Optare MetroCity

The Optare MetroCity is an integral midibus manufactured by Optare since 2013. Originally aimed at the London market, the MetroCity is based on the existing Optare Versa, which continues to be produced separately. In the UK market, longer variants of the MetroCity have replaced the Optare Tempo SR. As at August 2018, over 250 had been built.[1]

Optare MetroCity
Quality Line Optare MetroCity on
route S1 in June 2014
Overview
ManufacturerOptare
Production2013–present
Body and chassis
Doors1 or 2
Floor typeLow floor
Powertrain
EngineCummins ISBe
Mercedes-Benz OM904LA
Mercedes-Benz OM934
Magtec (electric)
Capacity22–44 seated
TransmissionAllison 2100
Dimensions
Length9.9, 10.1, 10.6, 10.8 & 11.52 metres
Width2.47 metres
Height2.85 metres
Chronology
PredecessorOptare Tempo SR

Diesel version

The first prototype was delivered to London United. The MetroCity is available in five lengths, with the V990MC, V1010MC, V1060MC, V1080MC and V1152MC models measuring 9.9m, 10.1m, 10.6m, 10.8m and 11.52m long respectively. The shorter models were designed to replace the Optare Solo SR in London, while the longer models were to replace the Optare Versa and Optare Tempo SR in the London market. Although the Solo SR and Versa remain in production, the Tempo SR has now been entirely discontinued in the UK market with the introduction of the MetroCity due to poor sales.

Electric version

An electric version is available, named "MetroCity EV", using a 150kW Magtec motor. In July 2014, four entered service with London United on route H98.[2] In September 2015, nine entered service with Arriva London on route 312.[3][4]

Operators

United Kingdom
London United Busways MetroCity in London in June 2014

London United were the launch customer for the MetroCity, taking delivery of four examples in April 2014. These were followed in May 2014 by twelve for Quality Line, currently the largest operator of the type in London.[5] Two electric MetroCity’s were delivered to Arriva London in November 2014,[6] followed by a further seven in August 2015.[1]

Other large purchasers have been New Adventure Travel (30)[7] and West Coast Motors (11).[1]

New Zealand

In September 2017, Tranzit Group ordered 114 for use in Wellington.[8][9][10]

References
  1. Optare MetroCity Bus Lists on the Web
  2. First British built electric buses enter service Transport for London 30 July 2014
  3. First all-electric bus route for London Archived 14 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 6 March 2015
  4. Optare MetroCity buses for London's fully electric bus route Archived 24 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 2 April 2015
  5. Epsom Coaches place first order for Optare’s MetroCity urban bus Archived 16 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine Optare 8 October 2013
  6. "UK: Optare adds electric buses to London's fleet". Just-Auto. 12 December 2014. Factiva JUAUT00020141212eacc00068.
  7. "OPTARE - Metrodecker set for New Adventure". 17 May 2016. Factiva ENPNEW0020160517ec5h0004r.
  8. Optare announce 114 bus deal Australasian Bus & Coach 21 September 2017
  9. Optare gets £21m bus order for New Zealand BBC News 21 September 2017
  10. Optare wins £21m order to supply 114 buses to New Zealand operator Yorkshire Evening Post 21 September 2017

Media related to Optare MetroCity at Wikimedia Commons

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