The Optare MetroDecker is an integral twin-axle double-decker bus manufactured by Optare. Unveiled in May 2014, four examples were built as demonstrators.
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. 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.
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.
A demonstrator entered service with Reading Buses in December 2015 moving to NAT Group in June 2016.
A second demonstrator entered service with First South Yorkshire in June 2016. 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.
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. It was then trialled by First Leeds. In January 2018, it commenced a three month trial with London Central on route 36.
In June 2018, Reading Buses placed the first order for five for use on Green Line route 702. The following week Metroline ordered 31 for London Buses route 134.
Media related to Optare MetroDecker at Wikimedia Commons
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