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, 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. 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 moving to NAT Group in June 2016. Another demonstrator entered service with First South Yorkshire in June 2016. A demonstrator built to Transport for London specifications commenced trials with Go-Ahead London in August 2016. In October 2016 the demo that was with First South Yorkshire (YJ16DFG) operated for Go North East as their 9099 from October 2016 to April 2017 being trialled at Washington (Service X1), Riverside (Service 10A / 10B) and Chester Le Street (Service 21) depots.

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.