MCI D-Series

The MCI D Series is a model of intercity bus produced by Motor Coach Industries (MCI). It is manufactured at the main plant in Pembina, North Dakota, United States.[1]

MCI D-Series
Greyhound Lines MCI 102DL3 #6590 before remanufacturing
Overview
ManufacturerMotor Coach Industries
Also calledIntercity Cruiser
Commuter Cruiser
Classic American Coach
Production1992-present
AssemblyPembina, North Dakota, United States
Body and chassis
ClassTri-axle coach
Body styleSingle-decker coach
Doors1 sedan door, some have 1 wheelchair lift door
Floor typeHigh-floor
ChassisMCI special platform integral
Powertrain
EngineDetroit Diesel Series 60, Caterpillar C10, Caterpillar 3176B, Caterpillar C12, Caterpillar C13, Cummins M11, Cummins ISL, Cummins ISM, Cummins ISX, battery-electric bus
Capacity40-foot models: 38-53
45-foot models: 50-61
Dimensions
Length40 feet (12 m)
45 feet (14 m)
Width102 inches (2.6 m)
Height137 inches (3.5 m)
Curb weight35,100 lbs, GVWR 44,400 lbs OR 48,000 lbs

MCI introduced the D Series in 1992 to replace the B and C Series models, which were equipped with obsolete two-stroke engines.

The coach uses MCI's special platform integral construction, which has come to dominate the US and Canada markets, allowing high durability and easy maintenance. It has a much longer service life than body-on-chassis coaches. All 102DL3 and D4500 coaches are available with full-painted sides or stainless steel lower body.[2]

Development

The MCI 102DL3 was developed from a 1988 Canadian government request to develop a wheelchair-accessible intercity bus. The prototype was apparently developed from the MCI 102C3 with a 102B3 nose and extended to 45 feet 5 inches (13.84 m). A large wheelchair-accessible lavatory was installed in the rear. The prototype was completed in 1990, but couldn't enter service in the US because it was too long, until the 45-foot length was approved in 1991.[3]

Changes were made for the production model. The engine was upgraded to the large new Detroit Diesel Series 60 and received a bigger rear end with powerful radiator and intercooler. The large lavatory and wheelchair lift was removed from the production model, but could still be fitted by request. In the future a lift would be required for ADA regulations.[4]

The production model was named 102DL3 and entered production in October 1992, followed by introduction into service in 1993. Early buyers included Peter Pan Lines, Fullington Trailways, and Horizon Coach Lines. The coach was immediately known for its surprisingly high speed, large size, and the durability of its integral construction. At the time, Greyhound Canada owned MCI, so they tested the model in 1992, but didn't order any until 1995.[5]

MCI developed the 102D3 from earlier 102B3 and 102C3 coaches, which had engine compartment too small to fit the new Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines. These four-stroke engines also powered the larger 102DL3 coaches. MCI added an optional wheelchair lift. In the future a lift would be mandatory under ADA regulations.[6][7]

The 102D3 entered production January 1992, followed by introduction into service with Royal Blue Tours, Chameleon Express, Lemi Tours, Gulf Transportation, and Indian Trails. Later the same year, it entered service with Peoria Charter Coach Company, Eyre Bus Service, Kerrville Bus Company, Greyhound's Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma Coaches division, and Trailways of New York. Like its larger sibling the 102DL3, the 102D3 was immediately known for its high speed and the durability of its integral construction, albeit at a smaller size than the 102DL3. Greyhound Canada, which had owned MCI during the development process, introduced the 102D3 in 1995.[8][9]

Variants

MCI 102DL3

The original version was the 102DL3, entering production in 1992 and entering service by early 1993. The model number denoted the width (102 inches (2.6 m), exclusive of mirrors), "D" generation or basic model, "L" for long length (45 feet (14 m), nominally), and 3-axle configuration. The 102DL3 has large, block fender skirts, a rear-mounted radiator fan side-by-side with the intercooler fan, and air intake covered by a large grille, two piece engine door, small headlight/taillights, and a black roof cap. The seating capacity was 54 or 55 passengers, or 57-61 with the high-density configuration. The 102DL3 was renamed D4500 in 2001.[10]

