Bus built like a Tank | MCI D series | D is for Dependable.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- There once was a bus called the Dependable D. Well Actually its make and model is called MCI DL3. There are still some operating today. It was the bus that I learned to drive a motorcoach in. And it definitely earned its nick name.
Watch the video and find out how this bus came to be and why it was one of the most loved and widely used coach buses in North America.
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Clips that I used from other TH-cam channels
Old Greyhound clips were from a documentary called Riding the Dog. Definitely check out this video.
• "Ridin' the Dog" 198...
Rocky mountain transportation MCI 102 C3
• Motor Coach Industries...
DL3 Stainless steel
• Used Bus - 1994 MCI 10...
Peter Pan DL3
• Peter Pan / Academy : ...
Commuter transit DL3
• MTA Bus Company 2002 M...
Blue greyhound pulling into stop
• MCI 102-DL3 GREYHOUND ...
ISTV MCI D model Prison bus
• 2005 MCI D4000 Jail Pr...
Greyhound DL3 Chinatown
• Greyhound 1998-2002 MC...
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Sources used to make this video
en.wikipedia.o...
cptdb.ca/wiki/...
science.howstu...
They are still being used in new york to connect people between the suburbs and the city. Slowly being replaced by Prevosts but they are still super common. A true testament to their reliability. And a true classic
yeah your right i actually see them sometimes
Prevost is no longer is the transit market they are finishing out the order for the mta and focusing on the charter market. The transit market didn’t do well for them.
Not the suburbs from the Bronx and Staten Island into Manhattan.
The d4500cl and ct’s are a classic
They good
I live in nyc, staten island
@@charlesseaton6199 when you go to Manhattan from other 4 boroughs. You are going to CITY. Some the BX and SI are definitely suburbs...Not just like long island and Westchester
I've driven several 40' coaches back in the day, including the Flxible Hi-Level, GM 4106, GM 4108, MCI 8, and Eagle 10 while driving activity buses for schools. One year I had the opportunity to drive the 45' MCI 102-DL3. My state then "outlawed" motorcoaches for schools and now we can only drive something like a 40' Bluebird All American as our activity buses. My favorite was the 1959 Flxible Hi-Level. I miss driving those classic buses.
Hey, you should look up “semi-trailer aerodynamic devices”, and see if adding one of those tail things can increase the range of a motorcoach.
There’s also something over in Europe called a “teardrop trailer”.
Remember, new flyers took over mci
Very classy and on time in commemorating the legacy D series of coaches. It reminds us of why we even fancied obtaining one in the first place. All your information is spot on and quite informative to the oblivious. Two facts I’d like to mention, add and or correct: staring in 2005 MCI stared differentiating between a D series CL (classic) -with the traditional square headlights, and a D series CT (contemporary) stylings -with the early G model slant headlight housing. Also the frameless/smooth windows debuted with the new D4505 and D4500CT in 2005. In 2008 onward that the most radical front and rear end caps were changed and or modernized (headlight and rear taillight housing design changes). Also due to the rear end design change, there were actually still two fans in the rear -howbeit one is larger ( driver side) than the other (passenger side). They are not for the ac but rather for actual internal engine air intake temp quality and external engine/radiator/coolant cooling respectively.
Also I’m sure you’re probably already making amends to produce another episode to elaborate on the all new D4520 -which is the real direct replacement of the legacy D series of “Touring or Luxury” coaches (and not the D45CRT or LE).
The D45CRT is manufactured with a midship lift for public sector/commuter transit operations, while the D4520 has a lift in the rear or aft section of the coach, to maximize under- floor luggage capacity for private operators (like yourself).
We live and travel in our 1995 MCI 102DL3 . Great bus that’s easy to maintain.
I’ve been driving buses since 1991. I’ve driven Flxible, Grumman, Gillig, GMC, MCI,and Prevost. Still, I’ve learned quite a bit on this channel. Keep up the good work!
