Switch Metrocity

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 9.9 mm, 10.13 m, 10.6 m, 10.82 m, and 11.52 m, 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

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, while nine entered service with Arriva London on route 312 in September 2015. Twelve entered service in August 2023 with Stagecoach London on route 339.

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.

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. Two MetroCity EVs were delivered to Arriva London in November 2014, followed by a further seven in August 2015.

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

New Zealand

In September 2017, Tranzit Group ordered 114 for use in Wellington.

References

References

1. [http://www.buslistsontheweb.co.uk/index.htm?http://www.buslistsontheweb.co.uk/list.asp?listname=1026 Optare MetroCity] Bus Lists on the Web
2. "MetroCity".
3. "Metrocity SPECIFICATION".
4. [https://www.tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2014/july/first-british-built-electric-buses-enter-service First British built electric buses enter service] Transport for London 30 July 2014
5. [http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/first-all-electric-bus-route-for-london/ First all-electric bus route for London] {{webarchive. link. (14 April 2015 ''Bus & Coach Professional'' 6 March 2015)
6. [http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/optare-metrocity-buses-for-london-s-fully-electric-bus-route/ Optare MetroCity buses for London's fully electric bus route] {{webarchive. link. (24 November 2015 ''Bus & Coach Professional'' 2 April 2015)
7. . (17 May 2022). ["Tower Transit to become first customer for updated 9.4m Metrocity"](https://www.route-one.net/deliveries/tower-transit-to-become-first-customer-for-updated-9-4m-metrocity/). *RouteOne*.
8. . (11 September 2023). ["First Bus begins autonomous Metrocity EV trials in Didcot"](https://www.route-one.net/news/first-bus-begins-autonomous-metrocity-ev-trials-in-didcot/). *routeone*.
9. [http://www.optare.com/pr_08_10_13.htm Epsom Coaches place first order for Optare’s MetroCity urban bus] {{webarchive. link. (16 October 2013 Optare 8 October 2013)
10. (31 March 2015). "Arriva London orders Optare electrics". Brave Creative.
11. (26 May 2016). "New Adventure's Metrodecker trial". Brave Creative.
12. (16 December 2016). "Metrocitys for Perryman's". Brave Creative.
13. . (4 April 2017). ["West Coast splashes £3.5m in Borders"](https://www.route-one.net/news/west_coast_splashes__3_5m_in_borders/). *RouteOne*.
14. [https://www.busnews.com.au/industry-news/1709/optare-announce-114-bus-deal Optare announce 114 bus deal] ''Australasian Bus & Coach'' 21 September 2017
15. [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-york-north-yorkshire-41353399 Optare gets £21m bus order for New Zealand] ''[[BBC News]]'' 21 September 2017
16. [https://web.archive.org/web/20170924045158/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/regional/optare-wins-21m-order-to-supply-114-buses-to-new-zealand-operator-1-8766029 Optare wins £21m order to supply 114 buses to New Zealand operator] ''[[Yorkshire Evening Post]]'' 21 September 2017