Misplaced Pages

MCW Metrobus: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 11:47, 15 December 2018 edit110.174.84.9 (talk) →LondonTags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit← Previous edit Latest revision as of 23:14, 24 December 2024 edit undoDavey2010 (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, File movers, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers142,507 editsm date formats per MOS:DATEFORMAT by script 
(45 intermediate revisions by 23 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Two and three-axle double-decker bus}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2017}} {{Use British English|date=October 2017}}
{{Refimprove|date=January 2009}} {{Refimprove|date=January 2009}}
{{Infobox UK Bus {{Infobox UK Bus
|name = MCW Metrobus |name = MCW Metrobus
|image = Greater Manchester Transport bus 5001 (GBU 1V), SELNEC 40 event (4).jpg |image = 20181027 Wythall Travel West Midlands B811 AOP.jpg
|caption = Preserved ] MCW Metrobus Mk1 in October 2009 |caption = A preserved ] MCW Metrobus Mk2
|interiorimage = MCW INT.JPG
⚫ |interiorcaption = ] Metrobus lower saloon interior
|manufacturer = ] |manufacturer = ]
|length = 9.7 m, 11.0 m, 11.3 m or 12.0 m |length = {{cvt|9.7|m|ftin}}<br>{{cvt|11.0|m|ftin}}<br>{{cvt|11.3|m|ftin}}<br>{{cvt|12.0|m|ftin}}
|width = 2.5 m |width = {{cvt|2.5|m|ftin}}
|height = 4.38 m (for standard height) |height = {{cvt|4.38|m|ftin}} (Standard height)
|floortype = Step entrance |floortype = Step entrance
|doors = 1, 2 or 3 |doors = 1, 2 or 3
|production = 1977-1989
|engine = ] 6LXB<br>Gardner 6LXCT<br>Gardner 6LXDT<br>] Eagle 220 Mk III<br>] LT10<br>Cummins LTA10-B282 |engine = ] 6LXB<br />Gardner 6LXCT<br />Gardner 6LXDT<br />] Eagle 220 Mk III<br />] LT10<br />Cummins LTA10-B282
|transmission = ] DIWA851<br>Voith DIWA851.2<br>Voith DIWA854<br>Voith DIWA864G<br>Maxwell}} |transmission = ] DIWA851<br />Voith DIWA851.2<br />Voith DIWA854<br />Voith DIWA864G<br />Maxwell}}


The '''MCW Metrobus''' was a two and three-axle ] manufactured by ] (MCW) between 1977 and 1989, with over 4,000 built. The original MkI was superseded by the MkII which had a symmetrical windscreen with an arched top in 1981, although production of the original MkI continued for the ] and ] until 1983 and 1985 respectively. The Metrobus was conceived as an integral product manufactured completely by MCW, but ] and ] also bodied some examples. The '''MCW Metrobus''' is a two and three-axle ] manufactured by ] (MCW) between 1977 and 1989, with over 4,000 built. The original MkI was superseded by the MkII which had a symmetrical windscreen with an arched top in 1981, although production of the original MkI continued for the ] and ] until 1983 and 1985 respectively. The Metrobus was conceived as an integral product manufactured completely by MCW, but ] and ] also bodied some examples.


MCW planned to produce a ] version but this was not to come into production. MCW planned to produce a ] version but this was not to come into production.
Line 37: Line 37:
A MK2 version was produced, but it was not so well presented as the MK1 variant.--> A MK2 version was produced, but it was not so well presented as the MK1 variant.-->


==United Kingdom== == United Kingdom ==
⚫ ] Metrobus lower saloon interior]]
⚫ ] Metrobuses MkIIs in ] in April 2006]]
⚫ ] Metrobus MkII in May 2009]]
⚫ ]
In the United Kingdom, the Metrobus was mainly used in the metropolitan areas, especially ], ] and ]. In the United Kingdom, the Metrobus was mainly used in the metropolitan areas, especially ], ] and ].


===London=== === London ===
] purchased 1,440 MkI examples between 1978 and 1985, numbering them M1 to M1440.<ref> Ian's Bus Stop</ref> Two MkII prototypes were delivered to London Transport as M1441 and M1442 in 1984, but no orders resulted. In 1987/88, 14 were purchased secondhand Metrobuses from the ], ] and ]. London Transport's low-cost subsidiary Harrow Buses leased 29 new MkII Metrobuses in 1987, but returned them to their ] three years later. London Transport's Metrobuses were the mainstay of the double decker fleet between 1987 and ] in 1994, when most of them passed to seven of the new operators. ] purchased 1,440 MkI examples between 1978 and 1985, numbering them M1 to M1440.<ref name="Wharmby Metro1">{{cite book|last=Wharmby|first=Matthew|title=The London Metrobus|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lKlePgAACAAJ |access-date=27 August 2021|date=2009|publisher=Ian Allan Publishing|isbn=978-0-7110-3377-1}}</ref>{{rp|179}} Two MkII prototypes were delivered to London Transport for the Alternative Vehicle Evaluation (AVE) programme in 1984, M1441 with a ] engine and ] transmission and M1442 with a ] engine and Maxwell transmission, but no orders resulted.<ref name="Wharmby Metro1" />{{rp|32}} In 1987/88, due to a vehicle shortage, 14 were purchased secondhand from the ], ] and ] and allocated to Potters Bar garage. London Transport's low-cost subsidiary Harrow Buses leased 29 new MkII Metrobuses in 1987, but returned them to their ] three years later.<ref name="Wharmby Metro1" />{{rp|53-57}} London Transport's Metrobuses were the mainstay of the double decker fleet between 1987 and ] in 1994, when most of them passed to seven of the new operators.