Yep, I really love watching these videos. I drove buses for 30 years (1972-2002) and loved the long tours and charters most of all. I left city bus driving long before chair lifts or low floors were a thing, now I need them to get around! Lol.
They get from A to B reliably but a lot of the stuff on the newer buses (2018+) has been cheapened and stuff breaks easily. Each succeeding model year has been worse. We have one 2020 coach and it came from MCI with no less than 6 defects. No kneeler alarm, no traction control, misaligned baggage bins, the entrance door not having its lock hooked up. Vents that pop out of the dash and won’t stay in unless you glue and screw them down. Backup cameras that work when they feel like it and on the list goes. The quality is not what it used to be. When we get the 4520 maybe the J inspired design will be more substantially built. They appear to use a lot of the same parts now at least at a glance.
One place I would rather have a D than a Prevost X on a line run is in a blizzard. The MCI is heavier and feels sturdier in adverse conditions. It’s funny too… my favorite bus I’ve ever driven and spent a lot of time with was a 2014 D from before New Flyer bought MCI and made its revisions to the design. That one had over 700,000 miles at retirement and ran like a top.
I miss the “manual” D3’s. They were fun to ride and drive. Guys still jump on my case about the stick shifts but hey, I love ‘em! Can’t help it! I remember when I drove the “C” series when I work for Academy back in the ‘90’s. Omg! Even tho they were automatic, they were still fun to drive.😌❤️😌
I had the privilege of riding an early 55-seat 102DL3 with a 4-speed Allison HT740 automatic transmission (mated to the smaller 11.1 L Series 60 instead of the 12.7L). The owner wanted to save fuel and geared the final drive axle ratio for very high speed. This made the coach slog like a cement truck when driving through the city and struggled a bit chugging up the hills, but it sailed across Montana highways at 80 mph with engine spinning slowly and quietly. At least he didn't take it a step further and ask for the 4-cylinder Detroit Series 50 engine (was that even an option!?).
So the engine was spinning 1200 at 80? lol
I demoed a 94 40-foot D3 and it had the Eaton Autoshift, the truck 10-speed but with a solenoid to do the shifting and it was pretty cool, only used the clutch to start and stop.
@@willc5512The engine was likely at 1200rpm. “80” refers to the bus’s speed.
I don't know if it's the manufacturer or the operator but here in the Philippines a bus no matter where it's built (most commonly China, South Korea, Japan, or locally built) it can last 20+ years easy but with the mandatory 15 year retirement (when the bus reach 15 years in service it's required to be retired) I guess what I'm trying to say is if the operator really care about their bus it will reach that 15 years easy.
Hey James, a thing about the D4505. The sight glass for the coolant/reserve or overflow tank is WAY up top with a dedicated light to see it. VERY poor design by MCI. The 2 upper doors are also not the greatest. The knobs to pull down the rods and open the doors get gummed up and may not close securely at times. The 102DL3 had it's own issues where it would rattle and experience alot of play in the front end over time. Still this was a workhorse. Greyhound spent a good deal of money to extensively refurbish these, rather than replace them. The Prevost X345 coaches that ultimately replaced/displaced all of the MCI coaches at Greyhound, were not nearly as durable and long lasting. As silly as it may sound, the MCI could take a hit and still look pretty good. The X models were like tin foil compared to steel in that regard. The MC-12 was very lightweight, resulting in less than ideal winter handling. The MC-9 was a solid coach that squatted on the road and stayed planted firmly, as was the 96A and 102A. It wasn't until the Prevost changeover that Greyhound saw remote and heated side view mirrors for the driver. Those were short lived, as replacement costs trumped convenience. Finally the wheelchair lift removed/replaced and entire baggage compartment below. It wasn't uncommon to see luggage piled high in the little remaining space occupied by the lift. Today the Prevost fleet at Greyhound pales in comparison to MCI of the past. I’d like to offer a suggestion for a future video. Talk about the design and evolution of side view mirror on coaches. They’ve changed quite a bit, and some radical new designs are on the horizon ( no mirrors just cameras)
Not sure where you got your "facts" from but I would challenge you on several points. Greyhound hired a company that built motorhomes to refurbish the 102's and later the "G"s. In no way shape or form was this an "extensive" refurbishment. It was mostly cosmetic in nature, new paint livery, seats, wi-fi, and outlets. The drivetrain was not touched. Initially the X-3's were slowly phased in to replace the 12's because they were not ADA compliant, no wheelchair door and lift. The 102DL3's and G's remained for years after. GLI also bought MCI 4505's to continue to upgrade the aging fleet of 12's, G's and 102's so the X-3 in fact was not the sole replacement coach.
