Indian Trails Launches Michigan Flyer Fleet With Near-Zero Emissions
EAST LANSING -- Michigan Flyer is putting an all-new fleet of four luxury motorcoaches on the road this month, representing a $2.1 million investment in the inter-city and airport shuttle service by parent company Indian Trails Inc. of Owosso.
"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.
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 -- all 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.
"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," said Mackay. "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.
Other advanced safety features include GPS; three-point retractable passenger seatbelts; an engine fire-detection and suppression system; and a tire pressure monitoring system.
"The safety of our passengers is always top priority," said Mackay. "But we also realize that many are fatigued by long hours of air travel, or are commuting to and from stressful jobs, so we also aim to provide the most comfortable motorcoach experience possible, including high-end interior amenities."
The new Michigan Flyer coaches feature ergonomic seating and ample leg room; individual aircraft-style climate controls and reading lamps; tinted Thermopane side windows offering panoramic views plus privacy; 110-volt AC outlets at each seat for charging mobile devices; free WiFi Internet connectivity; flat-screen video monitors; on-board lavatories; enclosed, overhead parcel racks; convenient cup holders; and the largest luggage capacity of any motorcoach available.
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.
The Michigan Flyer -- whose motto is "Why Drive?" -- offers motorcoach connections between Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Detroit Metro Airport. Jointly owned by Indian Trails and Okemos Travel, Michigan Flyer has achieved an extraordinary 99 percent rate of on-time arrivals and departures. More at www.michiganflyer.com.
Indian Trails Inc. operates one of the largest and newest fleets of deluxe motorcoaches in Michigan. Its services include charters, tours, shuttles, airport transfers, casino runs and daily scheduled routes throughout Michigan and into Chicago and Milwaukee. More at www.indiantrails.com.
