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.Optare MetroCity Bus Lists on the Web
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 , , , , and , 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,First British built electric buses enter service Transport for London 30 July 2014 while nine entered service with Arriva London on route 312 in September 2015.First all-electric bus route for London Bus & Coach Professional 6 March 2015Optare MetroCity buses for London's fully electric bus route Bus & Coach Professional 2 April 2015 Tower Transit ordered 12 for service on route 339 in May 2022.
A Switch Metrocity 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.Epsom Coaches place first order for Optare’s MetroCity urban bus Optare 8 October 2013 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.Optare announce 114 bus deal Australasian Bus & Coach 21 September 2017Optare gets £21m bus order for New Zealand BBC News 21 September 2017Optare wins £21m order to supply 114 buses to New Zealand operator Yorkshire Evening Post 21 September 2017
See also Switch Metrodecker List of buses
References
External links