] bought the London Northern company, with a host of Metrobuses. It acquired more when it took over London Suburban Buses, and including some ex-London examples from its ] operation. Garages were at North Acton, Holloway and Potters Bar. ] Northern operations in London dwindled during 2002, with Ms replaced by low-floor buses on most routes. Some clung through 2003 on as deputising on the ] routes, but operation on TfL services ceased in March 2004. Potters Bar was the last outpost, where a handful remained on other services until May 2005; where the ]s took over. ] bought the London Northern company, with a host of 179 Metrobuses.<ref name="Wharmby Metro1" />{{rp|183}} It acquired more when it took over London Suburban Buses, and including some ex-London examples from its ] operation. Garages were at North Acton, Holloway and Potters Bar. ] Northern operations in London dwindled during 2002, with Ms replaced by low-floor buses on most routes. Some were retained through 2003 to deputise on ] routes, but operation on TfL services ceased in July 2004, the final three examples based at Potters Bar garage being the last Metrobuses in regular London service at the time.<ref name="Wharmby Metro2">{{cite book|last=Wharmby|first=Matthew|title=Last Years of the London Metrobus|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDvsxgEACAAJ |access-date=28 August 2021|date=2019|publisher=Pen and Sword Transport|isbn=978-1-52674-967-3}}</ref>{{rp|153-159}}


] reached the end with Metrobuses in normal service in February 2003, when ]'s last were withdrawn. This still left a couple for special purposes (M1440 at Sutton and the "spotted cow" liveried M1435). There was still a crowd of white-blouse and grey-skirt training buses too, which were mainly moved out from their comfy homes to the Plough Lane open-air space, to make room for the new larger fleet of low-floor WVLs. There is an open-top MCW Metrobus for use by hire in London General; it was also replaced by the withdrawn NVs that left route 74 with a lurch. ] reached the end with Metrobuses in normal service in February 2003, when ]'s last were withdrawn. This left a handful of Metrobuses for special purposes; M1440 and open-top OM171 from the private hire fleet at Sutton and M1435 painted into a "spotted cow" livery for an art exhibition.<ref name="Wharmby Metro2" />{{rp|25-29}} Some were also retained as driver trainers.


], ] and ] also reached the end with Metrobuses in normal service in 2003. ] also continued using Metrobuses until these were finally displaced in 2002/03. ], ] and ] also reached the end with Metrobuses in normal service in 2003. ] also continued using Metrobuses until these were finally displaced in 2002/03; however Arriva would operate the final Metrobus in London service (M1332) on the 121 in January 2006.<ref name="Wharmby Metro2" />{{rp|71}}


Some of the MCW Metrobuses were converted to open-top for use by ]. The last were withdrawn by December 2007. ] also had MCW Metrobuses, but these were sold to ]. By 2014, there were no MCW Metrobuses licensed for use in ]. Some of the MCW Metrobuses were converted to open-top for use by ]. The last were withdrawn by December 2007. ] also had MCW Metrobuses, but these were sold to ].<ref name="Wharmby Metro1" />{{rp|170}} By 2014, there were no MCW Metrobuses licensed for use in ].


===West Midlands=== === West Midlands ===
⚫ ] Metrobuses MkIIs in ] in April 2006]]
The ] and its successor, ], also purchased significant numbers of Metrobuses (over 1,100), both MkI and MkII examples. The first order for five MCW Metrobuses was placed in 1977, with the first delivered in January 1978.<ref> '']'' 11 February 1977</ref><ref> ''Commercial Motor'' 20 January 1978</ref> The ] and its successor, ], also purchased significant numbers of Metrobuses (over 1,100), both MkI and MkII examples. The first order for five MCW Metrobuses was placed in 1977, with the first delivered in January 1978.<ref> '']'' 11 February 1977</ref><ref> ''Commercial Motor'' 20 January 1978</ref>


Fifty dual-purpose Metrobuses with high-back seats, were purchased in 1986. Many of these buses were converted to normal seated buses and continued in service until November 2008. They were mainly used on limited-stop services. Fourteen ]es were delivered for route 65 (branded '']''), which was the first guided bus system in the UK, although the experiment only lasted a couple of years.<ref> ''Commercial Motor'' 7 January 1984</ref><ref> ''Commercial Motor'' 19 May 1984</ref> Fifty dual-purpose Metrobuses with high-back seats, were purchased in 1986. Many of these buses were converted to normal seated buses and continued in service until November 2008. They were mainly used on limited-stop services. Fourteen ]es were delivered for route 65 (branded '']''), which was the first guided bus system in the UK, although the experiment only lasted a couple of years.<ref> ''Commercial Motor'' 7 January 1984</ref><ref> ''Commercial Motor'' 19 May 1984</ref><ref> City Transport Info</ref> All of the 14 guided buses were converted for conventional use. However they were distinguishable by their dot matrix destination display and gap in the front wheel arch where the guidewheels had been fitted.
<ref> City Transport Info</ref> All of the 14 guided buses were converted for conventional use.


In early 1995 ] of ] were contracted to overhaul all of West Midland Travel's Metrobus fleet. This was the largest used bus overhaul programme in Europe at the time and Marshalls set up a dedicated business division and staff to handle it. Many unavailable parts had to be sourced and made to original patterns by the Marshall procurement team. A production line was established in one of Marshall's aircraft hangars and anything up to 30 Metrobuses could be found in work at some stage along the line. Duration of refurbishment of each bus was usually 2-3 per week. No powerline items were included with the result that original engines were simply put back in the overhauled buses as they were. This had the effect that as the vehicles were driven from the West Midlands to Marshalls at Cambridge and driven back once completed and frequently broke down. Over 600 mainly MkII metrobuses were overhauled with the contract terminated abruptly in 1999 due to lack of confidence in Marshall Bus over delays with WMT orders for new single deck buses. The last were withdrawn in July 2010.<ref> National Express West Midlands August 2010</ref>. A few were retained as driver training vehicles until 2017, however. In 2017 National Express West Midlands purchased a preserved (D957 NDA, 2957) example to add to its vintage hire fleet. National Express West Midlands (then Travel West Midlands) had previously sold this bus to a dealer in 2003. As a result, National Express West Midlands now owns a Metrobus for events and hire. <ref> 2957's listing on WM Bus Photo's fleetlist.</ref> In early 1995 ] of ] were contracted to overhaul all of West Midland Travel's Metrobus fleet. This was the largest used bus overhaul programme in Europe at the time and Marshalls set up a dedicated business division and staff to handle it. Many unavailable parts had to be sourced and made to original patterns by the Marshall procurement team. A production line was established in one of Marshall's aircraft hangars and anything up to 30 Metrobuses could be found in work at some stage along the line. Duration of refurbishment of each bus was usually 2-3 per week. No powerline items were included with the result that original engines were simply put back in the overhauled buses as they were. This had the effect that as the vehicles were driven from the West Midlands to Marshalls at Cambridge and driven back once completed and frequently broke down. Over 600, mainly MkII, Metrobuses were overhauled with the contract terminated abruptly in 1999 due to lack of confidence in Marshall Bus over delays with WMT orders for new single deck buses.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}


