“A very stylish vehicle that turns a few heads!” is how Tim Gardner, managing director of Somerset independent operator WebberBus, describes their two new Optare Versa midibuses.

These are the first Versas to go on the road in the South West and are being used on WebberBus’s new hourly service running between Bridgewater -where the company is based - and Taunton.

“We were looking for a bus that was very modern in appearance and that would suit the route,” says Mr Gardner. “A short trial with Versa confirmed that this was the right model for us. It has plenty of power for the local terrain and is compact in size and exceptionally manoeuvrable. We also felt that its cutting-edge design, easy access and comfortable ride will help attract increased passenger numbers onto this service.

“We’ve had very good experience with three Solos we already operate and the fact that the Versa shares some common components with Solo was an important factor in our decision. We felt that it was a product that we knew and with which our drivers and fitters would easily become familiar. This has all helped to cement the long-term relationship that we’ve been building with Optare, who have a good understanding of our operation and our needs.”

As part of its policy of developing a common platform for its fleet of service buses, WebberBus has specified seat belts on the Versas. They are fitted with 38 Rescroft Defender 3 seats, of which 33 are belted and three are tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy bay.

Tim Gardner says that fitting seat belts was in response to passenger comments and particularly to concerns about the safety of children. “It also means that the vehicle can be integrated into other parts of our operation, such as school contracts and private hires,” he adds.

The comprehensive specification laid down by WebberBus includes Hanover Displays’ GPS driven Hanvox+ system, which provides next destination information by voice and by a 17 inch high definition TFT display inside the saloon. The vehicles also have a seven-camera Activ CCTV system, including external cameras facing forward and to the rear.

Power for the 11 metre Versas is from the six-cylinder Cummins ISBe Euro 4 engine. This is rated at 201 bhp (150 kW) and is matched to an Allison 2100 Series five-speed automatic transmission. Smooth retardation when approaching stops is provided by an integrated KLAM retarder activated automatically through the brake pedal and which reduces foundation brake wear and improves passenger comfort.

WebberBus is a family-run business which has been providing bus and coach transport in Somerset for around 60 years. Today it runs a 42-strong fleet ranging from minibuses to dedicated school buses and full-size luxury touring coaches. More information can be found on the company’s website www.webberbus.com

For further information please contact:
David Rowlands, Automotive PR. Tel: +44 (0)20 7494 8050.