etro riders revamped
Page 18
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Optare has revamped its version of the ex-MCW Metrorider, including modifications designed to overcome problems with the original model.
The exterior now features three-sectioned aluminium side panels (replacing a one-piece stretched-steel side), disc brakes, rubber-mounted glazing and a one-piece windscreen. Optare says it has tackled a rust problem by a mixture of rustproofmg processes and design changes to minimise corrosion.
Interior improvements include full-width entry steps, Purmo heating, Euro-standard grab rails and a redesigned seating layout with five seats at the rear and no riser.
Managing director Russell Richardson prices the 31-seat model "slightly above" MCW's version. Optare will introduce a 25-seater early next year, to be followed by coach variants. Optare offers a comprehensive warranty with the Metrorider but says that MCW will retain responsibility for its vehicles.
Optare will examine the options of re-engineering the existing MCW Metrobus doubledeck body design or developing a new body based on Alusuisse techniques, says Richardson. 0 West Midlands Travel has issued writs against Metro Cammell Weymann and its parent Laird Group following the non-delivery of 28 Metrobuses on which WMT had made a down-payment. Laird has sold MCW's Metrobus to an Optare/Daf joint venture, but this takes no responsibility for completion or orders placed with MCW. Laird Group declined to comment.
Blackburn Transport has a issued a writ against MCW, following disagreements over remedial work on MCW Met rorider minibuses.
This follows Laird's sale of Metrorider to Optare, which has refused to accept liability for alleged faults that had be notified to MCW prior to the sale. No-one was available fo comment at MCW.