The last Metrobuses were withdrawn from regular service in March 2010, being reduced to school services before their final withdrawal on 24 July 2010.<ref>{{cite news |author=Peter Plisner |date=13 March 2008 |title=Last passenger trip for the West Midlands' Metrobus |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/8514860.stm |work=BBC News|access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=August 2010 |title=Metrobus farewell |url=http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/news/metrobus-farewell/ |url-status=dead |location=Birmingham |publisher=National Express West Midlands |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101230233501/http://nxbus.co.uk/west-midlands/news/metrobus-farewell/ |archive-date=30 December 2010 |access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref> A few were retained as driver training vehicles until 2017, however. In 2017 National Express West Midlands purchased a preserved 'Timesaver' example (D957 NDA, 2957) to add to its vintage hire fleet. National Express West Midlands (then Travel West Midlands) had previously sold this bus to a dealer in 2003. As a result, National Express West Midlands now owns a Metrobus for events and hire.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/media/3851/ds125_nxwm_bus-bash-2019-12pp-for-web.pdf |title=Bus Bash 2019 |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=National Express West Midlands |publisher=National Express Group |access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref>
] were operating various former Harrow Buses MkII and former National Express West Midlands Mk-IIA Metrobuses on both school services and commercial services until the end of 2013, with two entering preservation, and the rest either sold on or going for scrap.


===Greater Manchester=== === Greater Manchester ===
⚫ ]
While they failed with the ] (ordered 190, only 15 delivered), they were more successful with the conventional MCW Metrobuses which were delivered between 1979 and 1983. All 190 were ordered in total over a space of four years and were primarily used in ], ], ], ], ] and on services linking Manchester with ], ] and ] and services linking Stockport with ] and ]
The ] (GMPTE) initially ordered 190 MkI MCW Metrobuses which were delivered between 1979 and 1983, alongside an unfulfilled order of 15 out of 190 ].<ref name="Williams2016">{{cite book|last=Williams|first=Paul|title=Manchester Buses|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QuUaDQAAQBAJ|access-date=27 August 2021|date=15 September 2016|publisher=Amberley Publishing Limited|isbn= 978-1-4456-5315-0}}</ref>{{rp|129}} Five of the PTE's early Metrobuses would be sold to London Buses in 1987.<ref name="Wharmby Metro1" />{{rp|53}}


Around 1986, ] delivered 30 more MCW Metrobuses which had bodywork that was more to a Manchester standard design. They were first used on the Trans Lancs 400 express service linking ] with Stockport (and on Sundays Manchester Airport via ], Rochdale, Oldham, ], and Wythenshawe (when running between Manchester Airport and Bolton). Around 1986, ] delivered 30 more MCW Metrobuses built with Manchester standard bodywork, intended for the 'Trans Lancs' 400 express service linking ] with Stockport.<ref name="Williams2016" />{{rp|174}}

⚫ === West Yorkshire ===

The ] and its successor ] purchased over 100 Metrobuses, a majority of these being MkIIs. Some were bodied with Walter Alexander bodywork.<ref name="Alexanders">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=22 November 1980 |title=Bodies to keep the world turning |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/22nd-november-1980/42/bodies-to-keep-the-world-turning |magazine=Commercial Motor |location= |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref> Two MkIIs and two Alexander Metrobuses were sold to London Buses.<ref name="Wharmby Metro1" />

One MkII Metrobus was converted by Yorkshire Rider to operate as a demonstrator for a guided busway in Leeds. This made use of parts supplied from West Midlands Travel's guided busway Metrobuses.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=27 July 1989 |title=YR tests bus scheme |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/27th-july-1989/16/yr-tests-bus-scheme |magazine=Commercial Motor |location= |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref>

=== South Yorkshire ===
] (SYPTE) purchased a total of 170 MkI and MkII Metrobuses following comparative trials in 1979.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=22 September 1978 |title=S. Yorks deckers |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/22nd-september-1978/7/s-yorks-deckers |magazine=Commercial Motor |location= |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref> These were delivered in five batches from 1980 to 1985, with some being specified with dual doors. These were joined by ten MkII Metrobuses in 1986 that were delivered with coach seats for 'Fastline' express work.<ref name="Dereg survey">{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=7 December 1985 |title=Bus fleet survey |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/7th-december-1985/55/bus-le-survey |magazine=Commercial Motor |location= |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref><ref name="SYT">{{cite book|last=Hellewell|first=D.S.|title=South Yorkshire's Transport, 1974-1995|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wc0-AQAACAAJ|access-date=12 October 2021|date=July 1996|publisher=Venture Publications|isbn=1-898432-33-3 |page=69-73}}</ref>

Also in South Yorkshire, ] took delivery of twelve Metrobuses in 1986, an order initially placed when Yorkshire Traction were a ] subsidiary.<ref name="Dereg survey" /> These Metrobuses were unique in that they were built to a low height specification.