At one point we could not run G's south to California because they no longer met the state emission standards and had to cut them in Oregon.
Not sure why you state the X-3's were tin foil. They were in fact solid coaches and were a dream to drive. They have excellent visibility out the windshield with a large toll window. The mirrors were excellent. The largest reliability issue was having to regen the emission system at any given time and the problomatic hot water EGR.
The 9's were coined the two million mile coach because they were built like tanks. The 12's were an updated version and equally as tough. They were no less stable than the 9's driving in inclement weather. I drove them routinely to Montana in the winter months over several high altitude mountain passes. I plowed through snow ice and ground blizzards with confidence. Some had 60 series and six speed Alisons, they were a dream to run.
@@skinnerhound2660 appreciate your insights. I felt that the 12 was tin foil compared to the 9. Not sure why I wrote X rather than 12. The refurbishment program has 4 levels based on mileage on the chassis. Some cos he’s were barely upgraded, while some were very much rebuilt. GH pushed these refurbs beyond what they should have, in terms of years/miles in service. I remember the G not being legal for CA emissions standards.
I trained on our "D" back in the day. Awesome engine break compared to late models.
Side note. I always got a kick out of switching off the main switch by the fuel door and it would automatically shut the entrance door.
I just drove a 2010 4505 today. Greyhound puts our buses through the ringer and you could tell this one was very much on its last legs
What did Greyhound do with all of the G4500’s & D4000’s/102DL3’s?
@@tipsandtrips7519 took them out of service around 2020. I know some of the DL3s easily had about 4 million miles on them. A couple of our garages have become graveyards for them
@@brandonhurley9982 Wow! I absolutely love the D series MCIs! If I may ask, how long have you been driving for Greyhound and what is your favorite model that you’ve ever driven and why?
@@tipsandtrips7519 I've been with them just shy of 4 years now. If I'm being honest, I'd have to say the Prevost X3-45 simply because of how smooth they are to drive. Plus the 4505s ALWAYS have some major issues with them, mainly a loss of power. I always feel like they're very sluggish when getting up to speed.
@@brandonhurley9982 Dang it. It looks like Greyhound is finally saying goodbye to the MCIs I see. I know that you’ve seen a lot in those four years. It’s gonna take me a bit to get used to the Prevosts. 😂
James, thank you so much for another interesting and informative video. Your vast knowledge is amazing. You are appreciated sir.
We (Sundance Stage Lines) still have 6 D3s (5 have over 1,000,000 each and the other one is at 965k) and 2 DL3s, but those will leave next year when CA smog laws force their retirement.
We would have more 40 footers, due to the number of restricted roads in our area, but MCI messed up the D in the 2010 update by installing the DEF tank in the rear luggage bay instead of redesigning the fuel tank area and making other choices geared towards the commuter market.
I live in Alabama, travel back and forth between Ga.... greyhound, Southeastern, southern stages still operates these legends in 2022
@@cdocker3070 I’m In Alabama As Well & You’re Right… 🚌🫡
I own a 1978 MC8 with the 8V71 Detroit. It's an RV conversion and it a smooth solid coach. When at Greyhound, I drove the MC 12's, D3's and DL3's. I did get to road test a J model but left before any of those entered service.
I Love The MC-12s!
