MCW Metrorider
Encyclopedia
The MCW Metrorider, launched by MCW at the 1986 Motor Show, was a midibus
designed built by Metro Cammell Weymann
between 1986 and 1989. Constructed in two lengths, 7.0 m and 8.4 m, the Metrorider was an integral bus, marking it out from its van-based rivals of the time.
It was the second purpose-built minibus design (after the rather lightweight VW-based Optare CityPacer
). MCW used beefy substantial components, the Perkins Phaser/ZF manual S5 driveline soon being outsold by the "optional" 115 bhp six-cylinder 5.9 litre Cummins
B-series engine driving through an Allison
fully automatic gearbox. Some Metroriders also featured the optional turbocharged Cummins engine, increasing further their already impressive turn of speed. Disc brakes are fitted all round on the longer Metrorider, as opposed to drums on the short vehicles.
The styling was a major advance on the earlier van-based conversions, having a raked front with large windscreen and side windows to give a light interior. With shallower steps, wider entrance, and generous headroom, the passenger environment was certainly a great improvement on what had come before, with up to 25 (or 33 in the long version) seats comfortably accommodated. However, although the structure appeared to be of a heavyweight construction, long versions soon suffered weaknesses in the extended rear overhang and, in time, major corrosion set in, resulting in a life not quite as lengthy as might have initially been expected. The long-wheelbase version of the Metrorider measures 8.4m or 27' 6" in length, while the wide body was built to 2.375m or 7' 9½" wide, significantly broader than van conversions, allowing wider seats and/or gangway.
Like many MCW products, many components were from other manufacturers' stocks and the Metrorider used many parts from Ford. The dashboard and steering wheel came from a Ford Cargo lorry and the original rear lights were from the Escort Cabriolet Mk4.
The design suited one-person bus operation well and, despite the somewhat simplistic styling, the Metrorider sold in large numbers in the United Kingdom
. Also, a number of Metroriders were exported new to Continental Europe
and Hong Kong
.
When MCW's parent group announced the closure of the company in 1989, MCW's current designs were offered for sale and the rights to the Metrorider were bought by Optare
. The Optare MetroRider
(as it was subtly re-branded) was subsequently re-launched and continued in production till 2000.
Midibus
A midibus is a classification of single-decker minibuses which generally are larger than a traditional minibus but smaller than a full-size single decker and can be anywhere between and long...
designed built by Metro Cammell Weymann
Metro Cammell Weymann
Metro Cammell Weymann was once a major player in transportation manufacturing in the UK and Europe. It was formed in 1932 by Weymann Motor Bodies Ltd and Metro Cammell's bus bodybuilding division to produce bus bodies....
between 1986 and 1989. Constructed in two lengths, 7.0 m and 8.4 m, the Metrorider was an integral bus, marking it out from its van-based rivals of the time.
It was the second purpose-built minibus design (after the rather lightweight VW-based Optare CityPacer
Optare CityPacer
The Optare CityPacer was a minibus body, typically seating 25, produced by Optare from 1985 to 1992. It was based on a Volkswagen LT55 van chassis which at the time was not available in the UK...
). MCW used beefy substantial components, the Perkins Phaser/ZF manual S5 driveline soon being outsold by the "optional" 115 bhp six-cylinder 5.9 litre Cummins
Cummins
Cummins Inc. is a Fortune 500 corporation that designs, manufactures, distributes and services engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission control and electrical power generation systems...
B-series engine driving through an Allison
Allison Transmission
Allison Transmission is an American manufacturer of commercial duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems. Allison products are specified by over 250 of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers and are used in many market sectors including bus, refuse, fire, construction,...
fully automatic gearbox. Some Metroriders also featured the optional turbocharged Cummins engine, increasing further their already impressive turn of speed. Disc brakes are fitted all round on the longer Metrorider, as opposed to drums on the short vehicles.
The styling was a major advance on the earlier van-based conversions, having a raked front with large windscreen and side windows to give a light interior. With shallower steps, wider entrance, and generous headroom, the passenger environment was certainly a great improvement on what had come before, with up to 25 (or 33 in the long version) seats comfortably accommodated. However, although the structure appeared to be of a heavyweight construction, long versions soon suffered weaknesses in the extended rear overhang and, in time, major corrosion set in, resulting in a life not quite as lengthy as might have initially been expected. The long-wheelbase version of the Metrorider measures 8.4m or 27' 6" in length, while the wide body was built to 2.375m or 7' 9½" wide, significantly broader than van conversions, allowing wider seats and/or gangway.
Like many MCW products, many components were from other manufacturers' stocks and the Metrorider used many parts from Ford. The dashboard and steering wheel came from a Ford Cargo lorry and the original rear lights were from the Escort Cabriolet Mk4.
The design suited one-person bus operation well and, despite the somewhat simplistic styling, the Metrorider sold in large numbers in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. Also, a number of Metroriders were exported new to Continental Europe
Continental Europe
Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands....
and Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
When MCW's parent group announced the closure of the company in 1989, MCW's current designs were offered for sale and the rights to the Metrorider were bought by Optare
Optare
Optare plc is a bus manufacturer and importer based in Leeds and Blackburn, UK. The company operates from three main business units, Bus Manufacturing, Coach Sales and Unitec....
. The Optare MetroRider
Optare MetroRider
The Optare MetroRider was a midibus built by Optare between 1989 and 2000. Optare based the original design on the MCW Metrorider after Optare bought the rights following a decision by MCW to end bus production. This model also replaced the less successful StarRider.The MetroRider was an integral...
(as it was subtly re-branded) was subsequently re-launched and continued in production till 2000.