MCI's New Prison Bus | The D4020 ISTV

I got locked up and I loved it! ever wonder what its like to be a passenger on a prison coach? Well MCI invited me to the revealing of their brand new Inmate Security Transportation Vehicle. Not only did I get to experience what it was like behind bars as a passenger, I got to drive it as well.
Check out the new MCI D4020 ISTV
Be sure to check out the first time MCI introduced me to their older model of the D4000 ISTV when they invited me to visit Des Plaines.
• Next Gen of Bus Design...

[@TheDigileet]

Every time I see a prison bus, I just remember that bit from Top Gear. They made an episode with the hosts from Australian Top Gear, and Jeremy thought it would be respectful for them to arrive in the UK the same way their ancestors left the UK. So he sent a prison bus to pick them up from the airport.

[@joshw1687]

I saw that episode, it was funny as hell😂

[@RIRWINJR83]

@@joshw1687 Which one?

[@c63w204W]

​@@RIRWINJR83 Top Gear UK vs Australia episode, Series 16 ep 2

[@RandomTrinidadian]

I remember it. It wasnt a bus, it was a Prison Lorry

[@leebee095]

😂😂😂😂

[@JTEllis]

This past school year was miserable with the behavior of students on bus trips. As a retired police officer, I could find a use for one of these buses. Great video.

[@BusDriverLife]

Stellar video!! (“You can’t arrest me..I’m a CEO!”) 😂

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL I just had to say that!

[@BusDriverLife]

@@MotorcoachWorld 🤣

[@coreybabcock2023]

​@@MotorcoachWorld ❤

[@FiremanSamBoy2008]

As a 15 year old (turning 16 in July) autistic bus enthusiast who lives in the UK, I really love your videos and find them interesting. Keep up the great work like always :)

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Hey Happy early Birthday! Thank you! That means a lot! My wife works with Autistic students. I'm also borderline Autistic. Best wishes to you!

[@F40M07]

I’m not exactly into busses but you’re not alone as I am a 16 year old with ADHD.

[@FiremanSamBoy2008]

@@MotorcoachWorld Thank you.

[@FiremanSamBoy2008]

@@F40M07 Awesome

[@iamtheoneandonly_]

@@F40M07 @FiremanSamBoy2008 hey guys, 16 year old here who likes buses but does not have autism! i guess we all ended up here from one of these components...lol. it almost makes a nice venn diagram

[@Oldsmobile69]

I live right next door to a bus depot and they have a prison bus there and the cabins look way more plush and comfy than these cages do. They even have carpet on the walls. Such pampered prisoners!

[@crabbymilton390]

Probably nicer than the buses they put new recruits on from the airport to basic training.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Sounds like a mess... From what ive heard. Prisoners will use body fluids and poop to smear and throw all over the place. They need something that can be hosed off easily... Carpet lining the walls sounds like it would be a nightmare! Maybe those were low security prisoners...

[@crabbymilton390]

@@user-kz1tl5jg4i James can post what he wants on his channel. Nobody is obligated to view the channel. It’s nice to get a view of a bus that most of us never see and something a little bit different this time. I’m glad you turned your life around but I can’t feel bad for prisoners. They for whatever reason committed crimes so they are paying the price.

[@crownking3752]

@@MotorcoachWorld you should do a video on crown, haha i love those buses.

[@hammerdragon4321]

never change they way you refer to the INMATES as guest there prison inmates not hotel guest

[@buckeyecubanbuckeyecuban]

Drove Motor Coaches for 40 years Local and OTR You are an excellent MotorCoach Operator A superb analyst of situations and very knowledgable of the field! Congratulations and all the endeavors you have accomplished God Bless You ! Keep up the great work.

[@crabbymilton390]

I’m glad he mentioned CROWN. They were a very longtime builder of mostly school buses that were actually meant to last at least 25-30 years. They were built like tanks and KIRBY vacuum cleaners. They were almost exclusively sold on the west coast but there were a very few that made it past the Rockies. I came across a funny story about them. The earlier versions had huge 6 cylinder gasoline engines. Sometimes if a car was tailgating, the driver would shut off the engine, pump the accelerator pedal and restart the engine followed by a loud and scary backfire that had been known to blow the muffler off. CROWN stopped building buses in 1990 and are missed out there.

