Starting Wednesday, AC Transit began deploying its fleet of new, redesigned commuter coaches on Transbay lines. The rollout of 36 new MCI commuter coaches will occur over the coming months, the transit agency said.
Calling it the “new generation of Transbay service,” the new coaches offer better accessibility, with a low-floor area at a second door offering room for two mobility devices or seating for passengers who have difficulty using the stairs. The second door also uses a simpler and faster ramp compared to the old MCI coaches’ lift, and the front stairs are easier to use, according to AC Transit.
Riders will also enjoy brighter LED lighting, airline-style overhead rack space, rider-controlled overhead air vents and grab bars for stability.
Three-position bicycle racks are installed on the front of these coaches like all non-Tempo buses (cargo bays are no longer available).
The new coaches also feature faster boarding, a tighter turn radius, and compliance with California clean-air regulations, according to the transit agency.
All AC Transit commuter buses offer Wi-Fi service, including these new ones.
The new buses were purchased with capital granst from the Federal Transit Administration and the California State of Good Repair program, AC Transit said.
“The Transbay MCI represents a departure from the norm, and by launching this revolutionary new fleet of buses, our transit district is seamlessly combining safety measures with captivating design elements,” says Joel Young, AC Transit Board president. “This bus was years in development and, unfortunately, delayed by COVID-induced supply chain issues. Now that it is here, I am confident the Transbay MCI will transform how we commute across San Francisco Bay and chart a new path for an inclusive experience for all riders.”
