DES PLAINES, Ill. — Hebaragi & Lemi Bus, a Gardena, California–based charter operator serving the Los Angeles market, has become the first U.S. company to receive Motor Coach Industries’ J4500 coaches with factory-installed “2+1” executive seating.
The new layout, two seats on one side of the aisle and one on the other, offers passengers extra space and legroom and was previously available only through aftermarket installers. MCI, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., said factory installation streamlines the process and reduces costs.
“For us, offering 2+1 seating isn’t just about luxury—it’s about cultural familiarity and premium service,” said Eric Song, operations manager at Hebaragi & Lemi Bus. “We serve a high volume of international tourists, particularly from Korea and Japan, where this type of seating is considered the gold standard.”
The purchase is Hebaragi & Lemi’s first new-coach acquisition since the pandemic and follows its 2019 order of nine J4500s. The company operates a 15-coach fleet that includes multiple MCI vehicles.
MCI Vice President of Private Sector Sales and Service Tom Wagner called the offering “a game-changer for operators focused on delivering a top-tier travel experience,” adding that it joins other luxury options available on the J4500 model.
MCI said the J4500 remains its flagship design, with customizable finishes, performance options and round-the-clock roadside support, all backed by NFI’s network of transit and motorcoach brands.