[@jamesp6283]

not sure why this video showed up on my feed but glad it did, watched the entire thing and you have a new fan my tocayo

[@thomasmcmanus6575]

Congratulations James! You are special. I was a coach operator for 40 years. Now retired. Boy,I do miss the Motor Coach. Be safe out there. Bye from New Jersey.

[@DubTheGreat]

I worked for a company that had a charter bus line as well ,Free enterprise systems . I worked in the logistics department but got a call up raise to either drive trams at the airport and they would pay for my cdl with passenger endorsement,I should’ve took that advancement opportunity cause I would probably be driving coaches right now 😢

[@Thememedude600]

I am from NJ too

[@thomasmcmanus6575]

@@Thememedude600 Hello 👋🏼 to you.

[@Eddieanthony-fs7is]

I find it cool they built this coach on a 40ft J frame. I also love that Recaro seat too.

[@TellurideS13]

Modularity

[@MrWill1985]

They made the D4020 and D4520 similar to the J series but it's not as high as the J series

[@MissShark8383]

😂😂 why I thought it would look like a school bus. 40yo and have no idea what anything prison related look looks like.

[@crabbymilton390]

Many prison buses are of the school bus foundation. Perhaps some kids should be transported in one of those.

[@helicitywx]

That’s actually a very good thing.

[@Phil_Melone]

I'm 40 n the same. I can't believe I'll be 40 in June isn't it nuts!!! Feels like I just got out of high school lol

[@crabbymilton390]

@@Phil_Melone You’re just starting. I’ll be 60 in September and I still feel that 40 years ago is just a short time ago. 😀

[@Phil_Melone]

@@crabbymilton390 time sure does fly by

[@richardmoore2590]

Nothing funnier than a prisoner driving the prison bus. The one bus I never hope to ride! Another super interesting video, thank you CEO James😉

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Lol thank you

[@surlyogre1476]

He could always say he's a "Trustee".

[@richardmoore2590]

@@surlyogre1476 hadn’t thought of that, like your logic😉

[@benwilson9150]

Oh dear, CEO for such a short time and already getting locked up!!

[@joeyredmon]

As a retired 30 year law enforcement veteran, thank you for your support. Also, I have been driving a motor coach p/t for the last 22 years. Now that I’m retried from law enforcement, I get to drive and travel more. Thank you again for your motor coach videos.

[@jollygreen4639]

It’s a great second job, isn’t it? And being retired, you can do it more.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank you for your service Joey! Safe travels. Maybe we will run into each other somewhere over the road one day!

[@joeyredmon]

@@MotorcoachWorld That would be great. I’ll buy you lunch. Take care. Keep up the good videos.

[@joeyredmon]

@@jollygreen4639 Yes it is a great job.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

@@joeyredmon You are going to have to fight me for that check!

[@BIGDAVE5352]

The Grey Goose is one of the coolest buses I have rode in. Every time I rode the goose between the penitentiary and county jails to go to court or transfer from the reception center to the joint I was gleaming with pride! I love riding the goose! Old memories.

[@lancecluster]

Interesting, certainly hope to never ride in one, but was nice to see.

[@mtasubwaymartasubway]

Agree 👍💯

[@roberoh9574]

My father did prison transport back in the day before they had these buses they just used regular tour bus with the prison guards on board. Nothing crazy ever happened but sounded pretty dangerous.

[@rogerlord2497]

Very interesting. As a Sgt. for New York state Corrections, I had to ride several of these buses. I'll never forget all the rattling they would make! nice to see the security improvements.

[@I_am_Allan]

As an FYI, BlueBird used to also make ISTV's. Including the one used in the 1993 hit "The Fugitive".

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Yes I remember seeing them. Ive also seen School bus ISTVs. but they were not really a motorcoach.... They were more like school buses. But dont get me wrong.. I love Bluebirds.

[@I_am_Allan]

@@MotorcoachWorld only blue bird I like are the Blue Jays. GO JAYS GO! :P

[@jollygreen4639]

You from TO?

