Optare MetroDecker

The Optare MetroDecker is an integral twin-axle double-decker bus manufactured by Optare. Unveiled in May 2014, 40 have been built, including 4 demonstrators.

Optare MetroDecker
NAT Group MetroDecker in Cardiff in 2016
Overview
ManufacturerOptare
Production2014–present
Body and chassis
Doors1-2
Floor typeLow floor
Powertrain
EngineMercedes-Benz OM934LA
Capacity63 seated
TransmissionZF EcoLife 6AP 1000B 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length10.5 metres & 11.1 metres
Width2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Height4.31 m (14 ft 2 in)
Curb weight9.98 tonnes (9.82 long tons; 11.00 short tons)
Chronology
PredecessorScania OmniDekka
Optare Olympus

Optare initially aimed to have MetroDeckers on the streets of London by the end of 2014 and sales of over 100 MetroDeckers within eighteen months of launch; however, this did not occur, with no orders placed until June 2018.[1][2][3] The MetroDecker was designed as the successor to the Optare Olympus and Scania OmniDekka double-deckers, which were both discontinued in 2011, however unlike these, the MetroDecker is only available in integral form.

Powertrain

The MetroDecker is effectively a double-decker Optare MetroCity, and it is powered by the same Euro VI Mercedes-Benz OM934LA engine as the Wright StreetDeck. In a break from the norm for Optare, an Allison transmission option is not available for the MetroDecker, with the ZF EcoLife transmission fitted.[4]

Operations

A demonstrator entered service with Reading Buses in December 2015[5] moving to NAT Group in June 2016.[6]

A second demonstrator entered service with First South Yorkshire in June 2016.[7][8] In October 2016, this operated for Go North East, undergoing trials at its Washington (service X1), Riverside (service 10a/10b) and Chester-le-Street (service 21) depots until April 2017. Also saw service at Percy main on route 309/310 In August 2016, a demonstrator built to Transport for London specifications commenced trials with London Central.[9][10][11]

In August 2017, the original 2014 built demonstrator having been converted from diesel to electric power and repainted in Transport for London red livery, commenced a trial with First York.[12][13] It was then trialled by First Leeds.[14][15] In January 2018, it commenced a three month trial with London Central on route 36.[16][17]

In June 2018, Reading Buses placed the first order for five for use on Green Line route 702.[18], However in July 2020 it had been revealed that the order had been cancelled in late 2019 due to a very delayed build schedule. The following week Metroline ordered 31 for London Buses route 134.[19][20][21]

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References
  1. "Metrodecker: the new London bus". Telegraph.co.uk. 21 May 2014.
  2. Optare MetroDecker launch Bus & Coach Buyer 30 May 2014
  3. Driving the Optare MetroDecker Route One 9 October 2014
  4. "MetroDecker Specification Sheet" (PDF). Optare. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 May 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  5. Optare Metrodecker starts trail with Reading Buses Bus & Coach Professional 11 December 2015
  6. Once upon a time Route One 15 June 2016
  7. Optare MetroDecker trial gets underway with First Bus Bus & Coach Professional 17 June 2016
  8. First's success with pre-production MetroDecker Route One 22 June 2016
  9. Optare Metrodecker commences trial with Reading Buses Optare 11 December 2015
  10. Metrodecker starts operation with Go-Ahead London Optare 18 August 2016
  11. TfL spec Metrodecker starts operation with Go-Ahead London Bus & Coach Professional 19 August 2016
  12. York to trial electric double deck bus ITV News 14 August 2017
  13. First assesses its options for alternative power Route One 16 August 2017
  14. "Optare Wires In" Buses issue 751 October 2017 pages 32-34
  15. "Fleet News" Buses issue 751 October 2017 page 71
  16. "The Big Picture" Coach & Bus Week issue 1326 23 January 2018 page 42
  17. "MD1 at NX" Bus Talk issue 50 February 2018 page 16
  18. "Optare confirms first ever Metrodecker order" Coach & Bus Week issue 1347 19 June 2018 page 6
  19. 31 Metrodecker EV order for first all-electric double deck routes in London Optare 21 June 2018
  20. "London to have Europe's largest double-decker electric bus fleet". Greater London Authority.
  21. "Europe's largest double-decker fleet on its way to London" Coach & Bus Week issue 1348 26 June 2018 page 6

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