The customer is not always right. The stainless frame is what made the MCI a work horse. I worked on a fleet of MC7 that came out of Hawaii that held up beautifully. They wouldn’t die with 8v71 and manuals. We converted them all to automatic and they just kept going.
I drove MCI’ for the 1st 22 years of my driving career, and then a VanHool every now and then, the last 11 years was in a Prevost H-345 and never wanted to drive another MCI. The VanHool was not a bad coach either.
Hi James. Really enjoyed this video. I started with Greyhound in 1991 and worked until 2015. I was there for the launch of the MC-12, much lighter than the MC-9, the G4100, with a complex HVAC system that had separate adjustments for Driver and Passenger built into the same Thermo King control pad, the DL-3, and well you ge the idea. As to the G, G stands for garbage! Seriously though, a lesser known issue with the G4100 was the design of the elephant ear mirrors. These were electrically controlled by remote, as opposed to GH standard manually adjustable mirrors up to that time, and if the remote failed to operate they weren't so easy to reach and adjust. There were HUGE blind spots as well with these . The G4500 was terrible with it's plastic body panels, baggage and other doors that wouldn't stay closed. entrance door that didn't seal well and let in ridiculous amounts of wind while driving, and even electrical issues that caused unexpected fires from the area around the destination sign at times. I had a destination fall down while I was driving, but the sunshade caught it and I wasn't injured. Still the G model had it's fans among the drivers, but the majority didn't care for them. Towards the end, CA declared that they weren't emissions compliant. Emissions were also the cause of the MC-12 ceasing production for good. The G also featured a wheelchair lift that was completely different from everything else up to that time, and it was very finicky. The J model had the same crappy lift. J stands fro junk LOL. The X models haven't held up as well as the DL-3, but they represent a big step up for Greyhound. There are also a good number of MCI D4500 and 4505 still in the GH fleet. These buses have a hard ride, poor turning circle, and aren't nearly as refined as the Prevost coaches. My current company favors the H345 coach, and they are wonderful to operate . You really had me cracking up with all the Star Trek clips.
Hey Ronni! I really enjoyed reading your comment! I wish I could have talked to you while making this video! Thanks for all this great INFO! I have always been curious about driving a G. I have heard many horror stories but wanted to experience them my self
Thanks for the excellent history lesson on Greyhound and MCI. My first intercity trip as a young child was on a Greyhound bus. I wanted to drive for them when I grew up; but, due to the policies and practices of the era, non-Caucasians were not hired as drivers. Many years later, I would finally get to drive MCI produced motor coaches for another east coast bus company. I even got to drive one with the "Z" series transmission, which I adored as I had first learned to drive on a stick shift Chevrolet automobile. Even today, when I see a motor coach drive by, I catch myself reminiscing about driving those buses. Now, I finally have the history and the experience to boot. Thanks, again.
Too bad that the great history of Greyhound is being ruined in this current world of eliminating bus stations and picking passengers up from gas stations. So all the reminiscing about the good old days is just that and those days are gone forever. Knoxville, TN and Jackson, MS are the two latest casualties that now have no bus station and you will sit at a gas station waiting and hoping that your bus shows up. Some of these gas stations even close at night so better hope you don't need a drink or have to use the restroom. And now Greyhound is owned by a German company and all they do is pick people up on street corners and gas stations so don't see this situation changing anytime soon.
I was a big fan of the MC-12/ or as we called them the MCI Super 9. They were very nice to drive with the better suspension (less body roll), the more powerful engine, and the lovely 7 speed manual we had at the Vancouver depot. Just a dream to drive. 102DL3 were nice too with yet more power.
I did hear horror stories later after I left about the issues with the G series. They were towing GCX cargo with and they tended to get bent frames pretty easily from the 15 ft trailers. I learned a lot from this video. Thank you
@@thud9797 if I understood correctly, it was due to much better control and safety on the mountain ranges out of Vancouver through to Calgary. I believe most the eastern stuff was automatic. Manuals were better for holding gears on the steep hills on mountain passes, where the auto wouldn’t hold the gear in dicey situations with the snow and would shift to the next higher gear to protect the transmission and not necessarily the passengers. Would rather break the bus, but keep the passengers safe in bad weather situations. That being said all the new stuff was automatic back in 01. Allison World transmission.
Wasn’t into busses before UA-cam recommended your channel today. You’re an awesome presenter and always make the topic super interesting! I’ve definitely been enjoying binge watching your channel.
@@MotorcoachWorld Thank you! The time and effort you put into making and researching these videos really shows. This is high quality content! You seem to be a naturally gifted presenter. If you’re ever near Jasper Alberta Canada consider taking a ride on a Foremost Terra Bus on the Columbia Icefields. If you haven’t already. The icefields are melting quickly with global warming who knows how long they will be there.
@@DMSparky Second Daniel's motion! Knowing that you are not a native to the northern mid-west United States, 'tis understandable that the city of Duluth in Minnesota may not be familiar to you. It is pronounced da LOOTH ' ... named for a French explorer who was the first European to reach this western-most point of the Great Lakes in 1679. Originally occupied by Chippewa natives, it is the busiest Great Lakes industrial port to this day.
Man I always learn something from this channel. How astonishing that a costumer request it’s supplier NOT manufacture a product to last beyond 10 years.
