Optare MetroDecker

Optare MetroDecker

Optare Metrodecker EV at Bus Expo 2016
Overview
Manufacturer Optare
Production 2014–present
Body and chassis
Doors 1-2
Floor type Low floor
Powertrain
Engine Mercedes-Benz OM934LA
Capacity 63 seated
Transmission ZF EcoLife 6AP 1000B 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Length 10.5 metres & 11.1 metres
Width 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Height 4.31 m (14 ft 2 in)
Curb weight 9.98 tonnes (9.82 long tons; 11.00 short tons)
Chronology
Predecessor Scania OmniDekka
Optare Olympus

The Optare MetroDecker is an integral twin-axle double-decker bus designed by English bus manufacturer Optare. Unveiled in May 2014, so far four examples have been built, all of them demonstrator vehicles.[1]

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 has not occurred, with no orders for the type having yet been placed.[2][3][4] The MetroDecker was designed as the successor to the Optare Olympus and Scania OmniDekka double-deckers, which were both discontinued in 2011. Unlike the Olympus and OmniDekka, however, 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.[5]

Operations

A demonstrator, registration YJ65EPU, entered service with Reading Buses in December 2015[6] moving to NAT Group in June 2016.[7]

A second demonstrator, registration YJ16DFG, entered service with First South Yorkshire in June 2016.[8][9] In October 2016, this demonstrator transferred to Go North East, undergoing trials at their Washington (service X1), Riverside (service 10a/10b) and Chester-le-Street (service 21) depots until April 2017.

In August 2016, a demonstrator built to Transport for London specifications, registration YJ16DBO, commenced trials with London Central.[10][11][12]

A fourth demonstrator vehicle has been built, however, it has not yet entered service.[13]

References

  1. ↑ http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/
  2. ↑ "Metrodecker: the new London bus". Telegraph.co.uk. 21 May 2014.
  3. ↑ Optare MetroDecker launch Bus & Coach Buyer 30 May 2014
  4. ↑ Driving the Optare MetroDecker Route One 9 October 2014
  5. ↑ "MetroDecker Specification Sheet" (PDF). Optare. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 May 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  6. ↑ Optare Metrodecker starts trail with Reading Buses Bus & Coach Professional 11 December 2015
  7. ↑ Once upon a time Route One 15 June 2016
  8. ↑ Optare MetroDecker trial gets underway with First Bus Bus & Coach Professional 17 June 2016
  9. ↑ First's success with pre-production MetroDecker Route One 22 June 2016
  10. ↑ Optare Metrodecker commences trial with Reading Buses Optare 11 December 2015
  11. ↑ Metrodecker starts operation with Go-Ahead London Optare 18 August 2016
  12. ↑ TfL spec Metrodecker starts operation with Go-Ahead London Bus & Coach Professional 19 August 2016
  13. ↑ http://buslistsontheweb.co.uk/

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