Motor Coach Industries has announced that Banff-based Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission ordered four MCI D45 CRT LE Commuter Coaches to serve its Roam public transit system expansion between the scenic towns of Banff and Lake Louise in the Bow Valley of Alberta's Rockies.
The MCI D45 CRT LE is the first-ever Commuter Coach bus design with a curb-level automated ramp at mid-coach that directs passengers into a low-entry vestibule with seating configured for riders using mobility devices including next-generation motorized wheelchairs. The rest of the 54-passenger coach features upper-level forward facing seating, WiFi, and electrical outlets to serve every passenger on growing distance ridership routes.
The four new MCI coaches will serve Roam’s longest-distance route — a 45-minute commute — connecting the town of Banff and Lake Louise.
“One of our operational conditions is that our fleet has to be accessible -many of our passengers require accessibility assistance,” said Steve Nelson, operations manager of the Bow Valley Transit Commission, formed in 2011. “We are unique as a regional transit agency because we provide public transit service both outside of and within Canada’s oldest national park. We want to make sure anyone and everyone can board easily and equally. We are very impressed with the model’s unique vestibule design, and happy that MCI was successful with the RFP.”
When designing the D45 CRT LE, MCI engaged Designworks, a BMW Group Company and people with disabilities advocacy groups, creating a modern coach with revolutionary accessibility to improve passenger boarding and lower dwell time.
On these four coaches, scheduled for April 2019 delivery, Roam Transit is adding optional bike racks, and considering ski/snowboard racks during the winter season. The order will bring Roam Transit’s fleet to 24 buses. In a tribute to the area’s natural beauty, each bus will be wrapped with images of Rocky Mountain wildlife taken by local and notable photographers.
“We couldn’t be more pleased that Roam Transit, so highly committed to accessibility, has chosen the D45 CRT LE to serve its longer-distance route,” said Ian Smart, MCI president. “We respect their foresight as well as their success in getting people on board public transportation.”
