Ashok Leyland’s subsidiary Optare wins another order for 37 electric DD buses

Optare launched a prototype in 2016 and following extensive trials in London and in a number of cities across the UK, the company launched its second-generation bus in 2018.

Chennai/UK - Ashok Leyland Ltd of Chennai, a subsidiary and flagship of the Hinduja Group has announced its UK subsidiary, Optare Plc of Shurton-in-Elmet in partnership with   Tower Transit Group Ltd of London has won the second order for 37 electric Optare Metrodecker double-deck buses from Metroline for operation of route 23 (Westbourne Park station - Hammersmith) and C3 (West Cromwell Road€ - Clapham Junction Station / the Falcon) in continuation the earlier order of 31 DD electric buses in 2018(covered in TBB INDIA NOV 2018)

Metrodecker electric bus was designed and built at Optare's facility in Sherburn, near Leeds. Optare launched a prototype in 2016 and following extensive trials in London and in a number of cities across the UK, the company launched its second-generation bus in 2018.

Tower Transit was awarded the contract for routes 23 and C3 by Transport for London in November 2019.

Mr. Vipin Sondhi, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland Ltd, said, "It is a matter of pride for us that our company has won its second order for the iconic double-decker buses, run on batteries, in London. These 37 Metrodecker EVs will save more than 1,800 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions well to wheel in each year of operation versus a Euro 6 bus."