At last, Optare has finally placed an order for five new double-deck Metrodecker buses from Reading Buses for the Green Line Route 702.From Optare
Optare have confirmed their first ever order for their Metrodecker Euro 6 double decker bus. The order from Reading Buses for five vehicles to operate on the Green Line 702 route between London and Windsor is due for delivery in June 2019 ahead of the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) coming into operation. ULEZ will require all vehicles operating into Central London to meet the stringent Euro 6 engine emission standards.
Optare and Reading Buses have worked together to develop a bespoke high specification Metrodecker that will make these Green Line buses distinctive and attractive to passengers. The vehicles will feature over 70 coach style high backed seats with comfy headrests, use high quality interior fittings including wood laminate flooring, at seat USB charging points, mobile phone holders, seat back tables and 4G Wi-Fi. The vehicles will also be fitted with three-point seatbelts.
Martijn Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer, Reading Buses, said, “We returned to buying Optare’s British built products, after a long break, at the end of 2016, purchasing four Optare Solo’s for the prestigious Vodafone contract at our Newbury depot. The operation of those vehicles has proved very successful.”
John Bickerton, Head of Engineering and Innovation, Reading Buses, added, “The Metrodecker order follows us first evaluating the vehicle with a pre-production demonstrator. Two years ago, we put the Metrodecker through its paces for its first ever in service ‘shakedown’ trial, but what is most impressive is that two years on the demonstrator vehicle currently in service with us is still giving great performance, class leading fuel economy, demonstrating a very robust build quality and is getting great feedback from drivers and customers alike.
With Optare’s recent further investment in after-sales support, and a can-do attitude in working to meet our bespoke specification, the Metrodecker is clearly the bus for us!”
Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to expand our partnership with such an innovative operator as Reading Buses. We relish the challenge & opportunity to work with the Reading team in stretching the boundaries of bus specification on our first ever Metrodecker Euro 6 order.”Graham Belgum, Optare president said, “This order is fantastic news for Optare and I am confident that after all the positive feedback we have had from operators, drivers and passengers alike about the Metrodecker Euro 6 and EV demonstrators performance that this order will be the first of many.”
Last month, there was one battery-electric version of the double deck Optare Metrodecker (link to image) operating on London Bus Route 36 and 21, operated by Go-Ahead London. According to the
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