=== Other operators ===
⚫ ] Metrobus MkII in May 2009]]
In Scotland, the ] and its successor Strathclyde Buses purchased 70 MkI, MkII and Alexander-bodied Metrobuses over from 1979 to the end of production in 1989.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=27 July 1989 |title=Hopes fade for MCW workers |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/27th-july-1989/16/hopes-fade-fol-mcw-workers |magazine=Commercial Motor |location= |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref> Metrobuses with Alexander bodywork proved popular with the ], with ] taking on a total of 109 by 1986. Most of these would be transferred to ] following the reorganisation of the SBG.<ref name="Alexanders" /><ref name="Dereg survey" />


The ] bought five Metrobuses on evaluation in 1979. These were sold to London Buses in 1988, where they would become M1481-M1485; these would be the final Metrobuses to be acquired by London Transport before the ]. ] purchased 25 MkII Metrobuses in 1989<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=18 May 1989 |title=Fleet expansion in Merseyside |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/18th-may-1989/19/leet-expansion-ni-merseyside |magazine=Commercial Motor |location= |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=27 August 2021}}</ref> while also acquiring many second hand from privatised London operators. Fifteen Metrobuses, some with Alexander bodywork, were purchased new by the predecessor of Merseybus, Merseyside PTE.<ref name="Alexanders" />
⚫ ===South Yorkshire===
] (SYPTE) purchased over 100 examples between 1981 and 1985. The SYPTE standard fully sprung seats were fitted along with 20 MkIIs having coach seats for express work. The vehicles were noted for quick acceleration although had distinctive engine noise and were rust prone around the engine bay.


Other municipal bus operators who bought Metrobuses included ], ], ] and ].<ref name="Dereg survey" /> The Metrobus also found sales to ] subsidiaries ] and ], with the former ordering two pairs of MkI Metrobuses with MCW and ] engines as part of NBC comparative trials in 1980.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=The Bus Archive |editor-last=Stenning |editor-first=Ray |title=NBC trials |magazine=Classic Bus |date=October-November 2022 |issue=181 |pages=30–34 |location=London |publisher=Best Impressions}}</ref>
The Metrobus also found sales to ] companies prior to privatisation, ] and ] purchased significant numbers.


==Hong Kong== == Hong Kong ==
{{More citations needed section|date=August 2021}}
===Early introductions=== === Early introductions ===
⚫ In Hong Kong, the ] (CMB) introduced 12 Metrobuses (MC1-MC12) in 1978 for its luxury coach services (which covered the routes between ], ] and the ]). Within a year, MCW produced an 11-metre 2-axle version of Metrobus. Only 40 were produced all for CMB as MB1-MB40 in 1978/79. They were used mostly on express and cross-harbour services. Both batches of CMB Metrobuses had MkI bodies.
] Metrobus MkI MC6 in ] in January 2022]]
⚫ In Hong Kong, ] (CMB) introduced 12 Metrobuses (MC1-MC12) in 1978 for its luxury coach services (which covered the routes between ], ] and the ]). Within a year, MCW produced an 11-metre 2-axle version of Metrobus. Only 40 were produced for CMB in 1978/79, where they would be classified as MB1-MB40. They were used mostly on express and cross-harbour services. Both batches of CMB Metrobuses had MkI bodies.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=26 May 1978 |title=British buses in Hong Kong
|url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/26th-may-1978/78/one-of-the-busiest-and-nost-crowded-areas-in-the |magazine=Commercial Motor |location= |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref>


===1980s=== === 1980s ===
] Metrobus MkII ML1 in ] in January 2007]] ] Metrobus MkII ML1 in ] in January 2007]]
] 3-axle MCW Metrobus MkII (11m)]] ] 3-axle MCW Metrobus MkII (11&nbsp;m)]]
In 1981, MCW produced prototypes of 3-axle, 12-metre long "Super-Metrobuses". Two were purchased by CMB as ML1-ML2 and three by ] (KMB) as M1-M3, later renumbered 3M1-3M3. All were bodied with MCW MkII bodies. CMB purchased a further 82 (ML3-84) between 1983 and 1988, while KMB purchased 80 2-axle Metrobuses (M1-M80, with MkII bodies) between 1983 and 1985. In 1981, MCW produced prototypes of 3-axle, 12-metre long "Super-Metrobuses". Two were purchased by CMB as ML1-ML2 and three by ] (KMB) as M1-M3, later renumbered 3M1-3M3. All were bodied with MCW MkII bodies.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=2 May 1981 |title=Colonial Jumbobus
|url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/2nd-may-1981/23/colonial-jumbobus |magazine=Commercial Motor |location= |publisher=Temple Press |access-date=28 August 2021}}</ref> CMB purchased a further 82 (ML3-84) between 1983 and 1988, while KMB purchased 80 2-axle Metrobuses (M1-M80, with MkII bodies) between 1983 and 1985.


While KMB was not interested in the 12-metre version Super-Metrobuses, they did express their interest in an 11-metre 3-axle version (the CMB 11-metre version Metrobuses were 2-axle) with 254 11-metre 3-axle Metrobuses (S3M1-254) purchased between 1986 and 1989. Fifty of these buses were fitted with ] engines, and another one (later numbered S3M145) was originally fitted with a prototype air-conditioner, but this proved unreliable and was subsequently removed. While KMB was not interested in the 12-metre version Super-Metrobuses, they did express their interest in an 11-metre 3-axle version (the CMB 11-metre version Metrobuses were 2-axle) with 254 11-metre 3-axle Metrobuses (S3M1-254) purchased between 1986 and 1989. Fifty of these buses were fitted with ] engines, and another one (later numbered S3M145) was originally fitted with a prototype Sutrak air-conditioning system on delivery in 1987, but this proved unreliable and was subsequently removed a year later.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=23 February 2016 |title=空調特別版Metrobus |trans-title=Air Conditioned Special Edition Metrobus |url=https://www.busfocus.info/featured/ac-metrobus/ |magazine=Bus Focus |location=Hong Kong |lang=zh |access-date=11 April 2023}}</ref>


Between 1987 and 1989, ] (KCRC) also purchased 59 2-axle Metrobuses for their feeder bus services. 39 of them (101-139) were brand new with MkII bodies, while another 20 (140-159) were second-hand buses purchased from ] with MkI bodies. Between 1987 and 1989, ] (KCRC) also purchased 59 2-axle Metrobuses for their feeder bus services. 39 of them (101-139) were brand new with MkII bodies, while another 20 (140-159) were second-hand buses purchased from South Yorkshire PTE with MkI bodies, some of them with dual-doors.