MC12 were phased out because they did not comply with ADA access, no wheelchair door. I drove the "G'" for thousands of miles. I can say from my windshield time spent in the coach that they were not only poorly built "G"arbage, and had many safety issues. Many coaches burnt to the ground because of brake and axle fires, some are posted on UA-cam. If you didn't release the parking brake correctly, the rear brakes would still be partially engaged without noticeable drag on the coach. There was nothing good about these coaches, body panels fell off, interiors had terrible wind noise, braking was inadequate, overheating was common in summer driving because of the small radiator. We carried duct tape and bungy cords to fix routine problems in route. The interiors were all cheap plastic that always looked dirty, restroom was a nightmare. The interior HVAC worked in opposite fashion: cold in winter, hot in summer. I can remember driving in winter passes and the drivers area was so cold you could see your breath. The defrosters never cleared the right hand windshield so it impaired your view of the mirror. The baggage bins leaked water from the road rain so the luggage would get soaked. We use to put wood pallets in the bins to set the luggage on to try and keep them dry. Of all the different Hound coaches I drove, this one left me on the side of the interstate the most, sometimes for hours without heat or A/C. A low point in time for both companies.
I've ridden quite a few different Greyhound buses as a passenger. I liked the MC12 because it felt like a strong, solid, reliable bus. The G4500s always looked like they were in rough shape, rattling and squeaking. Then Greyhound used this older gen Prevost H3-45 (they didn't even paint it, it was a plain white bus) on the route I rode and definitely the most comfortable bus I've ridden in their fleet.
Your photo of the Canadian Greyhound MC 9 Freighter conversion certainly brought back many memories. Its a shame that Greyhound Canada has stopped operation. All that remains of Greyhound running in Canada are Us based drivers at boarder cites operating to Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.
Metrolinx Go Take care of the D4500. Regular maintenance. Sometimes drivers was told to change buses transfer to service garage. And only run 3 trip. The odd time. Buses service Ontario Canada is very strict. Double decker express in Toronto and Vancouver. Unlike Ottawa Ontario Canada untrained city bus driver kill and crashes 2 city route double Decker buses. . Ottawa Transpo though class 2 / B was enough. To operate. Lack of Heavy experience. Double Decker GVRW 35,000 kg compare to 28,000 60Ft 17,000 KG regular 35 ft buses.
About the Ford van taillights, this was common practice in the RV industry as well... using taillight and headlamp units that came from other, higher-production vehicles to reduce costs.
hi my friend my name is ROY CAMPBELL I watch your show a lot and is very inspiring and motivating I had a business before a transportation service I would love to get me one of those big couches but that don't have the money to do so right now but I'm not giving up again thank you for your encouraging words keep up the good work
Excellent and informative video. Longtime Greyhound fan(Since 1970). I personally never liked the look of the G4500(I named it the "Kitty Cat"). I read a number of news articles that told of many G4500 fires which of course gave Greyhound a black eye. I personally find it interesting that Greyhound didn't want longevity engineered in to the G4500 because of the MC-12, but again, looks are everything when it comes to a business. The general business thinking seems to be this: "Better to look good than be good". Or in Greyhound's case, It's better to look good with an inferior product than to stick with the tried and true even if the design is dated. Looking forward to many future informative bus videos!
Great video! I really enjoyed it. I currently drive garbage haulers but am working on getting my p endorsement. I always loved buses. Your videos have really given me a lot of useful information. Thank you.
Cheap, simple and it worked and another bonus, the passengers could open it so in an emergency if the driver was incapacitated, they could open the door and get out as opposed to looking for some tiny button on the dash to open the electric/air door.
Great job on your report, my company brought ten new G buses , around the same time greyhound got there’s.... the problem we all were having with them buses , was over heating, especially going up hills 🤦🏾♂️ , but most of us that drove them , kinda like them , so I was sad to see my company sell them ....
How fitting that you posted this the same day that Greyhound Canada announced its permanent closure of all its remaining bus routes in Canada. It's a really hard time for the small towns that depend on this bus service.
Greyhound Canada was the best at the times, mostly on time buses, clean inside and happy cheerful drivers, I spent alot of times travelling between Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver in the 90s and 00s before the discount airlines came into being. Greyhound Canada will be missed 💯
I drove one of those eight G's sent out to private carriers. That bus had SO many issues with it. From HVAC systems not made for north of the Mason Dixon line to lights that wouldn't shut off, doors that whistled in the wind, and an interior that echoed due to lack of Upholstery. It was NOT ready for Prime time when we tested it at VanGalder....
We I used to drive for GH the MC12s and DL3s were my favorite! The G model had so many issues not to be believed. From side panels falling off, fixed windows opening up, that engine door that didnt always stay closed, and may I say dont run the parcel rack a/c and stop too fast. You will be met with unexpected cold shower!
I love your channel from a bus nut since the Scenicruiser days. I drove for Greyhound for a short while then spent 8 1/2 Years in Mgmt until 2019. We would refer to it simply as the G. few drivers like it. I remember it being easy to drive, felt like driving a BIG SUV compared to the DLs but the darn thing was just to light, everytime a tractor trailer or 20mph + crossed wind came into play you had to battle it to stay in the lane. You are doing a great job keep it up, reposting on my FB page.
Not really into Buses and stuff like that, but found this channel by accident, and i find the content quite interesting, definitely gonna subscribe because video quality is really good, and video content is interesting. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Latvia!
Such a nostalgic video. As a kid with my dad driving for Continental Trailways, I naturally didn’t like “the dog.” But once Greyhound bought Trailways, I immediately was all on board with Greyhound. Before my dad retired, he mainly drove the MC9, MC12 and the 102A3 as well as the holdover Eagles from/@Trailways. I don’t think GH got the 102DL3s until after he retired. I am struck by how similar the Peoria MC9 looks to the livery for Carolina Coach/Trailways out of North Carolina back in the day. Before the merger, on occasional runs, my dad would occasionally get one of their MC9 run-through to Atlanta. Having grown up riding Eagle 05s and Eagle 10s with him, riding an MCI before the merger was a rare treat.
For us in Northeastern Ontario ONR busses have been our motor coach provider for as I remember, I can't recall having Greyhound motor coaches even coming here, but remember Gray Coach coming here in the '80s.
