The MCI 102DL3 and MCI D4500 are identical intercity bus models produced by Motor Coach Industries. It is manufactured at the main plant in Pembina, North Dakota, United States. The 102DL3 was the original designation, used from 1992 through 2001, when the name was changed to D4500. It was the first successful 45 foot coach in service and is among the most popular intercity coaches in North America. The coach uses MCI's special platform integral construction, which has come to dominate the US and Canada markets, allowing high durability and easy maintenance. It has a much longer service life than body-on-chassis coaches. All 102DL3 and D4500 coaches are equipped with diesel engines, except for the hybrid D4500CTH and electric D45 CRTe LE, and are available with full-painted sides or stainless steellower body.
Development
The MCI 102DL3 was developed from a 1988 Canadian government request to develop a wheelchair-accessible intercity bus. The prototype was apparently developed from the MCI 102C3 with a 102B3 nose and extended to. A large wheelchair-accessible lavatory was installed in the rear. The prototype was completed in 1990, but couldn't enter service in the US because it was too long, until the 45-foot length was approved in 1991. Changes were made for the production model. The engine was upgraded to the large new Detroit Diesel Series 60 and received a bigger rear end with powerful radiator and intercooler. The large lavatory and wheelchair lift was removed from the production model, but could still be fitted by request. In the future a lift would be required for ADA regulations. The production model was named 102DL3 and entered production in October 1992, followed by introduction into service in 1993. Early buyers included Peter Pan Lines, Fullington Trailways, and Horizon Coach Lines. The coach was immediately known for its surprisingly high speed, large size, and the durability of its integral construction. At the time, Greyhound Canada owned MCI, so they tested the model in 1992, but didn't order any until 1995.
Variants
MCI 102DL3
The original version was the 102DL3, entering production in 1992 and entering service by early 1993. The 102DL3 has large, block fender skirts, a rear-mounted radiator fan side-by-side with the intercooler fan, and air intake covered by a large grille, two piece engine door, small headlight/taillights, and a black roof cap. The seating capacity was 54 or 55 passengers, or 57-61 with the high-density configuration. The 102DL3 was renamed D4500in 2001.
MCI D4500
The D4500 was exactly the same coach as the 102DL3, having been renamed in 2001 to promote a new, simplified designation system. It was replaced by the D4500CL and D4500CT in 2005.
MCI D4500CL
The D4500CL is a less-modified version of the D4500CT, compared to the D4500. It has a modified roof and optional frameless passenger windows. In 2008, the D4500CL received a higher passenger deck for increased luggage capacity. MCI stopped selling the D4500CL in 2008.
MCI D4500CT
The D4500CT was a modernized "contemporary" version of the D4500. It received enlarged headlights similar to those on MCI's G-series buses, a revised roof, and optional rimless passenger windows. In 2008, the D4500CT received a higher passenger deck for increased luggage capacity.
Headlight Redesign
Likely as a request from New Jersey Transit, their 2014 batch of D4500CT coaches were delivered with redesigned headlights. This simplified design has three round LED clusters arranged in a gently curving row.
The commuter coach version of the 102DL3/D4500 has a large electronic destination sign replacing the black roof cap and lavatory removed for a seating capacity of 57 passengers. A capacity of 61 passengers can be achieved with "slim line" seating.
In 2017, MCI announced the next generation D-Series, the D45 CRT LE. This bus was based off the Motor Coach Industries J4500, and has a low-floor section for mobility devices. It is offered with a Cummins engine.
MCI D45 CRTe LE
The D45 CRTe LE is an electric version of the D45 CRT LE
