Switch Metrocity

Switch Metrocity
Midland Classic Optare MetroCity in June 2018
Overview
ManufacturerSwitch Mobility
Production2013–present
Body and chassis
Doors1 or 2
Floor typeLow floor
Powertrain
Engine
Capacity22–44 seated
TransmissionAllison 2100
Dimensions
Length9.9, 10.1, 10.6, 10.8 & 11.52 metres
Width2.47 metres
Height2.85 metres
Chronology
PredecessorOptare Tempo SR

The Switch Metrocity (formerly known as the Optare MetroCity) is an integral midibus manufactured by Switch Mobility since 2013. Originally aimed at the London market, the Metrocity is based on the Optare Versa which was introduced in 2009. In the UK market, longer variants of the Metrocity have replaced the Optare Tempo SR. As at August 2018, over 250 had been built.[1]

Variants

Diesel

The first prototype Optare MetroCity was delivered to London 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 the Optare Solo SR in London, while the longer models were to replace the Optare Versa and Optare Tempo SR in 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

Stagecoach London Metrocity EV in Stratford in July 2023

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 on route H98,[2] while nine entered service with Arriva London on route 312 in September 2015.[3][4] Twelve entered service in August 2023 with Stagecoach London on route 339.[5]

A Switch Metrodecker EV equipped with Fusion Processing CAVstar autonomous technology entered service with First Berkshire & The Thames Valley on a month-long trial on a service operating between Didcot Parkway railway station and the Milton Park business and technology park in September 2023.[6]

Operators

United Kingdom

London United were the launch customer for the MetroCity, taking delivery of four examples in April 2014. These were followed in May 2014 by twelve for Quality Line, who was the largest operator of the type in London until their closure in 2021.[7] Two MetroCity EVs were delivered to Arriva London in November 2014, followed by a further seven in August 2015.[8]

Other large orders have been made by New Adventure Travel, who received thirty diesel MetroCities,[9] and West Coast Motors, who purchased eleven between 2016 and 2017.[10][11]

New Zealand

In September 2017, Tranzit Group ordered 114 for use in Wellington.[12][13][14]

See also

References

  1. ^ Optare MetroCity Bus Lists on the Web
  2. ^ First British built electric buses enter service Transport for London 30 July 2014
  3. ^ First all-electric bus route for London Archived 14 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 6 March 2015
  4. ^ Optare MetroCity buses for London's fully electric bus route Archived 24 November 2015 at the Wayback Machine Bus & Coach Professional 2 April 2015
  5. ^ "Tower Transit to become first customer for updated 9.4m Metrocity". RouteOne. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  6. ^ "First Bus begins autonomous Metrocity EV trials in Didcot". routeone. 11 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  7. ^ Epsom Coaches place first order for Optare’s MetroCity urban bus Archived 16 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine Optare 8 October 2013
  8. ^ "Arriva London orders Optare electrics". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough: Brave Creative. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  9. ^ "New Adventure's Metrodecker trial". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough: Brave Creative. 26 May 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  10. ^ "Metrocitys for Perryman's". Bus & Coach Buyer. Peterborough: Brave Creative. 16 December 2016. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  11. ^ "West Coast splashes £3.5m in Borders". RouteOne. 4 April 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  12. ^ Optare announce 114 bus deal Australasian Bus & Coach 21 September 2017
  13. ^ Optare gets £21m bus order for New Zealand BBC News 21 September 2017
  14. ^ Optare wins £21m order to supply 114 buses to New Zealand operator Yorkshire Evening Post 21 September 2017

Media related to Optare MetroCity at Wikimedia Commons