Michigan Flyer has put an all-new fleet of four luxury motorcoaches on the road this month, representing a $2,124,000 million investment in the inter-city and airport shuttle service by parent company Indian Trails, Inc., of Owosso, MI.
Michigan Flyer makes eight roundtrips each day between East Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport, carrying more than 90,000 passengers a year.
The new fleet of state-of-the-art 2012 Prevost H3-45 coaches is one of the first in Michigan to be equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, which combines Exhaust Gas Recirculation and Diesel Particulate Filters to produce near zero emissions.
“The decision to invest in this infrastructure upgrade is based on our commitment to our customers, to Michigan Flyer, and to the people of mid-Michigan,” said Indian Trails President Gordon Mackay. “We’re proud that our Michigan Flyer fleet exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 standards on air pollutants and also achieves high fuel economy. Each of these motorcoaches has the potential to remove 50 automobiles from the highway, further reducing air pollution, traffic congestion, and our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.”
The new coaches, all equipped with ADA-compliant wheelchair lifts, also feature a collection of amenities designed to enhance passenger safety and comfort.
One innovative safety feature is an electronic stability system that enables drivers to avoid danger in adverse conditions, such as ice and snow. It monitors vehicle movement, wheel speed, steering angle, and lateral acceleration, then automatically applies brakes or reduces throttle if necessary to prevent skid or rollover.
Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, Michigan Flyer continues to grow. Since its inaugural trips in November 2006, Michigan Flyer has carried more than 400,000 passengers.