Click on the links below for Optare's most recent press releases, with the option to download high resolution, print quality images.

21.04.08
Dual role for Nottingham City’s Solos
Nottingham City Council is making optimum use of its newest pair of Optare Solo low-floor buses by operating them in a dual role.

15.04.08
Optare Versa joins fast-growing Derbyshire fleet
Introduction into service on 1st April of an Optare Versa low-floor midibus takes the fleet size of fast-growing operator TM Travel to over 100, making it the largest independent operator in Derbyshire. 

02.04.08
Optare Soroco easy choice for easyBus
A further 15 Optare Soroco luxury minicoaches have been ordered by easyBus to support expansion of their high-frequency London express airport transfer service to include Gatwick as well as Stansted and Luton airports.  

31.03.08
Optare Versa proves ‘SpotOn’ in Blackburn
Transdev Lancashire United has put six Optare Versa low-floor midibuses into service in Blackburn as part of its new ‘SpotOn’ branded town centre services.

28.03.08
Optare Solo pleases passengers in Peterborough
Another Optare Solo has joined the now 11-strong service bus fleet of Peterborough City Council following positive comments about the model from passengers attending the annual Bus User Forum.

12.03.08
Business as usual as Optare agrees sale
The Board of Optare Holdings Ltd has today announced (12 March 2008) that it has reached agreement to sell the entire issued share capital of the Company to Jamesstan Investments Ltd, an investment company controlled by Roy Stanley, the successful North East based entrepreneur, for an undisclosed sum.

28.02.08
Solos are the first Optares for Newport Bus
Six Solo low-floor midibuses entering service with Newport Bus are the first Optare products to be operated by the Company.

18.02.08
Optare Versa enters service in the South West
“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.

11.02.08
Burnley debut for Optare’s stylish Versa
Optare’s stylish new Versa midibus has now entered service in the Lancashire Pennines with Transdev Blazefield’s Burnley and Pendle operation. Three of the 19 ordered by the Transdev subsidiary were handed over by Bob Coombes, Optare Group Managing Director, to Giles Fearnley, Blazefield’s Chief Executive, at a ceremony in Burnley on Thursday 07 February.

07.02.08
Optare Solo extends low-floor fleet
The acquisition of a seventh Optare Solo by North Wales operator GHA Coaches has further extended its low-floor accessible bus fleet, which now numbers 32 vehicles. An eighth Solo is on order for delivery later in the year.

30.01.08
Riviera route for Optare Alero
An Optare Alero 16-seater minibus is the choice of Torquay Dial-a-Bus for a route that involves narrow roads and lanes in and around the English Riviera town of Paignton.

23.01.08
Compact size of Solo SE suits Deeside service
A high frequency service around the town of Holywell on Deeside is being provided by an Optare Solo SE, which the operator says is ideal for the route.

16.01.08
Optares form backbone of renewed welfare fleet at Dudley MBC
Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has begun to take delivery of the first of 19 Optare buses which will form the backbone of its welfare transport fleet.

11.01.08
Optare and Mistral create new force in UK bus sales
Independent bus maker Optare and bus rental and retail specialists Mistral have reached agreement to create a new force in UK bus sales.

17.12.07
Optare Soroco adds further quality at Golden Boy
An Optare Soroco 16-seat luxury minicoach has joined the fleet of Hertfordshire operator Golden Boy Coaches in support of its strategy of constant improvement to the quality of its 34 strong fleet.

14.12.07
First Optare Versas enter service with Arriva
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.  

05.12.07
Solo selected for Dumfries ‘Ring ‘n’ Ride’
Lockerbie operator Houston Minicoaches has put an Optare Solo into service on a ‘Ring ‘n’ Ride’ contract with Dumfries and Galloway Council.

26.11.07
Optare Versa shows its style on airport shuttle
A new hourly shuttle service connecting Bournemouth International Airport with the town centre, Poole and Christchurch is being operated by an Optare Versa chosen for its robustness and stylish appearance.

22.11.07
Lochside route for new Solo
An Optare Solo new into service in Scotland is following a stunning scenic route between Helensburgh and Coulport that hugs the coastline of Gare Loch and Loch Long in Argyll and Bute.

20.11.07
Versa Hybrid will showcase super capacitor technology
Optare Group and Traction Technology (UK) Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding which will lead to the application of super capacitor technology to an Optare Versa hybrid prototype by March 2008.

