Optare MetroDecker

Optare MetroDecker
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, it is currently in the pre-production stage, only with prototypes built so far. Optare 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.[1][2][3] The MetroDecker was designed as the spiritual successor to the Optare Olympus double-decker which was discontinued in 2011. Unlike the Olympus, the MetroDecker is only available in integral form.

A demonstrator entered service with Reading Buses in December 2015[4] moving to NAT Group in June 2016.[5] Another demonstrator entered service with First South Yorkshire in June 2016.[6][7] A demonstrator built to Transport for London specifications commenced trials with Go-Ahead London in August 2016.[8][9][10]

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.[11]

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. Optare Metrodecker starts trail with Reading Buses Bus & Coach Professional 11 December 2015
  5. Once upon a time Route One 15 June 2016
  6. Optare MetroDecker trial gets underway with First Bus Bus & Coach Professional 17 June 2016
  7. First's success with pre-production MetroDecker Route One 22 June 2016
  8. Optare Metrodecker commences trial with Reading Buses Optare 11 December 2015
  9. Metrodecker starts operation with Go-Ahead London Optare 18 August 2016
  10. TfL spec Metrodecker starts operation with Go-Ahead London Bus & Coach Professional 19 August 2016
  11. "MetroDecker Specification Sheet" (PDF). Optare. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 May 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.

Media related to Optare MetroDecker at Wikimedia Commons

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