When you talked about the DL3, (I loved the Peoria Charter pics!) I spotted a 102A3...Im guessing that was a TMC. It seems most of the A models I ran across were TMCs (although still have the MCI logo. They also builts a LOT of RTSs, either under GM or after it was sold to NovaBus).
Most TMCs were built specially for Greyhound. MCI opened the Roswell, NM plant under the TMC brand to mass produce Greyhound buses so that the Pembina, ND plant could crank out coaches for other carriers.
@@curtismackjr.6108 Ok. Ours were 102A3s for Red and Tan (Rockland Coaches) bought before the Coach USA takeover. I didnt like driving them because they lacked the adjustable steering so they were not great on the back after long routes. Plus the door button was so far (and on the dash) so you had to lean forward to open the door, not the toggle on the left like the MC9 or D4000.
Great video James! Just a quick note, as of 2020 Greyhound has removed all of it's J-Models, G-Models and DL-3 models from our fleet. We are now exclusively D-4505s and Prevost X3-45s
I'm struggling with some dates here. I drove for Greyhound in 1991 and during that time, Greyhound took delivery of a model simply called the MCI 102. It was 102 inches wide and 40 feet long with a passenger capacity of 43 or 47 passengers. There was also an MCI 96 which was basically the same bus but a 40 foot long, 96 inch wide, 47 passenger coach. If memory serves me correctly, it didn't have the pushbutton transmission but rather, a gear shift on the right side of the driver. Memory says the dash was gray and wrapped around more than a D coach dash does. It was built in direct competition with the Eagle 15.
I actually road Greyhound in September 2019 to and from Bakersfield. Now I would know more what to look for next time ... probably a cheap rental car 😎 By the way, I enjoy the cameo appearances underscoring your points.
I’m from Bakersfield to. I would ride the greyhound bus a lot from Bakersfield to las cruces New Mexico as a child alot. As i grew up I rode it to El Paso Texas alot, Tampa Florida, Modesto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix Arizona. I’ve taken greyhound many places. I enjoyed riding it.
I can tell you as a former driver, it was a weird bus to drive. It was the first MCI with spiral steps I ever driven prior to the E & J models. All but 4 were Allison 6 speed buses. The remaining was ZF buses. It felt a lot higher up in the air driving than the D models. And, a lot of failures on the road during that time. So glad they’re all gone now. All there is is Prevost and some D4505’s
lol ex-GH Canada driver here, I was at the Buffalo terminal one day and a parked G4500's foglight just randomly caught fire.... Got to drive a bunch of them north across the border and man they were pretty awful. Luggage bins that sounded like nails on a chalkboard, steering wheels were just chunks of rubber held together with electrical tape, pieces falling off of the overhead racks, among other things
@@MotorcoachWorld like you said, the cost cutting definitely showed.. I drove them sometime after 2010 so they were probably near retirement.. Just like those Texas Tincans™ (the MC12S) we graciously acquired from the US. I got to bring one of the first 3 north. They were very solid but poorly suited for Canadian winters. Come to think of it, I think they had 2-stroke diesel engines too
Kudos James you simply confirmed what honest motorcoach busnut aficionados already knew and or suspected. Greyhound essentially tried bullying MCI into playing cheap and subpar with Greyhound’s “Planned obsolescence” engineering demands and interference. But then GH turn around and buy high polished and mirror shined Alcoa rim coaches from MCI’s competitor Prevost. I bet they didn’t take that nonsensical Planned Obsolescence request to Prevost.
I have a question I was wondering if you could make a segment on motor coach whirled about how motor coach buses got started with their entertainment systems like Who invented the television 4 Motorcoaches and also to I have Regarding the MCI102 C3 102A3 and Mc9 I've always wondered why do some companies update the bodies in the rear On those buses you could make a segment about that it would be great to hear about it as to why all those things came into play I've been very intrigued by all That it's a long story
I've only experienced Greyhound once in my life, back in '94. I was 9 and my family and I, had moved from Ca to Va. Took us 3 days and 3 nights. No baths, no showers, same clothes 😄🤦♂️ I also made a friend who reminded me of Gene Wilder. Only thing I remembered about him was that he loved McDonald's Fish Fillet. 😄 Always wondered if he is still around or if he has passed on.
@Beryl White Actually none on that shoot for the intro. But I have run over 4 so Far. Most are drive by shots where the wind pushed the camera over while I was speeding by.
Maybe you should make some food blogs. Maybe try to make hotdogs 🌭 like you get in Chicago. Or Bacon dogs if wife let's you play with fire . It would interesting to see you cook the one saw was really good.
The 4501 was Greyhound's flagship, initially assigned to their transcon and other high-profile routes. Once the MC-7s were introduced in the early 1970s, the Scenics became workhorses similar to the MC-5s, 4107 Buffalos, and the few remaining 4104s. Out of a peak of about a 5,500 bus fleet, the Scenics topped out at 1,000 at roughly 20% of the total.
The bus company I worked for in 1995-96 (Nava-Hopi Tours of Flagstaff AZ) had a few new MCI 102D3's (40-foot) which were an absolute pleasure to drive. I wonder what became of them... they went out of business in 2001.
Throughout my life, I have token the Greyhound to and from Florida. Even though the layovers was long but I enjoyed the ride. The only two models of MCI that Greyhound has in their fleet that I have never rode yet is the D4505 and the G4500. The D4500, Prevost X3 45, and the MC9/12 I have rode them before on the Greyhound.
A vast majority of the G4100s and G4500s were delivered with Allison Transmissions. The last few units 7284-7302 to be exact were delivered with ZF Astronic transmissions. Back in 2003, these ZF test units ran exclusively on Los Angeles-Dallas runs. I believe all the rebuilt units and some DL3s have ZFs in them
This is the model that I was talking about that Centro has only it has Transit bus front doors aside from that I believe is a g model since it has the same headlights
Hey thanks for the comment and question. I believe the bus you are referring to is the MCI D4500 CT. It's not the same as the G model. It's based on the MCI DL3 and it's basically a DL3 but converted to being a city transit commuter coach from a long distance regional coach bus. I've actually somea video that touches on those a while ago. Here is the link. ua-cam.com/video/pDjXQa-AXQ8/v-deo.html
Right. At one time the Hounds were a common sight on American highways. But with the severe retrenchment in routes and services since the early 2000s, you don't spot them nearly as often.
