MCW Metrorider

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The MCW Metrorider, launched by MCW at the 1986 Motor Show, was a midibus designed and built by Metro Cammell Weymann between 1986 and 1989. Constructed in two lengths, 7.0 m and 8.4 m, the Metrorider was an integral bus, marking it out from its van-based rivals.

It was the second purpose-built minibus design (after the rather lightweight VW-based Optare CityPacer). Beefy mechanical components were utilised, the Perkins Phaser/ZF manual S5 driveline soon being outsold by the "optional" 115bhp six-cylinder 5.9 litre Cummins B-series engine driving through an Allison fully automatic gearbox. Some Metroriders also featured the optional turbocharged Cummins engine, increasing further their already impressive turn of speed. Disc brakes are fitted all round on the longer Metrorider, as opposed to drums on the short vehicles.

The styling was a major advance on the earlier "bread van" conversions, having a raked front with large windscreen and side windows to give a light interior. With shallower steps, wider entrance, and generous headroom, the passenger environment was certainly a great improvement on what had come before, with up to 25 (or 33 in the long version) seats comfortably accommodated. However, although the structure appeared to be of a heavyweight construction, long versions soon suffered weaknesses in the extended rear overhang, and in time, major corrosion set in, resulting in a life not quite as lengthy as might have initially been expected. The long wheelbase version of the Metrorider measures 8.4m or 27' 6" in length, while the wide body was built to 2.375m or 7' 9½" wide, significantly broader than van conversions, allowing wider seats and/or gangway.

The design suited one-man bus operation well, and despite the somewhat simplistic styling, the Metrorider sold in large numbers in the United Kingdom. Also, a number of Metroriders were exported to Continental Europe and Hong Kong.

When MCW's parent group announced the closure of the company in 1989, their current designs were offered for sale, and the rights to the Metrorider were bought by Optare. The Optare MetroRider (as it was subtly re-spelt) was re-launched for the 1990s and continued in production until 2000.