MCI 102D3

The original version was the 102D3, entering production in 1994. The 102D3 has large, block fender skirts and a rear-mounted radiator fan side-by-side with the intercooler fan. It has an air intake covered by a large grille, two piece engine door, small headlight/taillights, and a black roof cap. The seating capacity was 46 or 47 passengers, or 49-53 with the high-density configuration. In 2001, MCI renamed the 102D3 as D4000.[11]

Greyhound operated a fleet of 98 102D3s.[12] Greyhound Canada operated a further 20 102D3s.[13]

MCI D4500

The D4500 was exactly the same coach as the 102DL3, having been renamed in 2001 to promote a new, simplified designation system. It was replaced by the D4500CL and D4500CT in 2005.[14][15]

A 2002 D4500, #2905, operating for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority

MCI D4000

The D4000 was exactly the same coach as the 102D3, renamed by MCI in 2001 to promote a new, simplified designation system. MCI replaced the D4000 with the D4000CL and D4000CT in 2005.[16][17]

MCI D4000H

The D4000H was the hybrid version of the D4000. NJT bought a test fleet, which succeeded. As a follow-up, they later bought a larger order of D4500CTHs in 2015.[18]

MCI D4000N

The D4000N was a narrow variant of the D4000, only 96 inches wide instead of the standard 102 inches.[19]

MCI D4000 ISTV

The D4000 ISTV, or Inmate Security Transportation Vehicle, are coaches designed for transporting up to 69 prison inmates. It is the only off-the-line, fully secured, heavy-duty inmate transportation coach available in the US or Canada. ISTVs are available with containment cells, sirens, a rear officer position, and bulletproof materials.[20][21][22]

A 2001-model D4000 Commuter Coach from Rockland Coaches at Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.

MCI D4500CL

The D4500CL is a less-modified version of the D4500CT, compared to the D4500. It has a modified roof (with no visible rivets) and optional frameless passenger windows. In 2008, the D4500CL received a higher passenger deck for increased luggage capacity. MCI stopped selling the D4500CL in 2008. [23] [24]

MCI D4000CL

The D4000CL is a less-modified version of the D4000CT, compared to the D4000. It has a modified roof (with no visible rivets) and optional frameless passenger windows. In 2008, the D4000CL received a higher passenger deck for increased luggage capacity.[25]

MCI D4500CT
DART First State MCI D4500CT bus 914

The D4500CT was a modernized "contemporary" version of the D4500. It received enlarged headlights similar to those on MCI's G-series buses, a revised roof (with no visible rivets), and optional rimless passenger windows. In 2008, the D4500CT received a higher passenger deck for increased luggage capacity. [26]

The D4500CT CNG is the CNG-powered variant, it uses a Cummins-Westport ISX12N. It formerly used a Cummins-Westport ISL G or ISX12 G

Headlight Redesign

Likely as a request from New Jersey Transit, their 2014 batch of D4500CT CNG coaches were delivered with redesigned headlights. This simplified design has three round LED clusters arranged in a gently curving row. [27]

MCI D4500CTH
A Coach USA/ShortLine D4500CTH in Midtown Manhattan.

The D4500CTH was a hybrid version of the D4500CT. It uses a Cummins ISL9 or L9 engine, with an Allison EP50 hybrid system. It was introduced in 2008. [28]

MCI D4000CT

The D4000CT was a modernized version of the D4000. It received enlarged headlights from the G-Series, revised roof (with no visible rivets), and optional rimless passenger windows. In 2008, the D4000CT received a higher passenger deck for increased luggage capacity.[29]

The D4000CT is also offered with a Cummins Westport ISX12 G, ISX12N, or ISL G CNG engine. With their order of 95 2011-12 model D4000CT CNG commuter coaches, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation was the first operator of these CNG coaches.[30][31][32][33][34]

A CNG-powered MCI D4000CT Commuter Coach, operating for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.