WAIT....Is that a New Flyer hat while talking about MCI! You philistine! LOL. Also...I have one heck of an episode lined up...LOTS of stuff I did (and one big failure but...such is life..). Oh, I only got one of those new MC9s (its a model lol) but Its great...Ill do a mini review of it...Sorry I didnt call. Ive been swamped (have a guest over too and did about a month's worth of work in one day!)
@@MotorcoachWorld Yeah...I wanted to do this Russian movie shot in NYC, but it didnt work out...But, there will be other movies...I am the only one with an Eastern European bus in the US after all lol
Good vid Dude you should check out buses in MEXICO Mercedes Benz, Volvo, irizar Marco polo Dina there units are inedible they run Double decker Ultra modern
I'd like to see a video or series on Electric buses and their evolution and things to come. Sydney council {Australia) has a couple and Brisbane council is apparently looking at trialing one.
I've driven for Van Galder for 24 years and was glad to hear us specifically mentioned as lab rats for MCI on the G model, we had the first 56 passenger bus in our state as well, a 102 DL3. The drivers had a review form to fill out and also questionaire sheets for passengers to fill out if they wanted to. I don't have any real nightmare memories about the G, but then again it was new, and it was only around a few months. Reminded me of a Dina Marcopolo but not as big of a crap box, which isn't saying a lot as it's not hard to beat a Dina. I could build a better bus using parts of a scrap yard and the Ace Hardware "flat stock" bin.
is all of its remaining bus routes in , permanently. ... The iconic bus carrier pulled out of Western in 2018. It then put its remaining routes in Ontario and Quebec on pause when COVID-19 hit in 2020, but now it is pulling out of domestic service permanently.
Sadly Greyhound Canada is no more as of yesterday. They will be missed, but it was no surprise especially after Greyhound Canada abandoned western Canada in 2018 and the hit they took with Covid-19.
I was looking forward to this video all day! Asking a manufacturer to build a "disposable motorcoach" is like engineering auto-destruct into a starship with a random timer. I have a question which might help create your next video: How does a motorcoach company choose a coach model, its powertrain options and its features and amenities?
Classic. When a company gets so much business from one customer, the customer tries to run that company. Never ends well.
Exactly!
Sounds like Greyhound did it to themselves by demanding a subpar product and blamed MCI.
The customer is not always right. The stainless frame is what made the MCI a work horse. I worked on a fleet of MC7 that came out of Hawaii that held up beautifully. They wouldn’t die with 8v71 and manuals. We converted them all to automatic and they just kept going.
I got my start at Adventure! That picture brought back memories!
love The Star Trek references in the video
yeah... I get the feeling he likes it a little.
😂🤣
I’m a Amtrak guy. Stumbled across your channel and subscribed. Now I find myself staring at busses. Great channel.
Thank you! Glad I got you hooked!
I rode Amtrak to Seattle hated it boring as all hell I will never ride that train again
I'm a Prevost man but I respect MCI for what they are. Love the channel, keep on doing what you do James!
I drove MCI’ for the 1st 22 years of my driving career, and then a VanHool every now and then, the last 11 years was in a Prevost H-345 and never wanted to drive another MCI. The VanHool was not a bad coach either.
4:39 - Ah-ha! Yes, I had known that Greyhound owned MCI-bus-builder.
Top notch production and writing, already can’t wait for the next one! Hopefully Prevost doesn’t suffer the same story as MCI and GM!
Hi James. Really enjoyed this video. I started with Greyhound in 1991 and worked until 2015. I was there for the launch of the MC-12, much lighter than the MC-9, the G4100, with a complex HVAC system that had separate adjustments for Driver and Passenger built into the same Thermo King control pad, the DL-3, and well you ge the idea. As to the G, G stands for garbage! Seriously though, a lesser known issue with the G4100 was the design of the elephant ear mirrors. These were electrically controlled by remote, as opposed to GH standard manually adjustable mirrors up to that time, and if the remote failed to operate they weren't so easy to reach and adjust. There were HUGE blind spots as well with these . The G4500 was terrible with it's plastic body panels, baggage and other doors that wouldn't stay closed. entrance door that didn't seal well and let in ridiculous amounts of wind while driving, and even electrical issues that caused unexpected fires from the area around the destination sign at times. I had a destination fall down while I was driving, but the sunshade caught it and I wasn't injured. Still the G model had it's fans among the drivers, but the majority didn't care for them. Towards the end, CA declared that they weren't emissions compliant. Emissions were also the cause of the MC-12 ceasing production for good. The G also featured a wheelchair lift that was completely different from everything else up to that time, and it was very finicky. The J model had the same crappy lift. J stands fro junk LOL. The X models haven't held up as well as the DL-3, but they represent a big step up for Greyhound. There are also a good number of MCI D4500 and 4505 still in the GH fleet. These buses have a hard ride, poor turning circle, and aren't nearly as refined as the Prevost coaches. My current company favors the H345 coach, and they are wonderful to operate . You really had me cracking up with all the Star Trek clips.
Hey Ronni! I really enjoyed reading your comment! I wish I could have talked to you while making this video! Thanks for all this great INFO! I have always been curious about driving a G. I have heard many horror stories but wanted to experience them my self
Former Greyhound station agent and frequent bus traveler here. I knew this model well. Thank you for this video.
@Portland Vlogger57 Sorry about what happened to your station.
