Optare Metrodecker Finally Takes Off

Long time readers will know that I was highly impressed by the Optare Metrodecker when Borderbus trialed it a couple of years ago, when Ipswich Buses trialed it, and most recently when Reading Buses tried it out on their Greenline 702 route. I wasn't quiet in my praise for it, and that I thought it was the best bus by far built in this country.

Well it seems Reading Buses agreed with me - their drivers certainly did - and they have ordered 5 high spec Metrodeckers for the route, which will be delivered next year. I also waxed lyrical over the BCI Enterprise which Reading Buses have also ordered 2 of, not for the 702, although it's likely they will be used in Legoland high season due to their greater seating capacity.

But this post is about the Metrodecker, and, on top of the Reading order, Transport for London have ordered 31 fully electric Metrodeckers as part of a 68 electric decker order which includes 37 ADL/BYD electric deckers, which will have the E400Citi body.

I am delighted for Optare. They have taken their time to develop this bus, listening and working with operators to ensure they produce a vehicle operators and passengers alike will use.

The Metrodecker in Windsor back in April

I quite liked that blue livery, however now it looks very different. Reading have been loaned the bus long term while their own Metrodeckers are being built and she has been given the Greenline treatment, and wow she looks good. Unveiled at yesterday's Reading Buses open day I am grateful to DS Trains, Mangopear Creative, and the maestro himself, Martijn Gilbert for sending me pictures of 899 in her new glory. Cheers, guys!

Pic (c) DS Trains

pic (c) Mangopear Creative

pic (c) Martijn Gilbert

I hope this is just the start for the Metrodecker. The vehicle deserves it, as do Optare for not rushing it. Kudos to Reading Buses for negotiating the deal with Optare, and for listening to their drivers, not to mention the odd blogger - very odd in my case!