[@I_am_Allan]

@@jollygreen4639 *nods in Maple Leafs fan* aye.

[@Leotheconstructionguy]

Yup the agency I work for mostly still have old bluebirds 😂

[@alblua]

I wonder what the people driving by thought of a "guest" driving the bus 😂

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Lol I scared a lot of people

[@joshw1687]

​@@MotorcoachWorldI wish u got their faces on camera 😂

[@crabbymilton390]

They finally caught up to you James. Probably because you didn’t pay for the charge on that VAN-HOOL trip.😅

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL

[@tonyvlip7645]

Can I be the 1st to joke about you in the orange jumpsuit...So how's that new CEO position working out for you

[@MotorcoachWorld]

I was waiting for this one to come out lol

[@user-cn4rg2bs4p]

Hi James. our local bus company used to do this transport but used a normal 45 seater coach with prisoners chained onto the seat. Now in uk we also have ready made lorry vans for prisoners. caroline

[@masonloh1411]

0:47 Reminds me of NYCT before I retired. they spend hundreds of millions building new depot. but someone screw up by putting 2 auto garage doors too narrow for bus to go thru. Lol

[@javelinwolfsburg3595]

James is a fool! 😂 I know you guys had a time filming that opening. Really cool content! It was a pleasure meeting you in Gainesville this past Fall!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL Yeah we did have a lot of fun. I was a bit nervous though. Running across a industrial park in that getup with a bunch of cops around could give the neighbors the wrong idea... LOL

[@TheTransitCamera]

It would've been really hilarious if when they frisked you they pulled a model MCI bus out of your pocket :) Great video and thanks for making it so entertaining yet informative and very respectful to all those who serve. Thank you law enforcement for all you do.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Lol ohh man that would have been great! I wish I would have thought of that

[@jeffnott-vi2bj]

I worked on buses since 2012 your videos are amazing

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Oh man that means a lot coming from someone who has so much experience.

[@moose354]

Crown Coach Corp in Los Angeles built the original Crown Security Coach in the late 1950s until 1991 when they went out of business. Los Angeles County Sheriff had a fleet of Crowns for decades.

[@billraddatz7153]

There are still a few Crowns in the fleet, and in everyday service.

[@justinwithonsitemobiledeta7979]

Would be a great vacation vehicle with the children.

[@mrg6103]

You are living out your dream. CONGRATULATIONS. Keep the videos coming. ❤❤❤❤

[@wendellcrim8647]

On MCI's 2014 calendar, one of the months featured an ISTV. Initial glance at the description, my dyslextic brain saw a coach designed for the Disco era. I wondered how many "Disco balls" were rotating from the ceiling. Then I reread the description.

[@joshw1687]

I love Lee when asked about retirment.

[@KeaKeith]

My dream RV.

[@WillFrom613]

same and great apocalypse vehicle if u can find fuel lmao

[@tomherron4334]

I think this might your best video yet! I see the green California busses frequently on my commute. Always wondered what they are like in the inside since the outsides look great.

[@Boomistirr]

“Guests”? What a joke. It’s almost like they’re inviting them to prison

[@Girardin71]

Awesome Video, not everyday you get to ride and drive a prison bus.

[@coreybabcock2023]

Congratulations on receiving the challenge coin !

[@I_am_Allan]

Bridge to security! Intruder alert, deck 3, section J83. Apprehend James Wang, for conspiracy to become a CEO!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Lol 🤣

[@mclauc1999]

James, sponsor me to work at Peoria, because you are just the nicest guy, always so positive and kind, you’d be wonderful to work for!

[@davidjeanfreau399]

Loved the video….great information for us bus geeks!

[@Kevin.odonnell]

I just watched the episode where you toured the des plaines facility (right by my old place!) and were discussing the new pending prisoner transfer coach. I am pretty pleased to have the follow up the very next day!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Haha good timing!

[@rogerr.7228]

You in an orange jumpsuit 😂

[@sacvideo1998]

That bus seems a lot harder to escape from than the ones you see in movies like The Fugitive

[@ryanhoy6695]

My Dad drove the buses in the 70’s & 80’s and 90’s for CDC. Have I heard the stories?

