Press Releases
Georgia’s Xpress Transit chooses innovation and safety for distance routes with 77 MCI D4500 and 15 all-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coaches from MCI
DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS, JUNE 4, 2019: (TSX:NFI) Motor Coach Industries (MCI), a U.S. subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., (“NFI”), one of the world’s largest independent global bus manufacturers, announced that the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), which manages the Xpress mobility and public transportation operations throughout the 12 counties surrounding metropolitan Atlanta, has ordered 77 new MCI D4500 and 15 all-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coaches.
Last September, those two groundbreaking coaches were listed on the Georgia State Contract for Public Mass Transit and Transportation Vehicles. The statewide contract serves as a centralized purchasing mechanism for all state and local Georgia public entities from local governments to state offices and universities. Georgia makes this contract available to other states, too.
MCI’s ADA and Buy America-compliant and Altoona-tested D4500 and D45 CRT LE, the next generation model of the nation’s leading commuter coach brand, are designed for comfortable distance travel. With an aging population, workers living farther outside city centers and fewer younger citizens buying cars, both models are flexible alternatives for transporting riders safely, economically and comfortably to their destination.
The D4500 coaches will begin delivering in August 2019 with deliveries of the D45 CRT LE beginning first quarter 2020.
“We’re gratified to have SRTA once again select MCI models for its commuter express services,” said Tom Wagner, MCI Vice President, Public Sector. “The D4500 has earned its workhorse reputation for dependably serving Xpress and other public transit systems for decades. And the modern styling and innovative technology on the D45 CRT LE, puts Xpress at the forefront for ADA accessibility and rider comfort. We’re pleased that Xpress’s ridership will be among the first in the nation to enjoy this new level of service and innovation on their daily commutes.”
Atlanta has one of the highest population growth rates in the country, requiring reliable and flexible options to move new residents and employees throughout its expanding metro area. The D4500 Commuter Coach model is already a well-known presence on SRTA Xpress routes with 164 in operation. Xpress supports more than 1.8 million passenger trips annually, averaging nearly 7,000 daily passenger trips systemwide.
Introduced in 2017, the revolutionary MCI D45 CRT LE features modern styling and a patented mid-coach low-entry vestibule with passenger seating and curb-level ramp system allowing easy access for all passengers, including those with mobility devices. The dual entry on the model speeds passenger entry and exit to match low floor transit dwell times.
Both models are designed for durability, essential for vehicles placed on long-term distance commuting routes. MCI’s Commuter Coach brand is known for its rugged semi-monocoque structure and comfort and safety features including above-traffic, forward-facing seating with seatbelts and electronic passenger services onboard.
SRTA’s new MCI D4500 and MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coaches will come equipped with Cummins next-generation lighter-weight, more fuel efficient X12 clean-diesel engine. Additional amenities include a front-mounted bike rack on every vehicle and 110-volt power outlets with USB ports at every passenger seat.
About the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA)
SRTA is a state-level, independent Authority created to operate tolled transportation facilities within Georgia and acts as the transportation financing arm for the state. SRTA manages the collection of tolls on Georgia’s Express Lanes System through the use of Peach Pass; manages the Xpress regional commuter coach transit service and; administers the Atlanta region’s vanpool program. In 2017, SRTA combined with the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) to jointly provide the services of both state authorities. The GRTA Board of Directors oversees Developments of Regional Impact, air quality reporting and regional transportation plan approval.
About NFI Group
With over 8,900 team members operating from more than 50 facilities across ten countries, NFI is a leading independent global bus manufacturer providing a comprehensive suite of mass transportation solutions under brands: New Flyer®(heavy-duty transit buses), Alexander Dennis Limited (single and double-deck buses), Plaxton (motor coaches), MCI® (motor coaches), ARBOC® (low-floor cutaway and medium-duty buses), and NFI Parts™ . NFI buses and motor coaches incorporate the widest range of drive systems available including: clean diesel, natural gas, diesel-electric hybrid, and zero-emission electric (trolley, battery, and fuel cell). It also supports infrastructure development through New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™, a service dedicated to providing safe and reliable charging and mobility solutions. In total, NFI now supports over 105,000 buses and coaches currently in service around the world. For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2018, NFI posted revenues of US$2.5 billion. NFI common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NFI. News and information are available at www.nfigroup.com, www.newflyer.com, www.mcicoach.com, www.arbocsv.com, www.alexander-dennis.com, and nfi.parts.
About MCI
Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is North America’s public and private market motor coach leader, building the J4500 the industry best-seller for 13 consecutive years), the all-new 35-foot J3500 model, and the workhorse D-Series including the breakthrough ADA-accessible MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coach offering lower dwell times. MCI will add battery-electric propulsion in 2020. With nearly 30,000 MCI coaches on the road, MCI also provides maintenance, repair, 24-hour roadside assistance, parts supply through NFI Parts, and technician training through the industry’s only Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited MCI Academy. Further information is available at www.mcicoach.com.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including market and general economic conditions and economic conditions of and funding availability for customers to purchase coaches and to purchase parts or services, customers may not exercise options to purchase additional coaches, the ability of customers to suspend or terminate contracts for convenience and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.
For further information, please contact: | For investor inquiries, please contact: | |
Patricia Plodzeen, MCI Public Relations Tel: 847-283-0883 E-mail: [email protected] | Stephen King Tel: 204.224.6382 E-mail: [email protected] |
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