- Details
- Category: Industry News
The MCI D45 CRT represents the biggest change to bus design since MCI built the very first highway bus with a wheelchair lift, pioneering the first inboard-based elevator lift six years ahead of the ADA. NCIL’s leadership advised on design of this revolutionary new commuter coach, which is built for highway speeds and features the first-ever second door with patented curb-level Low-Entry Vestibule with seating for improved ADA accessibility.
MCI has positioned its newest coach as the vehicle of choice for public and private transportation systems, serving a workforce of all ability levels. Offering sleek, contemporary exterior styling, the coach also sports techie- and millennial-friendly features, including cabin-wide Wi-Fi, power outlets, USB ports at each seat, and optional bike racks.
NCIL Executive Director Kelly Buckland, who uses a wheelchair, was one of many volunteers for the disability community that evaluated concepts and final prototype design.
“One of the things we learned was how valuable the engagement and feedback would be from everyday users of our vehicles for accessibility features. NCIL and others were directly reviewing our design as it developed. They told us it is still not common to make user groups part of the design process in transportation, an important part of a person’s independence,” said MCI Vice President of Public Sector Tom Wagner.
“MCI is exceptionally proud to return as the pace bus for the March to the U.S. Capitol for this reason. We are very proud of this coach and the one-of-a-kind collaboration that built it,” said Buckland. “You will see many transit agencies with accessibility committees that involve groups like ours, but this is the first time we’ve worked directly with a major manufacturer of motor coaches to design a vehicle from Day One. The MCI D45 CRT LE addresses the day-to-day challenges people with disabilities face. MCI offered us unprecedented access to their process and incorporated our feedback throughout. And that is why this coach is part of the March to the U.S. Capitol.”
Featuring a curb-level ramp requiring minimal operator support, the coach allows passengers with mobility devices to board through a mid-coach door that opens directly into a same-level, patent-pending low floor entry (LE) vestibule. The vestibule offers passenger seating, including for those using mobility devices, plus companion seating, and amenities including power outlet access. The coach also offers the manual Q’Straint wheelchair securement system as standard and the automated Quantum securement system as on option for the rear-facing position on the right of the vestibule.
Since its unveiling in fall 2017, the MCI D45 CRT LE has joined public transit fleets and the private commuter service of a Silicon Valley giant.
Visit mcicoach.com for more information.
[CD0719]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
NELA Executive Director Rick Szilagyi was joined by The Alliance’s Executive Vice President John Boit (who’s also Senior Founding Partner of its PR firm Melwood Global) and President-Elect Tom Arrighi of A &A Metro Transportation at the Massachusetts State House last week to speak in favor of each proposal.
The trio testified on behalf of HB-1066, which would require the fingerprinting of TNC drivers, and HB-943, which would establish a commission to examine transportation fees, with a proposed amendment to add a representative of each industry group (taxicabs, luxury ground transportation, hackneys, and TNCs) to the commission.
The amendment currently reads as follows:
“There shall be a commission which shall study the state and local fees assessed to transportation for hire companies and services including taxis, livery, hackneys and transportation network companies. The commission shall further study the relation of fees to congestion. The members of the commission shall be as follows: the secretary of the department of transportation, or a designee, who shall be the chair; the secretary of the executive office of energy and environmental affairs, or a designee; the house and senate chairs of the joint committee on transportation; a representative from Massachusetts Municipal Association; a representative of a ride-for-hire or transportation network company; and a member of a consumer group to be appointed by the governor. The commission shall file a report with its findings, including any legislative and regulatory recommendations, with the clerks of the senate and house and representatives not later than December 31, 2020."
Check back with our September issue of Chauffeur Driven for more coverage following NELA’s and the Alliance’s advocacy efforts on behalf of these bills.
Visit nelivery.org or thetransportationalliance.org for more information about either organization.
[CD0719]
- Details
- Category: Industry News
As always, you’ll enjoy days of networking opportunities with operators from all around the globe, world-class educational programs and seminars, and a jam-packed show floor, which will—once again—be in one location. This means that everything from your accommodations, to our Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, to our nightlife and charity auction will be contained all over one roof. Don’t forget, CD has an exclusive room block for the amazing rate of $239 a night—an incredible price for the area. Space is limited and filling up quickly. You won’t want to miss out on this deal. And our early-bird show admission of $295 comes to a close in less than two weeks. Now is the time to register and save some $$!
And speaking of the Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum, year after year, this is among the most popular and well received events at the show. Operators from around the globe literally line up to be the first to have valuable one-on-one time with owners, affiliate managers, and key decision-makers from all major markets, both in the U.S. and internationally.
“The dedicated affiliate programs during the CD shows are, in my opinion, the best way to get face to face with potential partners. I strongly believe the Affiliate Central event at the Chauffeur Driven Show has been important for the growth of our affiliate business both inbound and outbound,” said Ami Nichelson of Omni Limousine.
Scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at 11:15 a.m, this year’s Affiliate Central—sponsored by Chosen Payments—is tracking to be our biggest forum to date. We’re anticipating more than 70 companies, representing upwards of 20 countries. As such, we’ve dedicated an area on the show floor to accommodate the traffic that this event generates each year. You’ll have plenty of room to table-hop as you get face time with potential new affiliates. Don’t forget to bring those business cards and a killer elevator pitch! Then, after the forum concludes, the show floor will be open for lunch, courtesy of Titus Leasing. If you’re interested in exhibiting in the forum, a few tables/markets will be available before August 1. Contact Director of Events Jess Pavlow at jess@chauffeurdriven.com for more information.
“The Affiliate Central Global Partner Forum was great! I really enjoyed meeting so many partners in a relaxed format,” raved Bruce Adcox of AGENDA: USA.
Meanwhile, CD’s Education Committee has been hard at work assembling a roster of sessions that will inspire why offering instant takeaway for operators of all sizes. Once again, Educational Sponsor FASTTRAK has stepped up to the plate to lend their continued support of the event. For a full look at what we have in store for Boston, visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com/show-info/schedule-at-a-glance.html.
Visit chauffeurdrivenshow.com for more information.
[CD0719]