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Krapf's Coaches puts two MCI® J4500s into top-tier charter service

SCHAUMBURG, IL — July 14, 2011 — Krapf Bus Companies, West Chester, Pennsylvania, has put two new MCI J4500s into its 20-coach mostly-MCI Krapf's Coaches fleet. The new J4500s, delivered in spring, are the first Krapf coaches to feature three-point seatbelts and 110-volt outlets for passengers wishing to power personal electronic devices.

The new coaches also feature clean-diesel Detroit Diesel engines and Allison transmissions, along with standard MCI safety features such as electronic steering control and wide-ride suspension. Krapf additionally offers Wi-Fi service to its onboard customers.

Gary Krapf, president and third-generation leader of the family-run company, which will celebrate its 70th year next fall, says the coaches are going over well with customers. "They've been wonderful," said Krapf. "We've had tremendous customer response. The coaches look great, and we can really promote the extras."

Krapf also points to his longtime association with MCI as a selling point. "We have a long history with MCI, and it's always been our primary vehicle. We alternate between a lot of D-coaches and J4500s. In this case, we wanted the J4500 for our lead charter work. These coaches are going to our top customers and our top drivers."

One of the most successful, diversified coach operators in the eastern United States, Krapf Bus got its start in 1942 with a single school bus. Today, the company has an extensive school-bus business; offers fixed-route, contract shuttle and transit service; and serves the paratransit market under the Rover Community Transportation name. Its charter business takes in sights around the New York, Atlantic City and Washington, D.C., areas as well as longer over-the-road trips across the U.S. and Canada.

Krapf runs charter coaches both out of its West Chester offices and another location in Delaware; the Delaware coaches operate under the acquired Gregg Bus Service name. Krapf was named 2009 Operator of the Year by METRO Magazine. The company is also a member of International Motor Coach Group as well as the American Bus Association, United Motorcoach Association, Pennsylvania Bus Association and Global Passenger Network. It is also a Motorcoach Council Founding Partner.

The company has made a significant commitment to green operations, using recycled water in its bus wash; making use of biofuels and waste-oil heating; and making a significant commitment early on to diesel particulate filter technology.

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. The company also operates seven sales centers and eight service centers in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, MCI is the industry's leading supplier of aftermarket parts for most makes and models.

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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