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Tourism raises the flag for patriotism July is when both Canada and the U.S. celebrate patriotism. Yet some motor coach operators display their devotion to their nation all year. Coach Canada and Coach USA are two examples. Both fleets establish a strong national identity via vehicles with its signature patriotic colors and symbols evocative of each country's flag. MCI has been offering a like-minded look on its demo and show coaches for the last couple of years as well. Visitors to MCI's trade show exhibits may remember the very first E4500 emblazoned with a Canadian flag and maple leaf, or a more recent red J4500 decaled with a large U.S. flag.
Ayr Coach in Waterloo, Ontario, purchased an early E4500 demo coach decaled with the Canadian flag and nature scene. For the past several years, Ayr has used the coach in its charter services including its annual 30-day tour of western Canada. "We've had a very good reaction to the coach, especially early on when we first took delivery. Customers would want to rent that particular coach. The decal is reflective, so it really looks good at night, too," said Al Willis, vice president of Ayr. Celebrating its 40th year, Ayr has a fleet of 95 school buses, 13 over-the-road coaches (including three MCI® E4500s) and four cut-aways. "We're happy with the MCI product," said Willis, who likes individual themes for his other coaches. "Each of our coaches has its own unique look."
Trans-Bridge Lines, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, purchased the red J4500 flag demo coach last fall. The coach, which has been transporting commuters to New York City three times a day, has proved so popular that Trans-Bridge plans to take delivery of two identically decaled D4505s at the end of this month, according to Kirby Parnell, Trans-Bridge Lines general manager. "We rode the demo coach when MCI had it at the Pennsylvania Bus Association annual meeting. It was the first time we saw the coach, liked it and decided to buy it, and add a few more."
Many other operators make use of patriotic decals as well, including Arrow Bus Lines, Omaha, Nebraska and Richfield Lines, Bloomington, Minnesota. Still other U.S. operators can show their patriotism with American flag window decals for sale by Trailways. Funds from decal sales are donated to the American Red Cross as part of the Trailways Patriotism Recovery & Rebuilding Fund. To order, visit www.trailways.com. The FYI from MCI editorial staff values your feedback. Please e-mail any suggestions, comments, or ideas for future articles to fyi@mcicoach.com. |
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