BusTalk Forum Index BusTalk
A Community Discussing Buses and Bus Operations Worldwide!
 
 BusTalk MainBusTalk Main FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups BusTalk GalleriesBusTalk Galleries   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Pace orders new MCIs

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    BusTalk Forum Index -> Surface Transit - Eastern United States
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
buslist



Age: 76
Joined: 13 Feb 2011
Posts: 142
Location: Lombard IL, Pueblo CO, London UK

PostPosted: Fri May 17, 2013 11:57 am    Post subject: Pace orders new MCIs Reply with quote

From a MCI press release.



Pace Suburban Bus to upgrade express, Bus on Shoulder routes with 13 MCI® Commuter Coaches

SCHAUMBURG, IL — May 13, 2013 — Chicago's Pace Suburban Bus has awarded Motor Coach Industries (MCI) a contract for 13 MCI Commuter Coaches with an option for 37 more. Pace will use the new coaches to replace older buses and those leased from MCI, on its poplar "Bus on Shoulder" service, which debuted in 2011 between Chicago and the southwest suburbs.

Pace recently announced it is increasing service on its Bus on Shoulder routes due to the dramatic ridership increases. Pace's Bus on Shoulder program, which began in 2011, currently uses 14 MCI Commuter Coach buses on the Interstate Highway 55 shoulder when traffic in regular lanes is flowing at less than 35 miles per hour. The buses using the shoulder cannot travel at speeds greater than 35 mph, or 15 mph faster than the flow of regular traffic—whichever is less. Special signage and roadway markings show where buses can use the shoulder, and the buses have markings indicating authorization to use the shoulder.

Shoulder riding has been cited to be one of the most affordable options for implementing bus rapid transit on highways because it is less expensive to modify shoulders than it is to construct new roadways, and it requires little capital investment compared with rail alternatives. Pace officials say the buses are reducing travel times through one of Chicago's most congested corridors, and more commuters are leaving cars at home.

Built to offer maximum performance and safety at highway speeds, the MCI Commuter Coaches feature plush, forward-facing seats along with individual temperature controls and reading lights, and a smooth ride for a tour-level riding experience that transcends typical transit. The new coaches come equipped with wheelchair lifts and clean-diesel engine technology for near-zero emissions. Pace is also adding optional security cameras, special Bus on Shoulder graphics and "do not follow" warnings on the back of the bus.

"The Bus on shoulder program has been effective at helping combat the Chicago area's chronically jammed expressway system, and we are very pleased that Pace has once again selected the MCI Commuter Coach," said Patrick Scully, Executive Vice President of MCI. "We're proud that our Commuter Coach offers the best mean distance between failures among all types of bus models, reinforcing our Reliability Driven promise to offer the highest quality coaches, parts and service."

One of the largest bus services in North America, Pace serves tens of thousands of daily riders with fixed bus routes, ADA paratransit, ridesharing, Call-n-Ride and dial-a-ride programs in a service area covering roughly 3,500 square miles.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    BusTalk Forum Index -> Surface Transit - Eastern United States All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You can attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum


Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group