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 Optare’s
new Versa midibus has recently entered service
with Arriva and is reported to be performing
well. Two are being operated by Arriva Shires
and Essex and a third is with Arriva Midlands.
Each
of the Versas seats 38 passengers on Esteban
Civic VO seats. One based at Arriva’s
Shrewsbury depot is being evaluated on the
436-437 hourly service that operates six days a
week between Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth. This is
a rural route of around 20 miles and is
subsidised by Shropshire County Council. It
takes in numerous small villages accessed by
narrow roads off the A458 trunk road.
Keith
Myatt of Arriva reports that the Versa is
proving to be well suited to the route.
“Drivers find it a pleasant vehicle to drive
and have commented particularly on its excellent
manoeuvrability. At 38 seats it has a good
passenger capacity and it meets the County
Council’s requirement for an easy access, low
floor bus. We are pleased to have the
opportunity to try out a new model on this
route.”
The
11 metre Versas are powered by the six-cylinder
Cummins ISBe engine. This is rated at 201 bhp
(150 kW) and features an integrated KLAM
proportional retarder activated automatically
through the brake pedal and which provides
smooth retardation when approaching stops as
well as reducing power consumption leading to
better fuel efficiency. An Allison 2100 Series
five-speed automatic transmission has been
specified.
A
new design of assault screen has been included
in the Versas. This improves driver visibility
and contributes to increased safety. Hanover LED
destination equipment is fitted with displays to
the front, nearside and rear and the bus has a
six camera CCTV system.
The
three Versas form part of an order for 37 Optare
buses being supplied to Arriva during 2007. The
other 34 vehicles are all Solos and include both
full-width and Slimline variants in three
different wheelbases - 8.1, 8.8 and 9.5 metres.
The variety of vehicles matches a wide range of
operating conditions from inter-urban trunk
routes to local town services and rural
networks.
All
the Solos in the current order are powered by
the Mercedes-Benz 904La engine. Both this engine
and the Cummins use SCR technology to meet the
Euro 4 clean emissions standard.
For
further information please contact:
Martin Hayes or David
Rowlands, Communications Advisors, 020 7949 8050
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