Commuter Coach

The commuter coach version of the 102DL3/D4500 and 102D3/D4000 has a large electronic destination sign replacing the black roof cap and lavatory removed for a seating capacity of 57 passengers on the 45-foot model and 49 on the 40-foot model. With "slim line" seating, a capacity of 61 passengers can be achieved on the 45-foot model and 53 on the 40-foot model.[35][36]

All commuter coach models have bi-leaf plug doors, instead of the regular sedan or single-leaf plug doors.

Next Generation D-Series

MCI D45 CRT LE
A D45 CRT LE demo bus operating on the BxM18 bus of the MTA.

In 2017, MCI announced the next generation D-Series, the D45 CRT LE. This bus was based on the MCI J4500, and has a low-floor section for mobility devices. It is offered with a Cummins X12 engine. [37]

MCI D45 CRTe LE

The D45 CRTe LE is an electric version of the D45 CRT LE.[38]

MCI D45 CRT

The MCI D45 CRT is identical to the D45 CRT LE but does not have a low entry door.[39]

MCI D40 CRT

The MCI D40 CRT is the 40-foot version of the D45 CRT. MCI has not announced a D40 CRT LE as of yet[39]

D4520

The D4520 is the touring coach version of the Next Generation D-Series. It is extremely similar to the D45 CRT, but has slightly different styling.[40]

See also

References
  1. "A New Day for Accessible Commuting". Metro Council. Motor Coach Industries. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  2. "MCI History". Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  3. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  4. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  5. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  6. "National Bus Trader" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  7. "STURAA TEST MCI 102D3" (PDF). United States Department of Transportation Altoona Bus Test. Pennsylvania Transportation Institute. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  8. "National Bus Trader" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  9. "STURAA TEST MCI 102D3" (PDF). United States Department of Transportation Altoona Bus Test. Pennsylvania Transportation Institute. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  10. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  11. "National Bus Trader" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  12. "Greyhound Lines Inc. Company Fleet". Internet Archive Wayback Machine. Greyhound Lines Inc. Archived from the original on June 5, 2002. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  13. "Facts & Figures". Greyhound Canada. Greyhound Canada Transportation Corporation. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  14. "MCI Models A-J" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  15. "MCI official site". Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  16. "National Bus Trader" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  17. "MCI official site". Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  18. "Motor Coach Industries D4000 - CPTDB Wiki". cptdb.ca. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
  19. "STURAA TEST MCI D4000N" (PDF). United States Department of Transportation Altoona Bus Test. Pennsylvania Transportation Institute. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  20. "Prison on wheels serves the security minded". BUSRide. BUSRide Magazine. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  21. "40ft MCI D4000 2001 Prison Bus". Transit Sales International. Transit Sales International. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  22. "MCI® ISTV™ — RAISE THE BAR ON PRISON TRANSPORT". Motor Coach Industries. Motor Coach Industries. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  23. "MCI official site". Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  24. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D4500CL". Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  25. "MCI official site". Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  26. "MCI official site". Retrieved April 5, 2014.
  27. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D4500CT". Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  28. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D4500CTH". Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  29. "MCI official site". Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  30. "Motor Coach Industries D4000CT - CPTDB Wiki".
  31. "Los Angeles Department of Transportation - CPTDB Wiki". cptdb.ca. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  32. "Los Angeles Department of Transportation 12401-12493 - CPTDB Wiki". cptdb.ca. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  33. "Los Angeles Department of Transportation 11401 - CPTDB Wiki". cptdb.ca. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  34. "Los Angeles Department of Transportation 11402 - CPTDB Wiki". cptdb.ca. Retrieved October 3, 2020.
  35. "National Bus Trader" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 6, 2014. Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  36. "MCI official site". Retrieved March 2, 2019.
  37. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D45 CRT LE". Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  38. "CPTDB Wiki - MCI D45 CRTe LE". Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  39. "MCI Debuts 2020 Model Lineup". www.masstransitmag.com. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  40. "MCI Debuts 2020 Model Lineup". www.masstransitmag.com. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
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