AC Transit Brings New Coaches to SF Transbay Routes
AC Transit deploys new MCI D45 coaches with WiFi and USB ports on Transbay routes
AC Transit Adds New Coaches to Transbay Fleet
AC Transit's putting new MCI D45 commuter coaches into service on Transbay routes connecting the East Bay with San Francisco. The agency began deploying the vehicles June 28, with a gradual rollout planned over the following months, transit officials said. The new coaches are being gradually deployed across AC Transit's Transbay routes, though officials haven't said which specific route numbers will receive the vehicles first.
Fleet Modernization Effort
The deployment represents AC Transit's ongoing effort to modernize its commuter fleet serving cross-bay travelers, according to the transit agency. AC Transit operates one of the largest public transit systems in California, serving approximately 1.6 million residents in Alameda and Contra Costa counties with connections to San Francisco. The agency hasn't disclosed the total number of new coaches being deployed or the project's cost. Transit agencies nationwide have invested in fleet upgrades as part of post-pandemic service recovery and improvement efforts.
Enhanced Passenger Features
The MCI D45 CRT LE coaches feature comfortable seating, WiFi connectivity, and USB charging ports at seats, according to manufacturer specifications. The vehicles also offer improved fuel efficiency compared to older coach models. AC Transit officials haven't provided detailed specifications about interior configurations or seating capacity for their specific order. The coaches represent current-generation commuter coach technology designed for longer-distance express service between urban centers.
Gradual Implementation
The first new coaches entered service June 28, 2024, with additional vehicles being added to the Transbay fleet over subsequent months. Officials haven't announced a specific completion date for the full deployment. The agency typically operates Transbay service during peak commute hours, connecting East Bay communities with employment centers in San Francisco.
Rider Information
The new coaches will gradually replace older vehicles on Transbay routes as the deployment continues. Riders can expect to see the new vehicles on various Transbay lines, though a specific schedule for which routes receive new coaches first wasn't available. Moovit provides real-time updates and route information for AC Transit's Transbay service.
