCI Commuter Coach model also features a 57-seat configuration, is Wi-Fi ready, seatbelt-equipped and compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). MCI will begin production of this order in September.
"NJ Transit continues to raise the bar in providing its ridership with a safe, comfortable and efficient commute as well an enhanced transportation experience. MCI is proud to support NJ Transit and its riders," said Tom Wagner, MCI vice president of public sector.
In 2015, MCI was awarded a six-year contract for a total potential order of 1,222 fully accessible, ADA-compliant commuter coaches. Over the past four years, 614 MCI vehicles have been delivered so far with 92 units still to be delivered in the next few months. As part of the agreement, MCI provides field service for the coaches from its service center located in Blackwood, N.J., and parts support from NFI Parts’ distribution center in East Brunswick. MCI has served NJ Transit since 1983, delivering nearly 3,000 high-floor Commuter Coaches to the agency over nearly four decades.