Great video. Love the D (phrasing?), but MC9 was still a glorious coach!
I just discovered the MCI D45 CRT LE.
Its gorgeous.....
I recognize the O'Hare bus and shuttle terminal lol I used to sleep in there at night when I was homeless in Chicago around summer 2011 and would often get a hotel bus there when a friend would pay for a night at the holiday inn or something like that
I have always loved the D series, last coaches I drove after retiring for health reasons in 1996 were 102D3's with Nava-Hopi Tours out of Flagstaff (now out of business). I also drove part time a few 102DL3's with Luxury Tours out of Phoenix. I began my driving career with old 1940's GM transits, then later MC7's, 8's and 9's. Also some Prevost models. All in all, over all my career, I always appreciated the rock-solid build of the MCI buses.
What's Your Personal Take On The MC-9s?
@@tipsandtrips7519 I loved the MC-9's! I started on the MC-8's, and manual-shift MC-5's we used on ski runs. All were solid coaches. I always preferred to drive them over the odd-shift-pattern Prevost Le Prestige's we had, or even the Le Mirage. I always liked the MC'9's look, with the fluted side panels, a throwback to the tour/charter buses from an earlier era, and the last model (other than the Greyhound-special MC-12s) to use unpainted side trim. The MC-9's just drove well, steered predictably.
@@thomasdarby6084 Hey, We Know A Good Bus When We See Or Drive One! L🤣L! The MC-9 Is My Favorite Bus Of All Time HANDS DOWN/BAR NONE. Question, Could You Tell A Difference In The Steering On The MC-9’s Pre-Integral Steering (Before 1981 I Believe)?
@@thomasdarby6084 Oh Yes, The MC-12 Was A Beast In Its Own Class! They Are Super Hard To Find Now…😞
@@tipsandtrips7519 I am not really sure... the first company I began driving tours and charters for was in 1986, they had a bunch of older Prevosts and even a few GM Buffaloes, but all the MC-9's they got were newer ones so I have no comparison. We did get 2 102D3's late in 1987 before I moved to a different company (mainly 'cause the old firm was bought out). Prior to 1986, except for a brief stint at Greyhound in 1974, I drove city buses... a whole different animal. But I did love the MC-9's. I surprised a ride-along driver trainee when I parallel-parked my bus between two others at the Tahoe Queen marina which, at that time, was just at the end of a cul-de-sac. Could not have done that with the LeMirage!
16:27 now, coming from an European that is accually a good looking bus compared to most US busses and even some European busses.
A company I worked for ran them a long time. Most were sold and driven to South America to continue service down there.
REMARKABLE, and excellent video. I cut my teeth on the MC9, however the 4 years I had to drive the "D" were heavenly.. I'll send you a pic on FB. Good job, James!!
Do You Like The D-Model Over The MC-9? if So, Why? 🤷♂️
@@tipsandtrips7519 sorry for the late response. I guess you are asking specifically why I like them? The "9" and "D", were two of my favorite coaches. I seen them on G-dog, and those were my buses to drive. These two buses were easy to drive , handle well , and overall look and feel like a bus. Nothing fancy or fabulous. Not alot of gadgetry. Plus the Detroit 8v92 sound w/ the Alison auto-tranny was music to my ears.
@@Bus4025 ABSOLUTELY! 🚌🎉
The MCI D series are my favorite North American motorcoach, and in my opinion the greatest motorcoach ever built in North America. Here in the NYC area, we still have 20 year old MCI D4000s in service for NJ Transit, and 18-year old MCI D4500s in service for MTA NYC Transit. From commuter transportation to cross country intercity runs, there's simply nothing as versatile and reliable as a D series.