Thanks for the excellent history lesson on Greyhound and MCI. My first intercity trip as a young child was on a Greyhound bus. I wanted to drive for them when I grew up; but, due to the policies and practices of the era, non-Caucasians were not hired as drivers. Many years later, I would finally get to drive MCI produced motor coaches for another east coast bus company. I even got to drive one with the "Z" series transmission, which I adored as I had first learned to drive on a stick shift Chevrolet automobile. Even today, when I see a motor coach drive by, I catch myself reminiscing about driving those buses. Now, I finally have the history and the experience to boot. Thanks, again.
Too bad that the great history of Greyhound is being ruined in this current world of eliminating bus stations and picking passengers up from gas stations. So all the reminiscing about the good old days is just that and those days are gone forever. Knoxville, TN and Jackson, MS are the two latest casualties that now have no bus station and you will sit at a gas station waiting and hoping that your bus shows up. Some of these gas stations even close at night so better hope you don't need a drink or have to use the restroom. And now Greyhound is owned by a German company and all they do is pick people up on street corners and gas stations so don't see this situation changing anytime soon.
i love clasic bus .
Great video. Always good to know more of the MCI history (and Greyhound).
I have not driven since 1999,but have seen the different coaches. Thanks for filling me in on the changes.
OmG, why are these so fascinating? I’ll never look at interstate buses the same way again. 👍👍
Classic Transit Company I remember seeing those buses and logo as a little girl now as a mom i show my little boy these magnificent buses
I LOVE THE PREVOST X3 -45 in Greyhound livery!
Drove them for years, they are a dream in the seat.
I was a big fan of the MC-12/ or as we called them the MCI Super 9. They were very nice to drive with the better suspension (less body roll), the more powerful engine, and the lovely 7 speed manual we had at the Vancouver depot. Just a dream to drive. 102DL3 were nice too with yet more power.
I did hear horror stories later after I left about the issues with the G series. They were towing GCX cargo with and they tended to get bent frames pretty easily from the 15 ft trailers. I learned a lot from this video. Thank you
Funny that Greyhound Canada went back to the manual transmission for the 12, the last manual that Greyhound USA ever bought was in 1972.
@@thud9797 if I understood correctly, it was due to much better control and safety on the mountain ranges out of Vancouver through to Calgary. I believe most the eastern stuff was automatic. Manuals were better for holding gears on the steep hills on mountain passes, where the auto wouldn’t hold the gear in dicey situations with the snow and would shift to the next higher gear to protect the transmission and not necessarily the passengers. Would rather break the bus, but keep the passengers safe in bad weather situations.
That being said all the new stuff was automatic back in 01. Allison World transmission.
That MC9 was comfy
Wasn’t into busses before UA-cam recommended your channel today. You’re an awesome presenter and always make the topic super interesting! I’ve definitely been enjoying binge watching your channel.
Haha thanks Daniel M. Much appreciated!
@@MotorcoachWorld Thank you!
The time and effort you put into making and researching these videos really shows. This is high quality content! You seem to be a naturally gifted presenter.
If you’re ever near Jasper Alberta Canada consider taking a ride on a Foremost Terra Bus on the Columbia Icefields. If you haven’t already. The icefields are melting quickly with global warming who knows how long they will be there.
@@DMSparky Second Daniel's motion! Knowing that you are not a native to the northern mid-west United States, 'tis understandable that the city of Duluth in Minnesota may not be familiar to you. It is pronounced da LOOTH ' ... named for a French explorer who was the first European to reach this western-most point of the Great Lakes in 1679. Originally occupied by Chippewa natives, it is the busiest Great Lakes industrial port to this day.
Miss seeing Greyhounds running up and down the highway. The local terminal here in Cincinnati was just recently closed.
Man I always learn something from this channel. How astonishing that a costumer request it’s supplier NOT manufacture a product to last beyond 10 years.
So stupid, they could just sell them to private operators when finished
MC12 were phased out because they did not comply with ADA access, no wheelchair door. I drove the "G'" for thousands of miles. I can say from my windshield time spent in the coach that they were not only poorly built "G"arbage, and had many safety issues. Many coaches burnt to the ground because of brake and axle fires, some are posted on UA-cam. If you didn't release the parking brake correctly, the rear brakes would still be partially engaged without noticeable drag on the coach. There was nothing good about these coaches, body panels fell off, interiors had terrible wind noise, braking was inadequate, overheating was common in summer driving because of the small radiator. We carried duct tape and bungy cords to fix routine problems in route. The interiors were all cheap plastic that always looked dirty, restroom was a nightmare. The interior HVAC worked in opposite fashion: cold in winter, hot in summer. I can remember driving in winter passes and the drivers area was so cold you could see your breath. The defrosters never cleared the right hand windshield so it impaired your view of the mirror. The baggage bins leaked water from the road rain so the luggage would get soaked. We use to put wood pallets in the bins to set the luggage on to try and keep them dry. Of all the different Hound coaches I drove, this one left me on the side of the interstate the most, sometimes for hours without heat or A/C. A low point in time for both companies.
I've ridden quite a few different Greyhound buses as a passenger. I liked the MC12 because it felt like a strong, solid, reliable bus. The G4500s always looked like they were in rough shape, rattling and squeaking. Then Greyhound used this older gen Prevost H3-45 (they didn't even paint it, it was a plain white bus) on the route I rode and definitely the most comfortable bus I've ridden in their fleet.
Your photo of the Canadian Greyhound MC 9 Freighter conversion certainly brought back many memories. Its a shame that Greyhound Canada has stopped operation. All that remains of Greyhound running in Canada are Us based drivers at boarder cites operating to Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto.
Great Greyhound coach history lesson. There are still a lot of DL3’s on the road. Can’t wait till next Wed. Thanks Rick
Super cool bus they were a very crazy bus
“102-DL3, originally designed for the Canadian government”
Specifically, GO Transit in Ontario, who still runs D4500s. And yes, still very reliable!