[@sebastiannguyen8269]

Every driver on that road was probably like why is the prisoner driving this vehicle.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

I got a lot of expressions.

[@user-vn5do3tl8d]

My dream school bus Let kids enjoy the ride quietly and the bus driver sane

[@mikeschulte4271]

Wow such a fun video to watch! I’m glad to see you having so much fun in this video! Keep it up James and stay out of the clink 😂

[@Jay-bp9lr]

Good video. New things to come.

[@brentzimmer9602]

Thanks for all u officers u do on and off the streets and all u do on the front lines

[@UNDERTAKER2621]

Awesome video was always. This has to be one of the coolest prison buses. I think i've ever seen

[@Reejam123]

Thank you for this video. Thank you, officers, for your service and continued service. Be safe!🙏🏾

[@richardc020]

So cool; thanks for the happy sharing from a new corner of the motorcoach world!

[@TheBadCivilServant]

Hmmm. Private seating compartments, reliable schedule, attentive staff. Sure looks like an improvement over Greyhound.

[@paulcoinc]

I can tell you that a CROWN school bus back in the 80s probably felt like a prison bus. We were 3 to a seat in the 90s to low 100s. Then there's you, taking a luxury ride in a personal comfort room. Practically a hotel on wheels. 😂

[@huissens]

Our company has 2 Temsa T35s… 10 feet shorter than a full sized bus with just the drive axle out back… maneuvers like a mini van!

[@jeffthompson4911]

Simply.....Thanks James Wang...............really interesting......................Jeff Rockford Illinois

[@RandomTrinidadian]

Big deal, I've been in the back of multiple Police Cars. .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... Having a dad who was a policeman had it up sides 😅

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Lol!!! 🤣 I'm glad I read the rest of your comments lol

[@nateh.6308]

Big deal, I've been in the back of a ton of cop cars and ambulances! ...they wanted me to work on the radios and stuff, though, but I still count it!

[@RandomTrinidadian]

​@@nateh.6308😂

[@AugustusTitus]

Great video, and I appreciate that they have incorporated the changes suggested by the user base.

[@emt5451]

One thing I noticed on this coach when you got into the drivers seat to drive back that there was a key in the ignition instead of having a button ignition like most coaches do.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Yes! I noticed that too. I'm going to release a techs and specs video about this ISTV. I'll mention it there.

[@emt5451]

Thank you.

[@Skullitor]

, Great video,James.

[@keithmayhew2161]

Very cool video.Lee congratulations on your retirement Sir..I,wish you all the best..

[@jstragland]

Congratulations on your award!

[@echow2001]

I always thought prison buses are based on yellow school bus chassis not motorcoach haha

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

Oh yes, they're based on motorcoaches, school buses, cutaways (based off ford or chevy incompletes)

[@FMEverAfter]

Great times and video! Definitely could use some Lt Worf clips in there! 🖖

[@constanttraveler]

Awesome video, James. Thanks!

[@ambulance_boy3834]

Very cool!

[@christopherricardo5001]

Love the MCI buses great video love it !!

[@Shadeza1373]

Ok 😂😂 very entertaining & informative.

[@mrslywwilliams313]

😂 James.....THEY DONE FINALLY GOT YOU......😂😂😂😂

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

17:07 that's CDL Class B, with passengers AND Air Brakes. 19:36 i find when reversing, you have to watch the facial swing moreso than the tail

[@vnasjt]

"prisoner" driving the prison bus, what is the destination?

[@alvincoston2051]

Lawdt, James, what did you do????

[@metallitech]

I want one!

[@chuckmid]

I built prison coaches at MCI in the early 90's. Pretty sure the first one built was in 1985.

[@MotorCoachInd]

You may remember modifying an MC12 in the 80s, or the 102D3 in the 90's to meet the requirements of the correction agencies. The first production D4000 ISTV coach engineered specifically for this market was introduced in 2002. TY for the clarification.

[@chuckmid]

@@MotorCoachInd You are probably correct. It was an MC12 in the mid 90's.