I remember when the silver dog had them.....loved the engine brake....fun fact the first few hundred models made had a standard/ automatic transmission.....meaning you would only have to worry about shifting gears without clutch....weird seeing that for the first time....stay safe James....keep on Rollin brotha
Always liked driving these for the Hound, didn't like the ZF pseudo manual transmission however. I remember when we had them refurbed by a company back east , they looked nice with the latest dark livery and updated interior, Wi-Fi , outlets ect however they didn't touch the drivetrain. They were tired like the rest of the fleet with a couple million plus miles. Like the 9's and 12's they were all steel interior and exterior, nothing like the cheap crappy "G" model. I remember when I would drive to Vancouver B.C. and GLI Canada would run our 102 dregs brought up after we drove the life out of them, the belt molding above the baggage doors were always rusted out.
I never broke down in one other than a blown tag tire. Can't say that about a "G" or an X-3 with the genius hot water EGR system.
Yes bro. I did the DL3 for years and also drove for the Hound from 2006- 2021. Prevost are okey dokey. I got used to the D4505 to a point. But something special about the DL3. I also like G models as they were the first bus I moved on the skills course and also took my CDL test in.
That bus for sale would make a great camper ! Always loved driving the 102's at Greyhound.
I just retired from driving buses this year. Started in 1989. Prevost is still my favorite followed by MCI. The D is one of my favorites along with the MC9.
Gotta Love The MC-9! 🚌
I remember drag racing a Flyer E901 trolley. Down Main Street in Vancouver. Those old trolley did have torque though so it was a pretty even match with the 102 DL3 I was driving. Very slow, safe and short drag race 😝. Lot of laughter from my coworkers and the transit trolley operator. That was back in 01’ when the D series was quite new. The trolley from 1982 and now long scrapped. I did like these buses, good for trailering as well.
I have seen these buses many times. From what I remember Amador Stage lines used the DL3 until like 2018ish. Houston Metro has used them for quite a long time. Also in California San Joaquin RTA still uses DL3s as with many prisons.
They are good buses. They were everywhere at some point. Yes you are right A lot of people still use them however they are becoming less prominent as newer model buses start phasing them out. Which is too bad really because they hold up really well
Not a bus driver, but absolutely love your channel, very interesting!!!
I have a lot of miles in on 102D’s in the ‘03-‘04 timeframe. Solid highway coach. Would have been nice to have an air seat. In tight spots the DL3 turned like the Queen Mary. The problem with the D in that era is you could be running a brand new one but the customer might think it was 10-15 years old compared to the Van Hools, Prevosts, MCI E’s & J’s and even the occasional Setra S417 you would park next to when you pulled in somewhere. The styling, actually the lack of it, was really that far out of date. Certain kinds of charter and tour groups would really max out the luggage space too.
James, the D and DL were also offered with 5 and 7 speed sticks as well. Greyhound Canada's coaches had that with the S50 and S60 engines.
I sure miss 1994-2000 MCI 102 D3/DL3 and 98-02 Prevost H3-45. Best buses ever made in my opinion. The newer stuff just has too many electronic stuff. More to go wrong.
I'm not a bus driver (but have much respect for them), but a former commuter (due to pandemic/post-pandemic changes) and I have always loved the MCI D's. They comprised the commuter segment of the fleets of two transit providers here. They're very comfortable, classy and I love the sound of the engines! Thanks for all of this great information (your knowledge is amazing) and the easy way you laid it out. 🚌 👍
Keller Transportation Services (and other companies with MTA Commuter Bus contracts) still use these MCI Ds *because* of their reliability - along with Prevosts - but primarily still these ultra-reliable MCI Ds.
I was a driver starting in 1984 went through Pro Drive from Silver Spring Md. was lucky to have driven for Bill Rohrbaughs Charter new Prevost and line and GMC couches. Atlantic Coast Charters MCI Hagerstown MD
the Denver RTD has a large fleet of MCI D4500CL's and CT's my favs are fleet numbers 1991 to 1996 because they still have the silver skirts and the old style headlights im going to be real sad when they eventually retire
I like them for over the road trip not in town charters because of turning ratio.
