Capital Trailways, Montgomery, Ala.

Capital Trailways/Capital Motor Lines Inc., one of the largest motorcoach operators in the South, has taken delivery of a 2005 Van Hool C2045 coach.

The enhanced model is equipped with a Caterpillar C13 engine, ZF-AS Tronic 12-speed transmission, Amaya Brasil seats, and a Ricon S&S wheelchair lift. Other equipment includes roller-type shades, Monogram flush-type recirculating toilet, REI A/V system with DVD/VCP player, four monitors and radio, and Isringhausen driver seat.

The new addition brings the number of C2045 Van Hools in the company fleet to 10.

Capital Motor Lines was established 75 years ago and has offices in Montgomery and Huntsville, Ala., and Jackson, Miss. It offers Trailways intercity service, plus tours and charters throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as local shuttles. It operates 100 buses.

Company Vice President of Maintenance Ed Sunday said Capital Trailways is looking at acquiring additional C2045 models.

Far West Charters, San Pedro, Calif.

Far West Charters has added a third new Van Hool C2045 coach to its fleet in as many months.

Established 23 years ago by owner Carlos Garcia, Far West Charters has grown from one MCI MC-5 to a fleet of 18 coaches, all but one of which are 45-footers.

The company specializes in charter and transfer services for groups, including corporate and school accounts.

All three of Far Wests 2005 C2045 coaches are equipped with Caterpillar C13 engines and Allison B500 transmissions. Other equipment includes Amaya Brasil seats for 57 passengers, Isringhausen driver seats, Goodyear tires mounted on Alcoa wheels with hub covers, Monogram flush-type recirculating toilet, and REI A/V system with DVD player, four CRT monitors and radio.

Ramblin Express, Denver/Colorado Springs

Ramblin Express, a charter, line-haul, shuttle and limo operator, has taken delivery of two new MCI J4500 coaches and two pre-owned J4500s.

The new J4500s, which are equipped with Caterpillar C13 engines and ZF-AS Tronic transmissions, are serving the company charter operations. The 2002 models, which have Detroit Diesel engines and Allison B500 transmissions, are being used for the companys scheduled casino runs.

"Customers love the J4500," said Gary Agnes, Ramblin Express general manager. "Its a beautiful coach."

Founded 12 years ago by Todd Holland, Ramblin Express has a fleet of 19 coaches, more than half of which are MCIs. The company serves Denver and northern Colorado from its Broomfield, Colo. location, while its facility in Colorado Springs serves the southern part of the state.

In addition to its charters and casino business, Ramblin Express is the exclusive transportation provider for Colorado Springs famed Broadmoor Hotel.

"We appreciate longtime customers like Ramblin Express," says Patricia Ziska, MCI vice president of marketing and major accounts. "And were proud to be able to provide them with coaches that fit their need...."

For more information about Ramblin Express, go to www.ramblin.com.

Silver State Coach, Placentia, Calif.

Silver State Coach, a family-owned and operated motorcoach company, has taken delivery of a 2005 C2045 coach from ABC Companies.

Silver State is owned and operated by Tony and Jill Fiorini and was founded in Reno, Nev., 19 years ago.

Converting to a two-coach operating company in the Los Angeles area about 10 years later, the company has continued its growth and now has more than 30 coaches in its fleet. In addition to local tour and charter services, the company also provides transportation for several large tour companies, as well as corporations and government agencies, and is licensed for travel in both Mexico and Canada.

The companys new C2045 is equipped with the Cummins ISM 450-horsepower engine and the Allison B500 transmission. It also has a Monogram flush-type recirculating toilet, REI A/V system with 4 CRT monitors and radio, Amaya Brasil seats, Alcoa wheels, and roller-type shades.

Sky Express, Charlotte, N.C.

Sky Express, a new company providing line-run service between Charlotte and New York city, has purchased a 2005 Van Hool C2045.

The coach has a Caterpillar C13 engine, ZF AS-tronic transmission with intarder, Amaya Brasil seating for 61, Isringhausen driver seat, Goodyear tires, Alcoa wheels, REI A/V system with four monitors and DVD player, and Monogram flush-type toilet.

Trans-Bridge Lines, Bethlehem, Pa.

Trans-Bridge Lines has taken delivery of two new MCI D4505 coaches, featuring U.S. flag graphics.

Trans-Bridge chose the colorful coaches after purchasing another MCI coach - a demo J4500 model - that has the same graphic treatment.

When Trans-Bridge put the J model into service for its commuter runs to New York City, the coach proved to be very popular. "Commuters reacted well to the graphics, and we needed two more coaches for our New York commutes, so we decided to use the same theme," said Kirby Parnell, senior vice president of Trans-Bridge.

Trans-Bridges new D4505s have Detroit Diesel Series 60 engines and Allison transmissions, plus Ricon wheelchair lifts. They also have Amaya seating, Firestone tires, Alcoa wheels, National model 93-B driver seats, and REI A/V systems with six flat-screen monitors.

Trans-Bridge, is owned by the JeBran family, which are second- and third-generation family members who operate the 65-year-old company.

Today, Trans-Bridge has a fleet of more 65 intercity coaches, with most of them MCI models.

The company provides daily service to New York City, Atlantic City, Newark and JFK Airports. An affiliate company, Trans-Bridge Tours Inc., offers tours throughout the U.S. and Canada, including one-day excursions to Atlantic City, sporting events and shows, as well as overnight trips to such destinations as Florida and Tennessee.

Trans-Bridge Tours has five offices in Bethlehem, Whitehall and Easton, Pa., and in Phillipsburg and Clinton, N.J. Trans-Bridge carries more than 1.3 million passengers annually and employs 190 people.

Trans-Bridge becomes one of the first operators to take delivery of MCIs new-look D4505, and it will take delivery of two new 40-foot D4005 coaches this month.

MCI recently restyled its D-coaches, giving them a curvier front end, flared headlights, LED directional lights, a new upper cap, frameless side-sash windows, and a one-piece front bumper.