The vehicle went into operation last week and Martijn Gilbert, CEO of Reading Buses, says the double-deck bus will be “put through its paces” on several routes.
As with other vehicles in the Optare range, the Metrodecker has a fully integral frame. This low floor double-decker is light weight and, says Optare, has class-leading seating capacity.
The Metrodecker has already demonstrated highly competitive fuel economy in recent independent fuel trials.
The vehicle is available in two lengths – an 11.1m single door version and a 10.5m two door.
Optare says a 10.5m, TfL-specification Metrodecker is set to begin customer trials in early 2016.