Argos Bus purchased 6 Metrobuses for their non-franchised routes and private hire services between 1988 and 1989. They were from the same batch as those bought second-hand by KCRC. Argos Bus purchased 6 Metrobuses for their non-franchised routes and private hire services between 1988 and 1989. They were from the same batch as those bought second-hand by KCRC.
Line 91: Line 108:
KMB purchased eight further 2-axle Metrobuses (M81-M88) in 1989. These buses were fitted with Cummins LTA10-B282 (282&nbsp;hp) engines and ] D864G 4-speed gearbox, and were used on the hilly ] (between ] and ], climbing ] along its way). Later ] fitted some of its older Metrobuses with Cummins engines, in order to avoid excess damage to buses running the hilly route. KMB purchased eight further 2-axle Metrobuses (M81-M88) in 1989. These buses were fitted with Cummins LTA10-B282 (282&nbsp;hp) engines and ] D864G 4-speed gearbox, and were used on the hilly ] (between ] and ], climbing ] along its way). Later ] fitted some of its older Metrobuses with Cummins engines, in order to avoid excess damage to buses running the hilly route.


===Withdrawal=== === Withdrawal ===
] MCW Super Metrobus 12m MkII in ] in June 2011]] ] MCW Super Metrobus 12&nbsp;m MkII in ] in June 2011]]
The MkI second-hand Metrobuses were the first to be withdrawn, and all of them have now been scrapped. Many of the KCRC ones were loaned to ] for few years before final withdrawal. The MkI second-hand Metrobuses were the first to be withdrawn, and all of them have since been scrapped. Many of the KCRC Metrobuses were loaned to ] for few years before final withdrawal.


CMB removed its MC-class Metrobuses from the luxury routes after introducing ]s for the service in 1991, preserving the seating layout. These Metrobuses were allocated to non-luxury routes in the ], as well as ] serving the "]". Although CMB was the first to introduce Metrobuses, it withdrew only 3 of them (all were accident victims) before the end of its franchise in August 1998. Its earliest Metrobuses were 20 years old at that time. ] purchased all the remaining CMB Metrobuses and Super-Metrobuses when it took over most of the CMB routes, and converted 3 MC-class Metrobuses to training buses. In 2000, the last of the MCW Metrobuses were de-registered, briefly exported to ], ] or ]. Some of the MCW Metrobuses were brought back to The Original Tour in the year 2006. As of 2013, the last of the examples from United Kingdom were withdrawn. CMB removed its MC-class Metrobuses from the luxury routes after introducing ]s for the service in 1991, preserving the seating layout. These Metrobuses were allocated to non-luxury routes in the ], as well as ] serving the "]". Although CMB was the first to introduce Metrobuses, it withdrew only 3 of them (all were accident victims) before the end of its franchise in August 1998. Its earliest Metrobuses were 20 years old at that time. ] purchased all the remaining CMB Metrobuses and Super-Metrobuses when it took over most of the CMB routes, and converted 3 MC-class Metrobuses to training buses. In 2000, the last of the MCW Metrobuses were de-registered, briefly exported to ], ] or to ]. Some of the MCW Metrobuses were brought back to The Original Tour in the year 2006. As of 2013, the last of the examples from United Kingdom were withdrawn.


KMB allocated its 3 Super-Metrobuses to the ] for many years. For example, they were serving on route 61A (which connected ] and ] new towns) right before the ] took over the services. After that, they were seen on route 36A (which connected a public housing estate in ] to a ferry pier) until the route's decline in the mid-1990s. They spent a few further years as spare buses before being withdrawn from passenger service in 1996 and converted to training buses. They were finally sold and scrapped in 2001. KMB allocated its 3 Super-Metrobuses to the ] for many years. For example, they were serving on route 61A (which connected ] and ] new towns) right before the ] took over the services. After that, they were seen on route 36A (which connected a public housing estate in ] to a ferry pier) until the route's decline in the mid-1990s. They spent a few further years as spare buses before being withdrawn from passenger service in 1996 and converted to training buses. They were finally sold and scrapped in 2001.
Line 101: Line 118:
KMB started to withdraw its 2-axle Metrobuses in 1997. Some of them had their chassis damaged due to the ] caused during their service on the ] ], which climbed to the highest altitude achievable by buses in Hong Kong. These were withdrawn by 2003. The 11-metre 3-axle Metrobuses in KMB were not withdrawn until summer 2002. KCRC also started to withdraw their Mark II Metrobuses in the early 2000s. The last 2-axle Metrobus in Hong Kong (KCRC 134) was withdrawn in October 2005. KMB started to withdraw its 2-axle Metrobuses in 1997. Some of them had their chassis damaged due to the ] caused during their service on the ] ], which climbed to the highest altitude achievable by buses in Hong Kong. These were withdrawn by 2003. The 11-metre 3-axle Metrobuses in KMB were not withdrawn until summer 2002. KCRC also started to withdraw their Mark II Metrobuses in the early 2000s. The last 2-axle Metrobus in Hong Kong (KCRC 134) was withdrawn in October 2005.


The last Metrobus in Hong Kong KMB fleet number S3M233, license no. EH8559) ceased operation on 8 May 2007. As of mid-2011, no more Metrobuses were licensed and in use in Hong Kong. The last Metrobus in Hong Kong (fleet number S3M233, license no. EH8559) ceased operation on 8 May 2007. As of mid-2011, no more Metrobuses were licensed and in use in Hong Kong.