Houston Metro does as well
NJ Transit too. My mom has been on a D4500 D4000 NJ Transit Ironbound Garrage 114X
Metrolinx Go Take care of the D4500.
Regular maintenance. Sometimes drivers was told to change buses transfer to service garage. And only run 3 trip. The odd time.
Buses service Ontario Canada is very strict.
Double decker express in Toronto and Vancouver.
Unlike Ottawa Ontario Canada untrained city bus driver kill and crashes 2 city route double Decker buses. .
Ottawa Transpo though class 2 / B was enough. To operate. Lack of Heavy experience.
Double Decker GVRW 35,000 kg compare to
28,000 60Ft 17,000 KG regular 35 ft buses.
Having worked as an auto parts representative, I've sold SO MANY of those Ford E-Series tail lamp assemblies for bus use lol...
LOL!
This is one of my favorite games to play. “What lights did they use on this RV/ bus?” I wish someone would come up with a comprehensive guide for it.
Not to mention the electric window motor from gm for the drivers window in the Prevost h3.
About the Ford van taillights, this was common practice in the RV industry as well... using taillight and headlamp units that came from other, higher-production vehicles to reduce costs.
1:08 Heeey, it's Pittsburgh!
hi my friend my name is ROY CAMPBELL
I watch your show a lot and is very inspiring and motivating I had a business before a transportation service I would love to get me one of those big couches but that don't have the money to do so right now but I'm not giving up again thank you for your encouraging words keep up the good work
Hi Roy. Thanks for the kind words. I completely understand. They are expensive peices of equipment. I wish you all the luck
Excellent and informative video. Longtime Greyhound fan(Since 1970). I personally never liked the look of the G4500(I named it the "Kitty Cat"). I read a number of news articles that told of many G4500 fires which of course gave Greyhound a black eye. I personally find it interesting that Greyhound didn't want longevity engineered in to the G4500 because of the MC-12, but again, looks are everything when it comes to a business. The general business thinking seems to be this: "Better to look good than be good". Or in Greyhound's case, It's better to look good with an inferior product than to stick with the tried and true even if the design is dated. Looking forward to many future informative bus videos!
Great video! I really enjoyed it. I currently drive garbage haulers but am working on getting my p endorsement. I always loved buses. Your videos have really given me a lot of useful information. Thank you.
I stumbled on your channel and I can say I'm loving it hello from London England
Cool channel just found this I am a bus mechanic work mostly on mci, nova bus, newflyer, alexander dennis, Orion
Well produced video and extremely informative. Thank you for this video!
I can still remember all the switches on the left side of the MC9. It was a durable workhorse. But the manual door... what was up with that?..
Cheap, simple and it worked and another bonus, the passengers could open it so in an emergency if the driver was incapacitated, they could open the door and get out as opposed to looking for some tiny button on the dash to open the electric/air door.
YOU ARE THE MAN!!!👍
Excellent video-love that there is a coach-bus focused channel out there. Good stuff
Hi I am a new subscriber. I really enjoy these videos. Thank you for the great content
Always loved buses when i was a kid and I still do lol
Great job on your report, my company brought ten new G buses , around the same time greyhound got there’s.... the problem we all were having with them buses , was over heating, especially going up hills 🤦🏾♂️ , but most of us that drove them , kinda like them , so I was sad to see my company sell them ....
How fitting that you posted this the same day that Greyhound Canada announced its permanent closure of all its remaining bus routes in Canada. It's a really hard time for the small towns that depend on this bus service.
Greyhound Canada was the best at the times, mostly on time buses, clean inside and happy cheerful drivers, I spent alot of times travelling between Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver in the 90s and 00s before the discount airlines came into being. Greyhound Canada will be missed 💯
You should talk about Megabus next and see how different is it from Greyhound.
And how Greyhound had to make Boltbus to compete
@@AH-bm4ts GLI abandoned BB on the West coast.
Bolt Bus is no more, another Covid casualty.
There you are I keep losing you You can't hide a Motorcoach that easy but means you are a professional lol
The Gowran stare!!! Nice
I drove one of those eight G's sent out to private carriers. That bus had SO many issues with it. From HVAC systems not made for north of the Mason Dixon line to lights that wouldn't shut off, doors that whistled in the wind, and an interior that echoed due to lack of Upholstery. It was NOT ready for Prime time when we tested it at VanGalder....
I Love MCI 😍😘
Thank you for another great video !
Great video! Nice hat.
Really enjoyed watching your video. Well done
We I used to drive for GH the MC12s and DL3s were my favorite! The G model had so many issues not to be believed. From side panels falling off, fixed windows opening up, that engine door that didnt always stay closed, and may I say dont run the parcel rack a/c and stop too fast. You will be met with unexpected cold shower!
I love your channel from a bus nut since the Scenicruiser days. I drove for Greyhound for a short while then spent 8 1/2 Years in Mgmt until 2019.
We would refer to it simply as
the G. few drivers like it. I remember it being easy to drive, felt like driving a BIG SUV compared to the DLs but the darn thing was just to light, everytime a tractor trailer or 20mph + crossed wind came into play you had to battle it to stay in the lane.
You are doing a great job keep it up, reposting on my FB page.
Thanks so much Darryl! So appreciate your comment!
Very interesting history
thank you! Much appreciated!
Not really into Buses and stuff like that, but found this channel by accident, and i find the content quite interesting, definitely gonna subscribe because video quality is really good, and video content is interesting. Keep up the good work!
Greetings from Latvia!
Thank you! Always glad to meet people from other parts of the world
There’s another coach company that has the MCI G-4500 is NorCan Tours which is in Thunder Bay
I do like that the G front end got incorporated into the newer D coaches.
I actually didn't like that feature, I liked the old metal front end.