I used to want to be a Greyhound bus driver. That was way back when it was the REAL Greyhound, not the disaster it has devolved into. I used to like to ride the Hound even when my own car or air travel was an option. These days I'd take a chance hitchhiking with the potential for being picked up by a serial killer before I take a bus. Plus, the serial killer chance is probably greater on the bus. Now it's air travel anything over 4 hours one-way. Anyway, great video. Thanks for the upload.
I did it from 2006- 2021 and I know what you mean...the REAL Greyhound died in early 1991...but since many of the old crew returned after the strike, they put up a good fight up until about 2017. I stayed a few more years and post Pandemic I had to walk.
@@LeeDfined Brave soul. Greyhound is a hollowed out shell. Uggggggh.
I remember being on a MCI that was greyhound in the mid 90s I was 10 11 years old and those MCI are way better than a vanhool or gilleg or Orion I think frex in the mid 2000s used a MCI or two was a passenger service between Colorado springs and Denver
You can't compare a gillig, Orion buses to a coach bus like mci buses, yes some transit companies use gillig and Orion buses for Express service. For cross country, gillig, Orion buses are not made for that. Mci, prevost and van hool, tesma are used for long commutes across country.
@@mtanyctrainatlantamartatra7164 thanks for clarifying it
Could talk about the pull out of Greyhound and take over by Ontario Northland along highways 11 and 17 to Thunder Bay from Toronto Cheers JG
Although I don’t live in the US or have any interests in American motorcoaches, I greatly enjoyed this video and the level of detail you have in the narrative, always great work!
Thank you so much that means a lot to hear!
@@MotorcoachWorld Loving the MCI D class coaches. Plz reply.
@@MotorcoachWorld I found that you might like this:
th-cam.com/video/I2Pik5R7AQg/w-d-xo.html
MCI 102 Ds are in the fleet I maintain. 60 series Detroits and B500s, still running strong, most of em don't even have 300,000 miles yet!
I used to take that damn bus in college. Probably that one. Went to Bradley. It was a bad college I’m a dump town called Peoria.
New Jersey transit had and has a few more 2001-2003 D4000s. They had Detroit motors and they where beasts. Now there all being retired and 10-20 are left unfortunately. It’s sad but they are great busses!!
Wish I had the money I'd buy bus 209
NJT is actually getting their last batch of D series buses, the 2022 D5400CT, the last batch of D series is part of an order that started in 2016, this is the last order MCI has done with the iconic D series design.
We have 2 “D” series left in our fleet. They are so old and can’t climb a hill to save their lives 🤣.
Really thorough and well-put together review, thank you for this 👏
Beginning guy, William Johnson, is that Post Road Stages of South Windsor CT? That's my hometown!
I don’t like the D4500CT being replaced by the D45 CRT
Excellent vidéo James! Thanks.
Me and my wife have been driving around the country looking at busses. Do you have any busses at the moment you are phasing out for a potential bus nut!!!??? lol
Very nicely done video on MCI's. I have a 2002 D4500 that I'm converting to an RV. This video is a great resource on the history of MCI D models. Thank you very much.
On my job I drive a 1996 102D3, it has 1 million miles but still runs good. They are looking at buying a new coach and selling the current one. Although I will miss this bus, I must admit I’m looking forward to driving a new bus.
The MCI 102DL3 came equipped with a steering tag axle that was advertised as giving the coach the same turning radius as a 40-footer. You had the option of locking out the steering tag by a switch on the dashboard. The first year models had the "box" rear lights you mentioned. The 40-foot D model introduced the wrap around and high-mounted lights, which were adopted to the DL3 model the same year. Great job on the video!
When I drove my section of my route, from Denver yo Steamboat Springs, Colo, I drove a D series .1006 , is one on the tour jackets,which I still have!
MCI D models is stronger last longer and it's fast
I feel old, I have built MC-12"S in Pembina ND. In 1993 I wired the rear of a DL-3 Custom Coach, finding out later it was for Hugh Hefner.