[@ericgildelamadrid3913]

when i was in TDCJ all we had were Blue Birds

[@DubTheGreat]

Salute to Lee 🫡 real man there

[@rogerr.7228]

Happy belated birthday! 🎂

[@samuelb8764]

Very interesting video James ! It looks like you had a blast at their new facility. Tell me, is Peoria Charter looking to diversify it's transportation activities ? ;) cheers

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL! Hmmm... New revenue stream ....

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

​@@MotorcoachWorldjust be careful James, diesel therapy isn't fun and you'd be running on lack of sleep

[@deanthonymims3095]

Wow incredible, now let’s update our school bus too

[@SamuelJackson-uj7qt]

Gotta question for you is it possible for travel agencys/ or someone who does a lot of bus trips to sign a deal with a bus company to provide transportation for any trip?

[@austinorth5549]

The head unit alone is $400 AMFM Bluetooth CD DVD player. I might get one for my car it’s probably durable and more reliable than the touch screen one I wanted to buy. lol awesome video.

[@kclefthanded427]

Looks like prisoners are going to arrive in style although the inside looks the same

[@etmccaus]

I still miss the old-school exterior styling compared to this, but enjoyable video nonetheless.

[@DaveM_thetrucker]

Man us folk in the uk have nothing olike what you guys in the states have for transporting prisoners, as all we have is basically DAF horse boxes with cages for the prisoners, that have a tv screen for them to watch a movie thats was put on at the prisoner officers station or desk at the front, that then plays on all screens, and a hatch to obv server food and drink and meds, and how they can travel upto like 16 hours over there that's gotta be brutal, in the uk they can travel like 4-5 hours max, great video enjoyed watching it, gave you a YT sub as your video was on the recomended page of YT, keep up the hard work from a uk bus driver / Enthusiast.

[@MotorcoachWorld]

Thank you Dave M. I love hearing from fellow bus drivers from other parts of the world. Appreciate your insight.

[@StevenBe9799]

Nice! I can tell that the ride is comfortable on that bus..especially driving it. I was wondering if that’s a roadmasterII siren?

[@lockheed490]

It has the new flyer turn signal 😂

[@spartamississippi]

I wish my school bus could have this.

[@joeanderson9852]

❤

[@GeraldMcGinley]

Fantastic video! Just out of curiosity, did they mention what the small 'bell' on the forward roof is for? Ive seen it on the ISTVs before, but haven't been able to find any info on it. Again, stellar video!

[@MotorcoachWorld]

I think that's the siren. It does kinda look like a bell. Good observation

[@MotorCoachInd]

@GeraldMcGinley, @motorcoachWorld is correct. The "bell" is the siren. the same used in police cars, except this one has a finish on it and is visible.

[@GeraldMcGinley]

@MotorCoachInd Thank you, I had a sneaking suspicion that's what it might've been! Awesome video as always, and greetings from a proud MCI operator!

[@ReputableRides-bb7wy]

15:43 Can't show his face but then proceeds to zoom in on his face😂😂😂

[@cruiserchrisworldnetwork4141]

That's a beautiful bus James but I do have one question when they have to get fuel if they have the inmates on how do they do that

[@isaiahvelasquez2338]

You said you can’t show the CO face but yet you can clearly see his face from the side 😂😂

[@marth6271]

Nice rig! Wonder how many Georgia and Alabama will buy?

[@DubTheGreat]

When he asked the lieutenant do they feed prisoners on the buses he wanted to answer with yea a sandwich 🥪 😂

[@berylwhite2983]

Excellent video... Keep up the good work but I'm afraid you're not going to make it as a CEO if you're in jail😅😂

[@MotorcoachWorld]

LOL true!

[@tincansailor9437]

Man, if I decide to take a bus trip, this is the way I’d want to go! No seat mate, plenty of elbow room.

[@MsJamiewoods]

If they feed the prisoners en route, how do the cons eat with handcuffs? Or are they uncuffed?

[@Leotheconstructionguy]

They are cuffed in front instead of behind back for longer transports

[@FMEverAfter]

Hands and feet are cuffed. Used to call it the inmate shuffle when they were boarding.

[@sterlingodeaghaidh5086]

Dam not even the CEO for one month and you are already going to jail!

[@captain.john.]

I've always wanted to do a prison bus video