TheSwitch Metrocity(formerly known as the Optare MetroCity) is an integralmidibusmanufactured bySwitch Mobilitysince 2013. Originally aimed at the London market, the Metrocity is based on theOptare Versawhich was introduced in 2009. In the UK market, longer variants of the Metrocity have replaced theOptare Tempo SR.As at August 2018, over 250 had been built.[1]
| Switch Metrocity | |
|---|---|
 Midland ClassicOptare MetroCity in June 2018 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Switch Mobility |
| Production | 2013–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Doors | 1 or 2 |
| Floor type | Low floor |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Capacity | 22–44 seated |
| Transmission | Allison2100 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 9.9, 10.1, 10.6, 10.8 & 11.52 metres |
| Width | 2.47 metres |
| Height | 2.85 metres |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Optare Tempo SR |
Variants
editDiesel
editThe first prototype Optare MetroCity was delivered toLondon 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 theOptare Solo SRin London, while the longer models were to replace theOptare VersaandOptare Tempo SRin 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.
Metrocity EV
edit
An electric version is available, named the Metrocity EV, using a 150 kW Magtec motor. In London, four entered service with London United in July 2014 onroute H98,[2]while nine entered service withArriva Londononroute 312in September 2015.[3][4]Twelve entered service in August 2023 withStagecoach Londonon route 339.[5]
A Switch Metrodecker EV equipped with Fusion Processing CAVstarautonomous technologyentered service withFirst Berkshire & The Thames Valleyon a month-long trial on a service operating betweenDidcot Parkway railway stationand theMilton Parkbusiness and technology park in September 2023.[6]
Operators
editUnited Kingdom
editLondon Unitedwere the launch customer for the MetroCity, taking delivery of four examples in April 2014. These were followed in May 2014 by twelve forQuality Line,who was the largest operator of the type in London until their closure in 2021.[7]Two MetroCity EVs were delivered toArriva Londonin November 2014, followed by a further seven in August 2015.[8]
Other large orders have been made byNew Adventure Travel,who received thirty diesel MetroCities,[9]andWest Coast Motors,who purchased eleven between 2016 and 2017.[10][11]
New Zealand
editIn September 2017,Tranzit Groupordered 114 for use inWellington.[12][13][14]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^Optare MetroCityBus Lists on the Web
- ^First British built electric buses enter serviceTransport for London 30 July 2014
- ^First all-electric bus route for LondonArchived14 April 2015 at theWayback MachineBus & Coach Professional6 March 2015
- ^Optare MetroCity buses for London's fully electric bus routeArchived24 November 2015 at theWayback MachineBus & Coach Professional2 April 2015
- ^"Tower Transit to become first customer for updated 9.4m Metrocity".RouteOne.17 May 2022.Retrieved19 May2022.
- ^"First Bus begins autonomous Metrocity EV trials in Didcot".routeone.11 September 2023.Retrieved12 September2023.
- ^Epsom Coaches place first order for Optare’s MetroCity urban busArchived16 October 2013 at theWayback MachineOptare 8 October 2013
- ^"Arriva London orders Optare electrics".Bus & Coach Buyer.Peterborough: Brave Creative. 31 March 2015.Retrieved19 May2022.
- ^"New Adventure's Metrodecker trial".Bus & Coach Buyer.Peterborough: Brave Creative. 26 May 2016.Retrieved19 May2022.
- ^"Metrocitys for Perryman's".Bus & Coach Buyer.Peterborough: Brave Creative. 16 December 2016.Retrieved19 May2022.
- ^"West Coast splashes £3.5m in Borders".RouteOne.4 April 2017.Retrieved19 May2022.
- ^Optare announce 114 bus dealAustralasian Bus & Coach21 September 2017
- ^Optare gets £21m bus order for New ZealandBBC News21 September 2017
- ^Optare wins £21m order to supply 114 buses to New Zealand operatorYorkshire Evening Post21 September 2017
External links
edit
Media related toOptare MetroCityat Wikimedia Commons