MCW Metrobus ML1

China Motor Bus (CMB), Hong Kong’s first motor bus company was formed in 1923. In 1933, the company received the exclusive bus franchise from the Government of Hong Kong to operate routes on Hong Kong Island. CMB’s poor service levels caused the HK Government to transfer 26 routes to Citybus in 1988. In February 1998 the government announced that CMB’s franchise would be terminated on 31 August and routes tendered or transferred to other operators.

The China Motor Bus MCW Metrobus numbered ML1 was the first ever tri-axle MCW Metrobus built by Metro-Cammell Weymann, in their Birmingham UK factory in 1981. It was also one of 2 prototypes before full production of the ML class for China Motor Bus. This bus was the first tri axle double decker to arrive in Hong Kong in 1981, together with second prototype ML2. These 12-metre long vehicles were known as "Super-Metrobus". In return, CMB purchased an additional 82 Super-Metrobuses (ML3-ML84) between 1983 and 1988.

The intent of these high capacity buses was to find a solution to cope with the rapidly increasing population of Hong Kong and the increase in demand for cross harbour tunnel bus services that linked Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. ML1 was passed on to New World First Bus on 1 September 1998 with the remains of the Hong Kong Island franchise. As promised by the new operator, all non air conditioned buses were to be withdrawn by 2000, which included ML1.

ML1 was purchased by Ensignbus in the UK together with the other 80 similar vehicles from the fleet. It formed part of a group of 40 which were shipped to Australia for a new life as private sighting buses, to cope with the demand from the 2000 Olympic Games held in Sydney. ML1 was then sent to Adelaide with it's roof retained. It was withdrawn in 2005 and subsequently purchased and restored back into CMB livery by a member of Sydney Bus Museum. It was donated to the Sydney Bus Museum in 2018.

Specifications:

Engine: Gardner 6LXCT, turbocharged 6-cylinder engine developing 230 horsepower.

Transmission: Voith D851 3-speed automatic transmission with hydraulic retarder

Brakes: Dual circuit positive air brakes with a spring applied parking brake.

Body:

Status:

Operational