==End of production== == End of production ==
Production of the Metrobus ceased in 1989 with the financial collapse of MCW. The last Metrobus built was West Midlands Travel 3121(G121FJW), it had a message from the builders stating that it was the last one built by MCW and signed by the staff on the inside of the roof. Production of the Metrobus ceased in 1989 with the financial collapse of MCW. The last Metrobus built was West Midlands Travel 3124(G124FJW), it had a message from the builders stating that it was the last one built by MCW and signed by the staff on the inside of the roof.{{cn|date=August 2021}}


The Metrobus design was purchased by ] in 1990, which had recently joined the ] group with ].<ref> ''Commercial Motor'' 12 October 1989</ref> Despite owning design and production rights, the two companies heavily reworked the design to produce a new vehicle, the ] based ], which was launched in 1991 and ceased production in late 2005. The Metrobus design was purchased by ] in 1990, which had recently joined the ] group with ].<ref> ''Commercial Motor'' 12 October 1989</ref> Despite owning design and production rights, the two companies heavily reworked the design to produce a new vehicle, the ] based ], which was launched in 1991 and ceased production in late 2006.<ref>{{cite book|last=Peck|first=Colin|title=DAF Trucks Since 1949|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1q2-Wvd2eX0C|access-date=26 August 2021|date=15 July 2010|publisher=Veloce Publishing Limited|isbn= 978-1-8458-4260-4|page=76-77}}</ref>


==See also== == See also ==
*]
*]
*]
*]
{{Portal|Buses}} {{Portal|Buses}}


==References== == References ==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== == External links ==
{{commons category-inline}} {{commons category-inline}}


Line 120: Line 141:
] ]
] ]
]
] ]

Latest revision as of 23:14, 24 December 2024

Two and three-axle double-decker bus

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "MCW Metrobus" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (January 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Motor vehicle
MCW Metrobus
A preserved Travel West Midlands MCW Metrobus Mk2
Overview
ManufacturerMetro Cammell Weymann
Production1977-1989
Body and chassis
Doors1, 2 or 3
Floor typeStep entrance
Powertrain
EngineGardner 6LXB
Gardner 6LXCT
Gardner 6LXDT
Rolls-Royce Eagle 220 Mk III
Cummins LT10
Cummins LTA10-B282
TransmissionVoith DIWA851
Voith DIWA851.2
Voith DIWA854
Voith DIWA864G
Maxwell
Dimensions
Length9.7 m (31 ft 10 in)
11.0 m (36 ft 1 in)
11.3 m (37 ft 1 in)
12.0 m (39 ft 4 in)
Width2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Height4.38 m (14 ft 4 in) (Standard height)

The MCW Metrobus is a two and three-axle double-decker bus manufactured by Metro Cammell Weymann (MCW) between 1977 and 1989, with over 4,000 built. The original MkI was superseded by the MkII which had a symmetrical windscreen with an arched top in 1981, although production of the original MkI continued for the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and London Regional Transport until 1983 and 1985 respectively. The Metrobus was conceived as an integral product manufactured completely by MCW, but Alexander and Northern Counties also bodied some examples.

MCW planned to produce a single-decker version but this was not to come into production.

United Kingdom

Arriva Buses Wales Metrobus lower saloon interior

In the United Kingdom, the Metrobus was mainly used in the metropolitan areas, especially London, West Midlands and Greater Manchester.

London

London Transport purchased 1,440 MkI examples between 1978 and 1985, numbering them M1 to M1440. Two MkII prototypes were delivered to London Transport for the Alternative Vehicle Evaluation (AVE) programme in 1984, M1441 with a Gardner engine and Voith transmission and M1442 with a Cummins engine and Maxwell transmission, but no orders resulted. In 1987/88, due to a vehicle shortage, 14 were purchased secondhand from the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and Busways Travel and allocated to Potters Bar garage. London Transport's low-cost subsidiary Harrow Buses leased 29 new MkII Metrobuses in 1987, but returned them to their lessor three years later. London Transport's Metrobuses were the mainstay of the double decker fleet between 1987 and privatisation in 1994, when most of them passed to seven of the new operators.

MTL bought the London Northern company, with a host of 179 Metrobuses. It acquired more when it took over London Suburban Buses, and including some ex-London examples from its Merseyside operation. Garages were at North Acton, Holloway and Potters Bar. Metroline Northern operations in London dwindled during 2002, with Ms replaced by low-floor buses on most routes. Some were retained through 2003 to deputise on AEC Routemaster routes, but operation on TfL services ceased in July 2004, the final three examples based at Potters Bar garage being the last Metrobuses in regular London service at the time.

London General reached the end with Metrobuses in normal service in February 2003, when Stockwell Garage's last were withdrawn. This left a handful of Metrobuses for special purposes; M1440 and open-top OM171 from the private hire fleet at Sutton and M1435 painted into a "spotted cow" livery for an art exhibition. Some were also retained as driver trainers.

First CentreWest, First Capital and London United also reached the end with Metrobuses in normal service in 2003. Arriva London also continued using Metrobuses until these were finally displaced in 2002/03; however Arriva would operate the final Metrobus in London service (M1332) on the 121 in January 2006.

Some of the MCW Metrobuses were converted to open-top for use by The Original Tour. The last were withdrawn by December 2007. London Pride Sightseeing also had MCW Metrobuses, but these were sold to Ensignbus. By 2014, there were no MCW Metrobuses licensed for use in London.

West Midlands

Travel West Midlands Metrobuses MkIIs in Dudley in April 2006

The West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive and its successor, West Midlands Travel, also purchased significant numbers of Metrobuses (over 1,100), both MkI and MkII examples. The first order for five MCW Metrobuses was placed in 1977, with the first delivered in January 1978.

Fifty dual-purpose Metrobuses with high-back seats, were purchased in 1986. Many of these buses were converted to normal seated buses and continued in service until November 2008. They were mainly used on limited-stop services. Fourteen guided buses were delivered for route 65 (branded Tracline 65), which was the first guided bus system in the UK, although the experiment only lasted a couple of years. All of the 14 guided buses were converted for conventional use. However they were distinguishable by their dot matrix destination display and gap in the front wheel arch where the guidewheels had been fitted.