Such a nostalgic video. As a kid with my dad driving for Continental Trailways, I naturally didn’t like “the dog.” But once Greyhound bought Trailways, I immediately was all on board with Greyhound. Before my dad retired, he mainly drove the MC9, MC12 and the 102A3 as well as the holdover Eagles from/@Trailways. I don’t think GH got the 102DL3s until after he retired.
I am struck by how similar the Peoria MC9 looks to the livery for Carolina Coach/Trailways out of North Carolina back in the day. Before the merger, on occasional runs, my dad would occasionally get one of their MC9 run-through to Atlanta. Having grown up riding Eagle 05s and Eagle 10s with him, riding an MCI before the merger was a rare treat.
Have loved your videos and I love your Star Trek references :)
Thanks shadow 211e! Much appreciated!
Ironically, greyhound Canada announced just today that they’re shutting down completely
For us in Northeastern Ontario ONR busses have been our motor coach provider for as I remember, I can't recall having Greyhound motor coaches even coming here, but remember Gray Coach coming here in the '80s.
@@frederickmoller Greyhound got as far up hwy 11 as Gravenhurst through the acquisition of my old employer PMCL , 20 years ago.
When you talked about the DL3, (I loved the Peoria Charter pics!) I spotted a 102A3...Im guessing that was a TMC. It seems most of the A models I ran across were TMCs (although still have the MCI logo. They also builts a LOT of RTSs, either under GM or after it was sold to NovaBus).
Most TMCs were built specially for Greyhound. MCI opened the Roswell, NM plant under the TMC brand to mass produce Greyhound buses so that the Pembina, ND plant could crank out coaches for other carriers.
@@curtismackjr.6108 Ok. Ours were 102A3s for Red and Tan (Rockland Coaches) bought before the Coach USA takeover. I didnt like driving them because they lacked the adjustable steering so they were not great on the back after long routes. Plus the door button was so far (and on the dash) so you had to lean forward to open the door, not the toggle on the left like the MC9 or D4000.
Just saw Sean O'Meara and his MC-9. :-)
Great story! The last time I rode greyhound was back in the 90s. Yeah long time ago! I like Vanhool coach buses. I am more of a train guy though.
Great channel
Great video James! Just a quick note, as of 2020 Greyhound has removed all of it's J-Models, G-Models and DL-3 models from our fleet. We are now exclusively D-4505s and Prevost X3-45s
Hey Brandon! Thanks man! That is great Information! I swear I learn more from my videos after I make them from comments like yours!
Why remove the J models? I heard they were fabulous buses!
@@qwiklok they were old and Greyhound is updating their fleet
I'm struggling with some dates here. I drove for Greyhound in 1991 and during that time, Greyhound took delivery of a model simply called the MCI 102. It was 102 inches wide and 40 feet long with a passenger capacity of 43 or 47 passengers. There was also an MCI 96 which was basically the same bus but a 40 foot long, 96 inch wide, 47 passenger coach. If memory serves me correctly, it didn't have the pushbutton transmission but rather, a gear shift on the right side of the driver. Memory says the dash was gray and wrapped around more than a D coach dash does. It was built in direct competition with the Eagle 15.
The 102A3 first appeared in 1985 and the last I belive bought in 1989 right before the strike in 1990. After that it was the MC12 and then the 102DL3.
I actually road Greyhound in September 2019 to and from Bakersfield. Now I would know more what to look for next time ... probably a cheap rental car 😎 By the way, I enjoy the cameo appearances underscoring your points.
I’m from Bakersfield to. I would ride the greyhound bus a lot from Bakersfield to las cruces New Mexico as a child alot. As i grew up I rode it to El Paso Texas alot, Tampa Florida, Modesto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix Arizona. I’ve taken greyhound many places. I enjoyed riding it.
I can tell you as a former driver, it was a weird bus to drive. It was the first MCI with spiral steps I ever driven prior to the E & J models. All but 4 were Allison 6 speed buses. The remaining was ZF buses. It felt a lot higher up in the air driving than the D models. And, a lot of failures on the road during that time. So glad they’re all gone now. All there is is Prevost and some D4505’s
lol ex-GH Canada driver here, I was at the Buffalo terminal one day and a parked G4500's foglight just randomly caught fire.... Got to drive a bunch of them north across the border and man they were pretty awful. Luggage bins that sounded like nails on a chalkboard, steering wheels were just chunks of rubber held together with electrical tape, pieces falling off of the overhead racks, among other things
Lol that's crazy man. Thanks for the comment. I enjoyed reading This.
@@MotorcoachWorld like you said, the cost cutting definitely showed.. I drove them sometime after 2010 so they were probably near retirement.. Just like those Texas Tincans™ (the MC12S) we graciously acquired from the US. I got to bring one of the first 3 north. They were very solid but poorly suited for Canadian winters. Come to think of it, I think they had 2-stroke diesel engines too
In Australia Greyhound seem to mainly use Irizar buses. But down here it's an company independent of the USA one.
great video
Thank you 😊.
Kudos James you simply confirmed what honest motorcoach busnut aficionados already knew and or suspected. Greyhound essentially tried bullying MCI into playing cheap and subpar with Greyhound’s “Planned obsolescence” engineering demands and interference. But then GH turn around and buy high polished and mirror shined Alcoa rim coaches from MCI’s competitor Prevost. I bet they didn’t take that nonsensical Planned Obsolescence request to Prevost.
appreciate the info thanks...
In Juno Alaska, they still operate these old motorcoach as well.
I have a question I was wondering if you could make a segment on motor coach whirled about how motor coach buses got started with their entertainment systems like Who invented the television 4 Motorcoaches and also to I have Regarding the MCI102 C3 102A3 and Mc9 I've always wondered why do some companies update the bodies in the rear On those buses you could make a segment about that it would be great to hear about it as to why all those things came into play I've been very intrigued by all That it's a long story
I will add that to my list!
