FYI from MCI™

50 states, 50 years
U.S. Interstate system celebrates a milestone

When President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, it was at least with some thoughts of military preparedness in light of the Cold War. Yet it was the road that revolutionized America, not the Russians.

America's human population has little more than doubled in 50 years. Yet the automobile population has grown about fivefold. In 1956, motor coach travel was popular largely because fewer people had the means to buy their own cars. Today, motor coach travel is again gaining ground because it offers an environmentally friendly, economical way to get from point to point.

MCI will make that point again as it joins the 50th anniversary convoy scheduled for June 16 through June 29. The route, which begins in San Francisco and ends in Washington, DC, will closely replicate — in reverse — the first Transcontinental Motor Train of 1919 along what is now known as Interstate 80. MCI will send along a J4500 and a Commuter Coach and remind those along the way that a fully loaded motor coach can take as many as 52 cars off the highway. Backing up such claims are recent reports of increased ridership at transit agencies that use the MCI® Commuter Coach.

MCI also invites motor coach operators, especially those with vintage buses they would like to show off, to join in the anniversary events. Many of the states on the route are planning special celebrations. For more information on the anniversary convoy, visit www.Interstate50th.org.

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