In early 1995 Marshall Bus of Cambridge were contracted to overhaul all of West Midland Travel's Metrobus fleet. This was the largest used bus overhaul programme in Europe at the time and Marshalls set up a dedicated business division and staff to handle it. Many unavailable parts had to be sourced and made to original patterns by the Marshall procurement team. A production line was established in one of Marshall's aircraft hangars and anything up to 30 Metrobuses could be found in work at some stage along the line. Duration of refurbishment of each bus was usually 2-3 per week. No powerline items were included with the result that original engines were simply put back in the overhauled buses as they were. This had the effect that as the vehicles were driven from the West Midlands to Marshalls at Cambridge and driven back once completed and frequently broke down. Over 600, mainly MkII, Metrobuses were overhauled with the contract terminated abruptly in 1999 due to lack of confidence in Marshall Bus over delays with WMT orders for new single deck buses.

The last Metrobuses were withdrawn from regular service in March 2010, being reduced to school services before their final withdrawal on 24 July 2010. A few were retained as driver training vehicles until 2017, however. In 2017 National Express West Midlands purchased a preserved 'Timesaver' example (D957 NDA, 2957) to add to its vintage hire fleet. National Express West Midlands (then Travel West Midlands) had previously sold this bus to a dealer in 2003. As a result, National Express West Midlands now owns a Metrobus for events and hire.

Greater Manchester

The GM Standard MCW Metrobus, preserved in its original GM Express livery

The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) initially ordered 190 MkI MCW Metrobuses which were delivered between 1979 and 1983, alongside an unfulfilled order of 15 out of 190 Leyland Titans. Five of the PTE's early Metrobuses would be sold to London Buses in 1987.

Around 1986, Northern Counties delivered 30 more MCW Metrobuses built with Manchester standard bodywork, intended for the 'Trans Lancs' 400 express service linking Bolton with Stockport.

West Yorkshire

The West Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and its successor Yorkshire Rider purchased over 100 Metrobuses, a majority of these being MkIIs. Some were bodied with Walter Alexander bodywork. Two MkIIs and two Alexander Metrobuses were sold to London Buses.

One MkII Metrobus was converted by Yorkshire Rider to operate as a demonstrator for a guided busway in Leeds. This made use of parts supplied from West Midlands Travel's guided busway Metrobuses.

South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) purchased a total of 170 MkI and MkII Metrobuses following comparative trials in 1979. These were delivered in five batches from 1980 to 1985, with some being specified with dual doors. These were joined by ten MkII Metrobuses in 1986 that were delivered with coach seats for 'Fastline' express work.

Also in South Yorkshire, Yorkshire Traction took delivery of twelve Metrobuses in 1986, an order initially placed when Yorkshire Traction were a National Bus Company subsidiary. These Metrobuses were unique in that they were built to a low height specification.

Other operators

Preserved Northern General Transport Company Metrobus MkII in May 2009

In Scotland, the Greater Glasgow Passenger Transport Executive and its successor Strathclyde Buses purchased 70 MkI, MkII and Alexander-bodied Metrobuses over from 1979 to the end of production in 1989. Metrobuses with Alexander bodywork proved popular with the Scottish Bus Group, with Midland Scottish taking on a total of 109 by 1986. Most of these would be transferred to Kelvin Scottish following the reorganisation of the SBG.

The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive bought five Metrobuses on evaluation in 1979. These were sold to London Buses in 1988, where they would become M1481-M1485; these would be the final Metrobuses to be acquired by London Transport before the privatisation of London Buses. Merseybus purchased 25 MkII Metrobuses in 1989 while also acquiring many second hand from privatised London operators. Fifteen Metrobuses, some with Alexander bodywork, were purchased new by the predecessor of Merseybus, Merseyside PTE.

Other municipal bus operators who bought Metrobuses included Kingston upon Hull City Transport, Leicester City Transport, Newport Transport and Reading Transport. The Metrobus also found sales to National Bus Company subsidiaries Maidstone & District and Northern General, with the former ordering two pairs of MkI Metrobuses with MCW and Rolls-Royce engines as part of NBC comparative trials in 1980.

Hong Kong

This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Early introductions

Preserved China Motor Bus Metrobus MkI MC6 in General Post Office, Hong Kong in January 2022

In Hong Kong, China Motor Bus (CMB) introduced 12 Metrobuses (MC1-MC12) in 1978 for its luxury coach services (which covered the routes between Repulse Bay, Stanley and the Central District). Within a year, MCW produced an 11-metre 2-axle version of Metrobus. Only 40 were produced for CMB in 1978/79, where they would be classified as MB1-MB40. They were used mostly on express and cross-harbour services. Both batches of CMB Metrobuses had MkI bodies.

1980s

Preserved China Motor Bus Metrobus MkII ML1 in George Street, Sydney in January 2007
Kowloon Motor Bus 3-axle MCW Metrobus MkII (11 m)

In 1981, MCW produced prototypes of 3-axle, 12-metre long "Super-Metrobuses". Two were purchased by CMB as ML1-ML2 and three by Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) as M1-M3, later renumbered 3M1-3M3. All were bodied with MCW MkII bodies. CMB purchased a further 82 (ML3-84) between 1983 and 1988, while KMB purchased 80 2-axle Metrobuses (M1-M80, with MkII bodies) between 1983 and 1985.

While KMB was not interested in the 12-metre version Super-Metrobuses, they did express their interest in an 11-metre 3-axle version (the CMB 11-metre version Metrobuses were 2-axle) with 254 11-metre 3-axle Metrobuses (S3M1-254) purchased between 1986 and 1989. Fifty of these buses were fitted with Cummins engines, and another one (later numbered S3M145) was originally fitted with a prototype Sutrak air-conditioning system on delivery in 1987, but this proved unreliable and was subsequently removed a year later.

Between 1987 and 1989, Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation (KCRC) also purchased 59 2-axle Metrobuses for their feeder bus services. 39 of them (101-139) were brand new with MkII bodies, while another 20 (140-159) were second-hand buses purchased from South Yorkshire PTE with MkI bodies, some of them with dual-doors.

