Obama's office on wheels comes at $1.1 million

On wheels

Nothing can come cheap for the world's most powerful man. So be it the official limo for him or the bus in which he travels across the country. But the Stagecoach, as it has been codenamed, needs not be special just because of the price. It is equipped with ultramodern security and communication technologies for traveling in remote locations and serves as the mobile office for the president. The American secret service has not divulged much detail about this presidential bus. However, it has been said that the new bus has similar features like that of 'The Beast' Cadillac which President Barack Obama regularly uses.

$1.1 million bus:

Amenities on-board

Quoting co-travelers on the condition of anonymity, the ABC news has said that the interior of this new bus is 'subdued' and instead of a full bedroom in the back there is a meeting room. The new bus is like a mobile office for the president with plenty of telephones, a few flat-screen TVs and without much space for privacy or even source of entertainment. It is painted in black from outside and has dark tinted windows with flashing red and blue lights.

The powertrain

Like the beast, this bus must have a tank like armor, bullet proof glasses and tires reinforced with Kevlar so that the vehicle can move on rims in case of the absence of tires. It is expected to be airtight and equipped with technologies that would enable the bus to escape any chemical attack. Also, advanced medical facilities would be available on board for the president. As much details are not available because of security reasons, this bus has become an issue of speculation among media with one even comparing it with the Star Wars theme.

The highs

The American Secret service has said that this bus is more safe and would actually cost less to the treasury when the president travel in the rural interiors of the country. It has been specially designed for the use of the US president. It will also be later used for taking other dignitaries to far off locations securely. Also, as the manufacturers have refused to make any comment about this presidential bus, it is expected to be one of its kind machine in the world.

The lows

Mystery shrouds this vehicle as less details are available and it is unlikely that the secret service would ever divulge the details. Judging from the outer appearance, some have even likened this bus with a police mortuary van, a Darth Vadar's helmet and also with the Battle Bus from Mordor. A BBC commentator said the bus was "'big, blocky, black, with painted-out windows." The high price of the bus has bought some negative mileage for the President Obama, who is using this bus for traveling in the rural mid-west part of the country for boosting his image. Critiques and rival political leaders have termed it as an act of opulence at a time when American economy is facing one the worst crisis in recent decades.

Price and availability

The American secret service has purchased this specially built bus for $1.1 million and it would be used by the president or other high profile dignitaries only.