Lol that's awesome. Thanks for sharing that. I drove a few mc12 s for a really shady bus company back in 2007. They bought them from greyhound wrecking yards.
I really enjoyed this video of the history of the D series keep them coming
Stainless Steel? Now, these are truly tanks.
Random Question: on Greyhound's newer coaches, are the cities on the destination curtain still preset like they were before, or is the driver able to punch in any city he/she wants? Before, not all cities appeared on the curtain, especially many of the smallest ones, so the driver either left the curtain blank or put up LOCAL or AMERICA or the nearest city that made sense. Just curious.
It depends. On the display signs that are on a roll, you have a peep hole you pop open, and push an up or down button to roll it, until this arrow visible through the peep hole aligns with a number that corresponds to the route you want.
On the digital ones, you punch in a code which is programmed into the display computer. Based on that you will get a route, or a style, i.e. the route alternating with a midway point, or the route with alternating "standees only", plus some others like "out of service". On some of them, the non-route displays may show the code as well i.e. "993X Out of Service"
You can manually type destinations in.
As usual, I enjoyed your video very much.
With a change of ownership of the company, we got six 102DL3, new as I recall (2001).
What I remember most is the vibration there was at the back, and they never got rid of it. They threw money at one of them, but it didn't fix it.
One other thing that comes back to me is about self steering tag axle that got stuck out of center after backing up from the terminal. Winter morning, first block, going sideways on ice... Backing up a few feet fixed it. But was it a D model? We never had Renaissances, and we only had Js much later.
I think we had them for 2 or 3 years, when the next owner got six new Prevost...
Lots of stuff I didn't know here. Thanks
There is a 55 seater version of D4500CT with restrooms available to buy. NJ Transit uses them on 319 & 350 Selected Academy bus lines routes including Garden state Parkway Forked River Service area trips. My first D4505 ride was a 2010 Model Detroit Diesel Series 60 EPA 2010 Compliant Trans Bridge Lines 360-365 July 2017
Upper 7100 series 2008 models based at Egg Harbor (also on the 550 series routes).
Thank you, James. I'll bet you were kind of sad to say good bye to an old faithful. But, we can't hang on to everything tried and true. Hope your summer is going well.
Hey Donald. Very true. Don't want to be a bus horder lol.
Very informative. Thank You.
What advice will you give someone who wants to start they own company. And what makes or brand (like vanhool , mci, provost etc) will u suggest for a person who starting they own company
I would definitely make sure there is a market where you are starting your bus company. Its best to sell trips and charter buses from other companies to do your trips at first. You just be the middle man who does not own a bus. Sell tickets to passengers and charter buses from bus companies. You will slowly get your name out there as a tour provider. Over time if there are lots of customers, then its time to get a bus. As far as what bus to get, make sure parts are easy to find and try not to buy too many different brands. Stick with one or two.
I always loved MCI, especially the basic design it the 9 , 12, 96, 102, D models and the D4505.
Heck Yes!
Nice video! And you're 100% correct. Those D coaches will last till the end of time.
Very informative video
I never drove an MCI only Eagles and GM Buffaloes. But all of the manufacturers made modifications or had options for there basic models. This is a little off the subject but I saw a coach for sale today on Craigsbuslist that was a 35 foot two axle 1973 MCI 5. When I looked at the picture of the restroom it had a sink with water faucet and built in soap dispenser so it must have carried water for hand washing. I have been trying to do some research to see if this was standard or an option. It appears it was manufactured into the coach and not an add on. The bus was not an rv it is still a functioning passenger hauling coach. I thought the picture was very interesting. I am trying to trace the history of the bus.
Atleast there are no more E MCI’s in production
D series are my favorite buses.. especially with the bifold doors and detroit diesel and jake brake.. i like them with the front and side destination signs... but i also love the mc9a and mc9b
GO Transit are Still Running & Some are Sold.
