It’s been a busy few weeks for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC).
Over the weekend they celebrated their 30th year of transportation services in the county, and now they’ll be adding five new commuter buses to their fleet.
According to a release, PRTC has gotten five 2016 Commuter Coaches from Motor Coach Industries (MCI), which will arrive by the end of the year and will be used for PRTC’s OmniRide express routes.
”We’re always looking for ways to attract more non-drivers who want the frequency, dependability, safety and comfort our service provides,” stated PRTC Interim Executive Director Eric Marx in a release, noting that expansion of the region’s high occupancy lanes is driving transit expansion. Marx said PRTC is focused on “improving service while creating a modern-day system that makes transit attractive to everyone. We want to remain a cut above all other alternative modes of transportation.”
In its 30 years in the area, PRTC has logged millions of millions between Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., stated a release.
The five coaches will be replacing equipment that will be retired from OmniRide’s routes, according to a release.
“We are committed to improving the customer experience and maximizing our resources. We’re really looking forward to the years ahead, and moving the community forward,” stated Marx in a release.
More on the new buses, from a release:
PRTC is going with the best. Features on the new 45-foot MCI Commuter Coaches include electronic stability control, 57 comfortable forward-facing seats with three-point passenger seatbelts, Trapeze TransitMaster mobile data terminals, automated stop announcements, and automatic passenger counters.
Passenger amenities include overhead parcel racks, personal reading lights, airflow controls, and a kneeling feature to lower the bus for boarding and alighting. With a reliability record that’s unmatched, the model is powered by Cummins ISX clean-diesel engine for low emissions, and is engineered with an air-ride suspension for a smooth, confident ride at highway speeds.
“MCI is proud to partner with PRTC,” said Tom Wagner, MCI Vice President of Public Sector Sales. “On behalf of MCI, we congratulate PRTC leadership and staff on its 30 year milestone, and look forward to new adventures during the next 30 years.”
PRTC provides the OmniRide commuter bus and OmniLink flex-route local bus services in Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park. The system carried approximately 2.9 million passengers in 2015. Learn more at www.prtctransit.org.