Argos Bus purchased 6 Metrobuses for their non-franchised routes and private hire services between 1988 and 1989. They were from the same batch as those bought second-hand by KCRC.

KMB purchased eight further 2-axle Metrobuses (M81-M88) in 1989. These buses were fitted with Cummins LTA10-B282 (282 hp) engines and Voith D864G 4-speed gearbox, and were used on the hilly KMB Route 51 (between Tsuen Wan and Kam Tin, climbing Tai Mo Shan along its way). Later KMB fitted some of its older Metrobuses with Cummins engines, in order to avoid excess damage to buses running the hilly route.

Withdrawal

The Original Tour MCW Super Metrobus 12 m MkII in London in June 2011

The MkI second-hand Metrobuses were the first to be withdrawn, and all of them have since been scrapped. Many of the KCRC Metrobuses were loaned to Citybus for few years before final withdrawal.

CMB removed its MC-class Metrobuses from the luxury routes after introducing Dennis Darts for the service in 1991, preserving the seating layout. These Metrobuses were allocated to non-luxury routes in the Southern District, Hong Kong, as well as route 13 serving the "Mid-levels". Although CMB was the first to introduce Metrobuses, it withdrew only 3 of them (all were accident victims) before the end of its franchise in August 1998. Its earliest Metrobuses were 20 years old at that time. New World First Bus purchased all the remaining CMB Metrobuses and Super-Metrobuses when it took over most of the CMB routes, and converted 3 MC-class Metrobuses to training buses. In 2000, the last of the MCW Metrobuses were de-registered, briefly exported to The Original Tour, Big Bus Tours or to Australia. Some of the MCW Metrobuses were brought back to The Original Tour in the year 2006. As of 2013, the last of the examples from United Kingdom were withdrawn.

KMB allocated its 3 Super-Metrobuses to the New Territories for many years. For example, they were serving on route 61A (which connected Tuen Mun and Yuen Long new towns) right before the KCR Light Rail took over the services. After that, they were seen on route 36A (which connected a public housing estate in Kwai Chung to a ferry pier) until the route's decline in the mid-1990s. They spent a few further years as spare buses before being withdrawn from passenger service in 1996 and converted to training buses. They were finally sold and scrapped in 2001.

KMB started to withdraw its 2-axle Metrobuses in 1997. Some of them had their chassis damaged due to the fatigue caused during their service on the Tai Mo Shan KMB Route 51, which climbed to the highest altitude achievable by buses in Hong Kong. These were withdrawn by 2003. The 11-metre 3-axle Metrobuses in KMB were not withdrawn until summer 2002. KCRC also started to withdraw their Mark II Metrobuses in the early 2000s. The last 2-axle Metrobus in Hong Kong (KCRC 134) was withdrawn in October 2005.

The last Metrobus in Hong Kong (fleet number S3M233, license no. EH8559) ceased operation on 8 May 2007. As of mid-2011, no more Metrobuses were licensed and in use in Hong Kong.

End of production

Production of the Metrobus ceased in 1989 with the financial collapse of MCW. The last Metrobus built was West Midlands Travel 3124(G124FJW), it had a message from the builders stating that it was the last one built by MCW and signed by the staff on the inside of the roof.

The Metrobus design was purchased by Optare in 1990, which had recently joined the United Bus group with DAF Bus. Despite owning design and production rights, the two companies heavily reworked the design to produce a new vehicle, the DAF DB250 based Optare Spectra, which was launched in 1991 and ceased production in late 2006.

See also

References

  1. ^ Wharmby, Matthew (2009). The London Metrobus. Ian Allan Publishing. ISBN 978-0-7110-3377-1. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  2. ^ Wharmby, Matthew (2019). Last Years of the London Metrobus. Pen and Sword Transport. ISBN 978-1-52674-967-3. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  3. Wraps come off Metrobus Commercial Motor 11 February 1977
  4. Metrobus arrives in West Midlands Commercial Motor 20 January 1978
  5. First guided buses Commercial Motor 7 January 1984
  6. On the right track Commercial Motor 19 May 1984
  7. The former Birmingham (UK) Tracline 65 Kerb Guided Busway City Transport Info
  8. Peter Plisner (13 March 2008). "Last passenger trip for the West Midlands' Metrobus". BBC News. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  9. "Metrobus farewell" (Press release). Birmingham: National Express West Midlands. August 2010. Archived from the original on 30 December 2010. Retrieved 30 July 2018.
  10. "Bus Bash 2019" (PDF). National Express West Midlands. National Express Group. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  11. ^ Williams, Paul (15 September 2016). Manchester Buses. Amberley Publishing Limited. ISBN 978-1-4456-5315-0. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  12. ^ "Bodies to keep the world turning". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 22 November 1980. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  13. "YR tests bus scheme". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 27 July 1989. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  14. "S. Yorks deckers". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 22 September 1978. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  15. ^ "Bus fleet survey". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 7 December 1985. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  16. Hellewell, D.S. (July 1996). South Yorkshire's Transport, 1974-1995. Venture Publications. p. 69-73. ISBN 1-898432-33-3. Retrieved 12 October 2021.
  17. "Hopes fade for MCW workers". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 27 July 1989. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  18. "Fleet expansion in Merseyside". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 18 May 1989. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  19. The Bus Archive (October–November 2022). Stenning, Ray (ed.). "NBC trials". Classic Bus. No. 181. London: Best Impressions. pp. 30–34.
  20. "British buses in Hong Kong". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 26 May 1978. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  21. "Colonial Jumbobus". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 2 May 1981. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  22. "空調特別版Metrobus" [Air Conditioned Special Edition Metrobus]. Bus Focus (in Chinese). Hong Kong. 23 February 2016. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
  23. Metrobus future sealed Commercial Motor 12 October 1989
  24. Peck, Colin (15 July 2010). DAF Trucks Since 1949. Veloce Publishing Limited. p. 76-77. ISBN 978-1-8458-4260-4. Retrieved 26 August 2021.

External links

Media related to MCW Metrobus at Wikimedia Commons

Categories: