Optare metrocity

The Optare MetroCity is an integral midibus that has been manufactured by Optare since 2013. Originally developed for the London bus market, the MetroCity was based on the successful Optare Versa, which has continued in production alongside it. In the UK market, the longer MetroCity variants effectively replaced the Optare Tempo SR. The first prototype was delivered to London United. The MetroCity has been produced in five different lengths: the V990MC, V1010MC, V1060MC, V1080MC and V1152MC, measuring 9.9 metres, 10.1 metres, 10.6 metres, 10.8 metres and 11.52 metres respectively. The shorter models were intended to replace the Optare Solo SR in London, while the longer versions were designed to succeed both the Versa and the Tempo SR. Although the Solo SR and Versa remained in production, the introduction of the MetroCity marked the end of the Tempo SR, which was discontinued following disappointing sales. In 2016, while Central Buses was associated with a number of other bus companies part-owned by Julian Peddle, a bulk order for Optare MetroCity vehicles was placed. New examples entered the fleets of Central Buses, Centrebus and D&G Bus. Three MetroCitys were delivered to Central Buses for operation on Service 125 between Stourbridge and Bridgnorth via Kidderminster. When Diamond Bus acquired Central Buses in February 2018, the vehicles became part of the Diamond fleet and continued to operate Service 125, as well as a variety of other services based from the Kidderminster garage. As additional Wright StreetLite buses entered the Kidderminster fleet, the MetroCitys were progressively cascaded onto other local services. On Tuesday 26 September 2023, vehicles 30972 and 30974 were transferred to the Burton upon Trent depot to join the sister MetroCitys that had entered the Diamond fleet with the acquisition of Midland Classic. Vehicle 30973 followed shortly afterwards, bringing all three former Central Buses examples together at Burton.