THE TRANSIT Authority
MassDOT chose Motor Coach Industries to deliver the commuter coaches for BusPlus+.
The participating carriers offered their reasons for MassDOT selecting them to receive the MCI coaches and implement the service. Peter Pan Bus Lines and Coach Company cited their fixed-routes services that offer the only available public transportation. DATTCO believes it “runs a tight ship” and is in the program for its willingness to work with the state toward a common goal in accordance with all state and federal guidelines.
In its nearly 100 years of service, Greyhound has proven its dedication to leading the way in intercity bus transportation. By both continuing and extending our service in New England, Greyhound is able to bring service to smaller population communities. Each of the companies has its own game plan for the BusPlus+ service; typically rotating a mix of older and newer model coaches through the BusPlus+ routes. According to spokesperson Alexandra Pedrini, Greyhound Lines will continue serving Springfield, MA, and White River Junction, VT, and surrounding communities, while adding two weekend schedules to connect passengers with other cities in New England and the North American Greyhound network. Peter Pan will utilize the new coaches primarily on routes throughout Massachusetts and the region from Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts to Boston, Cape Cod to Providence, RI, and throughout Western Massachusetts. Plymouth & Brockton will see that all riders on all routes experience a mix of both the older and newer coaches by rotating the new MCI commuter coaches throughout its fixed route systems. Coach Company is replacing two older coaches with its new MCIs, making eight daily trips between Boston and the north shore. Five of the DATTCO coaches will replace coaches currently running. The two additional units will run the Blackstone Valley Corridor and help cover additional runs, including service to UMass Dartmouth. “The Bus Plus program is a great start to bolster the public private transportation infrastructure,” says Coach Company President Benton Smith. “Without this program, the private carriers would not be able to serve the public’s needs with quality equipment and increased service options.”
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