Yesterday, Optare celebrated the handover of the pre production 10.5m. Transport for London (TfL) specification Metrodecker demonstrator vehicle to Go-Ahead London, for a series of extensive trials which will see Optare’s new double deck put through its paces operating on routes from Go-Ahead’s Bexleyheath bus garage.

Go-Ahead London provide nearly a quarter of London’s buses with vehicles travelling 80 million miles annually on over 199 day, night and school routes.

Richard Harrington, Engineering Director for Go-Ahead London, commented: “Go-Ahead are committed to taking care of our customers changing needs, today, tomorrow and always, so we are delighted to be able to put the Metrodecker through its paces in London and monitor its performance in terms of reliability, serviceability and fuel efficiency and also gain both customer and driver feedback on this new double deck.”

Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, Optare said, “Across all trials we have conducted outside of London we are seeing the vehicle consistently deliver best in class mpg performance in service.. I am delighted that the Metrodecker will now be setting out to prove itself in the capital.  We will be monitoring its performance closely and we look forward to the feedback from Go-Ahead London.

The Metrodecker, powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM934LA, Euro 6, four cylinder engine with ZF Ecolife transmission, is Optare’s newest addition to its vehicle portfolio.  The low floor double deck has a fully integral frame, boasts light weight credentials, enviable fuel economy and class leading seating capacity.  The Metrodecker is available in two lengths the two door TfL specification measures in at 10.5metres the single door provincial specification at 11.1metres.