I'll miss you, Greyhound.
Good video
In Texas, Greyhound is the country bumkin of the bus lines. Every Mexico centric bus line has much newer and luxurious coaches for equivalent fares. 😢
Hi my friend hope you are doing good ! 👍
I love these videos! Tysm!
I've only experienced Greyhound once in my life, back in '94. I was 9 and my family and I, had moved from Ca to Va. Took us 3 days and 3 nights. No baths, no showers, same clothes 😄🤦♂️
I also made a friend who reminded me of Gene Wilder. Only thing I remembered about him was that he loved McDonald's Fish Fillet. 😄 Always wondered if he is still around or if he has passed on.
How many cameras did you run over before you got that picture the coach driving over the camera. LOL
@Beryl White Actually none on that shoot for the intro. But I have run over 4 so Far. Most are drive by shots where the wind pushed the camera over while I was speeding by.
Maybe you should make some food blogs. Maybe try to make hotdogs 🌭 like you get in Chicago. Or Bacon dogs if wife let's you play with fire . It would interesting to see you cook the one saw was really good.
The 4501 was Greyhound's flagship, initially assigned to their transcon and other high-profile routes. Once the MC-7s were introduced in the early 1970s, the Scenics became workhorses similar to the MC-5s, 4107 Buffalos, and the few remaining 4104s. Out of a peak of about a 5,500 bus fleet, the Scenics topped out at 1,000 at roughly 20% of the total.
The bus company I worked for in 1995-96 (Nava-Hopi Tours of Flagstaff AZ) had a few new MCI 102D3's (40-foot) which were an absolute pleasure to drive. I wonder what became of them... they went out of business in 2001.
Throughout my life, I have token the Greyhound to and from Florida. Even though the layovers was long but I enjoyed the ride. The only two models of MCI that Greyhound has in their fleet that I have never rode yet is the D4505 and the G4500. The D4500, Prevost X3 45, and the MC9/12 I have rode them before on the Greyhound.
A vast majority of the G4100s and G4500s were delivered with Allison Transmissions. The last few units 7284-7302 to be exact were delivered with ZF Astronic transmissions. Back in 2003, these ZF test units ran exclusively on Los Angeles-Dallas runs. I believe all the rebuilt units and some DL3s have ZFs in them
My grandfather was on the original Greyhound/MCI project team.
Back when Greyhound was a great company.
This is the model that I was talking about that Centro has only it has Transit bus front doors aside from that I believe is a g model since it has the same headlights
Hey thanks for the comment and question. I believe the bus you are referring to is the MCI D4500 CT. It's not the same as the G model. It's based on the MCI DL3 and it's basically a DL3 but converted to being a city transit commuter coach from a long distance regional coach bus. I've actually somea video that touches on those a while ago. Here is the link.
ua-cam.com/video/pDjXQa-AXQ8/v-deo.html
Use to see greyhound everywhere, now don't see too many on the roads.
They have their designated roads. If you're near one of them you'll see the all the time. You don't see them travel through the city very often.
Right. At one time the Hounds were a common sight on American highways. But with the severe retrenchment in routes and services since the early 2000s, you don't spot them nearly as often.
WAIT....Is that a New Flyer hat while talking about MCI! You philistine! LOL. Also...I have one heck of an episode lined up...LOTS of stuff I did (and one big failure but...such is life..). Oh, I only got one of those new MC9s (its a model lol) but Its great...Ill do a mini review of it...Sorry I didnt call. Ive been swamped (have a guest over too and did about a month's worth of work in one day!)
To be fair, MCI is owned by New Flyer lol
@@this51man It is? Damn...Ive been out of the loop. Well, then, I guess Im the philistine!
@@RipRoaringGarage 😂
Can't wait man. I have had days like that where you're just in the zone
@@MotorcoachWorld Yeah...I wanted to do this Russian movie shot in NYC, but it didnt work out...But, there will be other movies...I am the only one with an Eastern European bus in the US after all lol
Great info!
Good vid Dude you should check out buses in MEXICO Mercedes Benz, Volvo, irizar Marco polo Dina there units are inedible they run Double decker Ultra modern
I'd like to see a video or series on Electric buses and their evolution and things to come. Sydney council {Australia) has a couple and Brisbane council is apparently looking at trialing one.
I've driven for Van Galder for 24 years and was glad to hear us specifically mentioned as lab rats for MCI on the G model, we had the first 56 passenger bus in our state as well, a 102 DL3. The drivers had a review form to fill out and also questionaire sheets for passengers to fill out if they wanted to. I don't have any real nightmare memories about the G, but then again it was new, and it was only around a few months. Reminded me of a Dina Marcopolo but not as big of a crap box, which isn't saying a lot as it's not hard to beat a Dina. I could build a better bus using parts of a scrap yard and the Ace Hardware "flat stock" bin.
Arrow stage lines was a initial customer as well, we got 10.... Boy, was that a mistake.
is all of its remaining bus routes in , permanently. ... The iconic bus carrier pulled out of Western in 2018. It then put its remaining routes in Ontario and Quebec on pause when COVID-19 hit in 2020, but now it is pulling out of domestic service permanently.
Sadly Greyhound Canada is no more as of yesterday. They will be missed, but it was no surprise especially after Greyhound Canada abandoned western Canada in 2018 and the hit they took with Covid-19.
My Great uncle drove for greyhound in the 40’s 50’s and 60’s
I was looking forward to this video all day! Asking a manufacturer to build a "disposable motorcoach" is like engineering auto-destruct into a starship with a random timer. I have a question which might help create your next video: How does a motorcoach company choose a coach model, its powertrain options and its features and amenities?
Thanks for the comment! yes that is a great topic! I will add it to the list!
speaking of vans the coach i drove in the video game Watchdogs 2 has the same manufacture as the van