I'm sure I got to ride on one of those at least once in the days before I swore off ever taking Greyhound again. Also, I have to ask - what is up with that SNES controller?
Hey William. LOL good question. Its a blue tooth SNES controller I bought a while back to play SNES games on my laptop emulator. Today I use it to control the teleprompter so that I can scroll my scripts while I'm making my videos.
At 6:47 that's exactly how I remember Greyhound back in the day
Does Peoria still have those older D models, pre-2007 in service? I saw 239.
Unfortunately we do not have anymore d model coaches. I miss them so much!
I thought it was pretty awesome scene downtown Tampa right next to the Greyhound station there I live in Tampa so that made it an extra awesome video seeing the Tampa fire department station one and the fire museum right next to the Greyhound bus as it was driving
I resigned from Greyhound as a Tampa based operator after 14.5 years. I have a few bus videos on my channel.
James,
I was just about to email you about the D model for sale, and then I saw the dreaded CAT/ ZF combo! I think the 2010 D redesign is one of my favorite coaches.
Great review on the buses James, thanks for sharing!
Is the D model at your company still available, James?
No sorry. We sold it about a year go. I really miss them though.
Dude, your videos are AWESOME. Don't change a thing!!
Love driving then coaches
Can I ask you some questions about line Run ,do you have an email I can use. Thank you
Sure. JWang@peoriacharter.com
Great video James!
As always, very informative and interesting video!
Absolutely love your channel
This is an excellent video! Ella says she believes it's her favorite. Keep up the great work. Of course you always do great work!
Here in Colorado, we still have an extensive fleet of “D” series coaches around. RTD in Denver runs many D4500CL and D4500CT’s, and Bustang, our intercity carrier, runs long-distance spec D4500’s.
NJ Transit has been one of the biggest customers of the D and subsequent series MCI buses. I have had 1000's of commuter trips on them from NJ to NYC. I would also add that NJT had some made to use natural gas.
The first Motorcoach I ever drove was a 1998 MCI 102 D3 with public transportation specs. Where I work now we have some D4505s that we primarily use for line runs so I drive them from time to time. Still good buses, but I fell in love with the Prevost H models that we have, but nothing and I mean nothing beats my 98 102D3. Where I worked at at the time we had just taken delivery on some 2012 D4000CTs and a lot of the drivers didn’t want to drive the older buses so I got to drive the 98 every day, and I absolutely loved it
Great Vid James. Would it be possible to do a vid on coach seats and the different kinds?
Hey that's a great idea I will definitely add that to my list of to do's
I love my DL3s. I drove for Greyhound 2006-2021, and was lucky to have been around the DL3s up until about 2019 when they decommissioned them. I love their engine sound and like you said "dependability."
Oh Wow. Why Did You Leave The Hound If I Can Ask? Did You Enjoy Driving For Them?
I like the D4500 1998 -2007 models and I also am a fan of the Prevost h3-45
I really want that coach....but literally today just bought a car LOL
LOL you going to run out of space haha
@@MotorcoachWorld I know...lol. Right now the biggest issue is to be paitent during break in. 500 miles of slow driving...I really want to go to a track with it.
Be a long while until New Jersey Transit gets completely rid of the D4500 as they are still receiving them brand new.
7:36 I recognize that! My hometown of San Luis Obispo.
I going to miss the Mci d4500 an the d4500ct once the MTA replace them. And I hope any museum persevere any of the older Mci D series but at least for now the MTA Mci buses are still around and recently New Jersey Transit brought new Mci d4500ct
James, can you talk about MC Series? I used to ride on them long time ago
I will add that to my to-do list absolutely thanks for the comment
@@MotorcoachWorld those older MC-Series coaches had manual transmissions, I rode on them years ago before the 102 DL3 came out. It was used to be Grey Goose Bus Lines going to Winnipeg via Rainy River, Minnesota and Steinbach.
Excellent video, thanks for all the clarification on nomenclatures. I literally gave up trying to ID MCIs after the 12. They all look the same to me.