An order – described as ‘highly significant’ - has been won by Leeds-based manufacturer Optare from East-Midlands-based trent barton.

The significance of the order – which calls for the delivery of 16 Optare Tempo full size single deck buses and 7 Solo midibuses – lies both in the specification of the vehicles and their innovative use. trent barton will be announcing further details of its route plans shortly but Optare is able to unveil the ultra high specification called for. These include:

• Mercedes Benz Euro 4 engine linked to the Allison T310R automatic gearbox
• High-back leather seating
• Double glazing
• Air conditioning
• GPS audible and visual passenger information systems
• Colour-coordinated interior using a new range of materials and finishes to match with the external livery
• Electronic LED side and rear destination and route with a large front power operated manual blind supplied by Mobitec

trent barton Managing Director Brian King said that the new buses would underpin the company’s continuing commitment to product development and refreshment of product life cycles. In some cases the new intake is expected to replace front-line vehicles under five years old:

“Like many of its Optare predecessors, the Tempo has proved popular with customers, who praise it for its clean lines, spacious layout, ride quality and absence of rear-facing seats. Such customer focus is a critical ingredient of our development strategy”, said Mr King.

Often described as ‘fiercely independent’, trent barton is a much-awarded company, known for its innovation, branding, high profile marketing and modern fleet. It was an early adopter of the Tempo – taking the first six vehicles into service when the model was introduced.

“We’re highly delighted to be working in partnership with trent barton again and to be chosen to deliver exceptional riding conditions for their passengers. We’re certain that both the Tempo and Solo together with trent barton’s operating flair and ingenuity will deliver market leading passenger appeal, just what is needed in the modal change required to win passengers from the car to the bus”, said Bob Coombes, Optare’s Group Managing Director.

For further information please contact:

Optare
Martin Hayes, Communications Advisor, +44 (0) 207 494 8050

trent barton
Melvyn Hopwood, Head of Communications +44 (0) 1773 536313