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From left; Corinne Ralph, LADOT Transit Operations; Tom Wagner, MCI Director of Public Sector, Kari Derderian, LADOT Specialized Transit and Grants; Phil Aker, LADOT Transit Marketing and Planning; David Comer, LADOT Equipment Specialist: and Ron Senter, MCI Business Development Public Sector.

MCI demonstrates commitments to green commuting and safe travel at APTA EXPO

SCHAUMBURG, IL — October 31, 2011 — At APTA EXPO 2011, Tom Wagner, MCI's director of Public Sector welcomed guests and introduced MCI CEO Rick Heller, who explained how the MCI CNG Commuter Coach will help LADOT implement greener transportation that is comfortable, safer and stylish, during a special presentation on Monday, October 3, at APTA EXPO 2011 in New Orleans. MCI also honored Callen and Coleen Hotard, local operators of Calco Travel and Hotard Coaches, founded in New Orleans, for their many community contributions.

LADOT is taking delivery of 84 new MCI Commuter Coaches powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). Intended to serve the agency's Commuter Express routes, the 40-foot CNG coaches represent LADOT's first-ever order from MCI. Based on the MCI D-Series, the CNG MCI Commuter Coach offers near-zero emissions that meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards along with a touring-class ride that is considerably more comfortable than the average transit bus.

Powered by a Cummins ISL G 8.9-liter, 320hp engine, with substantial fuel savings over previous engines, each 49-seat coach features a wheelchair lift as well as standard features including individual reading lights and airflow controls; safety features including electronic stability control and a tire-pressure monitoring system; and performance features that make the coach attractive to drivers and maintenance crews.

Coleen and Callen Hotard of Calco Travel with Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president of sales and marketing.

During the APTA Expo presentation, Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president of sales and marketing recognized longtime customer Calco Travel, one of New Orleans' oldest and most renowned tour companies. Led by Callen and Coleen Hotard, the family company has operated since 1935, when Callen Hotard's grandfather, Etienne Hotard, established Hotard Bus Line. The Calco name goes back to 1986, when Callen and Coleen Hotard started their travel company. Today Calco Travel and Hotard Coaches, which is owned by Calco, operate over 70 vehicles from four locations throughout the Gulf South.

Motor Coach Industries, headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, is the largest manufacturer of intercity highway coaches for the tour, charter, line-haul, scheduled service, commuter transit and conversion markets in the U.S. and Canada. It supports customers with aftermarket services that include MCI Service Parts, with parts for most makes and models; MCI Sales and Service Centers, offering maintenance and repair; emergency roadside assistance; and technician training.

Press contact: Patricia Plodzeen Public Relations, 847-283-0883; or Motor Coach Industries Marketing Department, 847-285-2035.

 

Motor Coach Industries: Corporate Address 1700 East Golf Road, Suite 300, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 | Phone: 866-MCICOACH

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