Optare Metroriders Double Querie

[VTPreston_Tez]

Are there any left in operation or preservation? They used to be my main bus and I really miss them.

Secondly, does anyone have any pictures of Metroriders (or even Solos) that say '29' or '30' on the front operating with Preston Bus? They no longer operate and I would like to see them again.

 

[rownd]

Are there any left in operation or preservation? They used to be my main bus and I really miss them.

Classic Bus NW in Blackpool have former Blackpool Transport P502UFR. It's supposedly the spare bus, but it's been out fairly frequently of late on route 22.

Peoplesbus in Liverpool had a couple of ex-Preston examples back when I lived there about four years back, usually used on the Hightown runs. They might still have them - they're quite enthusiast friendly so a phone call or email would answer that.

 

[OMGitsDAVE]

There used to be a whole fleet in Stockton-on-Tees, used for the 7 to Yarm usually. Absolutely awful buses - boneshakers!

Not sure if there's still any left there, mind.

 

[CC 72100]

Are there any left in operation or preservation? They used to be my main bus and I really miss them.

Secondly, does anyone have any pictures of Metroriders (or even Solos) that say '29' or '30' on the front operating with Preston Bus? They no longer operate and I would like to see them again.

My school bus would occasionally be an Optare Metrorider - F160 FWY or something like that I seem to remember. http://www.flickr.com/photos/27379847@N06/5635224251/

Oh sorry, that's actually an Optare StarRider being driven by one (well what used to be) of our normal school bus drivers, we called him 'Shades man'

 

[martinsh]

Are there any Metroriders left in operation or preservation? They used to be my main bus and I really miss them.
.

You're in luck. To see a Metrorider in service you need go no further than Blackpool. I saw one today with Classic Bus North West running service 22 to Mereside - unfortunately I can't find out anything else about this route , and the Classic Bus website doesn't mention it.

 

[trentside]

We used to have a whole fleet around here with RoadCar, plus some ex-West Midlands examples with Dunn-Line (later Veolia). I always preffered them to the Veolia Mercedes Varios and Optare StarRiders (on the Merc 811D chassis - both RoadCar and Veolia having some). I believe all were scrapped on leaving service.

 

[bluegoblin7]

You're in luck. To see a Metrorider in service you need go no further than Blackpool. I saw one today with Classic Bus North West running service 22 to Mereside - unfortunately I can't find out anything else about this route , and the Classic Bus website doesn't mention it.

http://www.catch22bus.co.uk

The service is nominally run with low-floor second-hand Dennis Darts, the Metrorider being a 'spare' bus when others are unavailable - it also appears on SeaFront 12 from time to time.

See also http://railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=71732 where some comment has been passed by the LTT, who are connected with CBNW.

Jack

 

[martinsh]

the latest issue of Route One magazine has a feature on Compass Buses in Worthuing, and states that they still have two Metroriders in use (though not for long).

Also a feature on the CVE Omni that is still running for Empress Coaches !!

 

[VTPreston_Tez]

I'll definitely do the Blackpool and Liverpool Metrorider bashes soon.

 

[Tomonthetrain]

I think they have one in Motherwell (they did last year when i was up there!)

 

[martinsh]

You're in luck. To see a Metrorider in service you need go no further than Blackpool. I saw one today with Classic Bus North West running service 22 to Mereside - .

And here's the photo to prove it

 

[VTPreston_Tez]

And here's the photo to prove it

That's right where the 68 & 61 stop as well, both stop outside my house pretty much. Fantastic news, will go to Blackpool some time then.
Any down south within a few miles of London?

 

[martinsh]

GHA still have at least one Metrorider - see photo taken a few weeks ago in Nantwich. Was being used as a staff bus at the time, but I'm sure their operations manager will put it on service for you if you ask nicely !!

 

[pjnathanail]

I believe Gills Travel have one in Nottingham, usually seen on service 8 or 9 but that is a bit of a trek!