Optare have been selected as a finalist in the Environmental Improvement category of the CILT (Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics) Awards and also in the Transport Supplier of Year category of the National Transport Awards . The entries detailed the achievements so far of Optare’s electric double deck bus, the Metrodecker EV, the world’s first truly zero emission electric double decker. This announcement follows the news of an order for 31 Metrodecker EVs last month for TfL route 134 running from North Finchley bus station to Tottenham Court Road, operated by Metroline.

Richard Butler, Chief Executive, Optare, commented, “I am delighted that Optare has been shortlisted for these prestigious awards and that our continued innovation in electric vehicle technology is being recognised.  The Optare team drew on a decade of experience working with single deck electric buses and combined this with our philosophy of lightweight bus design to create a true zero emission double deck bus with capacity equal to its diesel equivalent at 18T GVW.”

Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, Optare, added, “In 2017/18 the Metrodecker EV proved itself during in-service trials, in York, Leeds and London.  The recent Metroline order and awards shortlisting recognise the Metrodecker EV as a viable alternative to diesel/hybrid double deck equivalents. The Metrodecker EV represents a major step towards high volume zero emission bus transport in all of the UK’s major cities.”