07.11.07
Soroco offers super luxury from new executive travel firm
Newly established company JetLine Executive Travel Limited of Basingstoke have chosen a high-spec Optare Soroco with which to make their first venture into the luxury mini-coach market.

31.10.07
Toro meets needs of corporate market
A luxurious level of interior fit and finish and good build quality have led Midlands operator Thandi Coaches to add an Optare Toro 32-seat midi-coach to their growing fleet.

22.10.07
Stockton sticks with Solo after two year search
A thorough sweep of the market along with excellent reliability from Optare’s Solo model led Stockton Borough Council to replace two time-expired models with two new Solos when recently updating part of its welfare vehicle fleet.

17.10.07
Tempo gets vote of confidence
Operator confidence in the Optare Tempo, an attractive and low weight heavy duty single-decker, has been confirmed this month by four operators – Konectbus in Dereham, Norfolk Green of Kings Lynn, Express Motors of North Wales and Johnsons of Henley in Arden.

17.10.07
Trent chooses Optare again
Trentbarton Group has once again chosen Optare as its vehicle supplier. An order for seven Optare Solo midibuses, delivered to meet the company’s exacting time requirements, is now providing high standards of service for passengers.

16.10.07
Solo provides perfect platform for mobile information centre
A state-of-the-art, purpose-built mobile community and information centre based on the award-winning Optare Solo single-deck bus has entered service in South Wales.

12.10.07
Optare reports highly successful show
A significant number of orders and an ‘exceptional’ response to their new Solo SR model are reported by Optare following their attendance at Coach & Bus Live 2007.

10.10.07
Optare launches the new Solo SR
Optare, Britain’s independent bus and coach maker which is vying for No 2 position in the UK bus market, is using today’s Coach and Bus Live event at Birmingham’s NEC to launch an all new version of its market leading Solo midibus.  

10.10.07
Optare at Coach & Bus Live 2007
Leading British independent bus and coach company Optare has a major presence at Coach and Bus 2007 which opens at Birmingham’s NEC today.

04.10.07
Solo follows the Whisky trail
Bus services for the 3,500 inhabitants of the Hebridean island of Islay have been further improved by the introduction into service of a second Optare Solo by local bus company Islay Coaches.

28.09.07
Optare Soroco helps widen the market
An Optare Soroco 16-seat luxury minicoach is the new flagship of the 12-strong fleet of Herefordshire operator The Little Bus Company (Leo) Limited.

26.09.07
Optare Solo marks move into stage carriage work
The introduction of an Optare Solo into their 60-vehicle fleet has marked a move into stage carriage work for the first time by long-established Scottish coach operator Prentice Westwood.

20.09.07
Good service support leads to more Solos
Four new Solos have joined two already in service with James King Coaches of Kirkcowan to be used on local stage carriage work in a beautiful part of South West Scotland.

04.09.07
SlimLine Solo is the right size for country route
A third Optare Solo acquired by North Wales operator D Jones & Son has been put to work on a largely rural route connecting Wrexham with Chester.

24.08.07
Optare Soroco helps widen the market
The decision by Biggar operator Air & Golf Tour Links to put a new Optare Soroco II on the road has helped to open up their market, bringing wider business opportunities.

21.08.07
Award-winning company takes Toro for Highland adventures
Scotland’s leading youth travel company, Haggis Adventures, has added two Optare Toro luxury mini-coaches to its 13 vehicle fleet.

15.08.07
Optare Soroco is first small coach for Robin Hood
Long-established Staffordshire coach company Robin Hood Travel of Rudyard near Leek have taken a 19-seat Optare Soroco executive minicoach into their 13 vehicle fleet.

10.08.07
Solos are flagships of re-launched Connect 2 Wiltshire network
Ahead of the re-launch and re-branding in September of its Wigglybus demand-responsive local bus services as Connect 2 Wiltshire, the County Council has taken delivery of three Optare Solo SEs.

07.08.07
Compact size of Solo SE suits Somerset routes
Route restrictions, including some single track roads, led Somerset operator Nippy Bus Limited to choose the Optare Solo SE when recently in the market for a new bus.

26.07.07
Optare Bonito helps Acorn continue to grow
The recent addition to their fleet of an Optare Bonito 16-seat luxury minicoach is contributing to the continuing expansion of a family-run travel firm at Trelewis in the Welsh valleys.

23.07.07
Optare Soroco supports growth in Southampton
Continuing growth of their luxury minicoach private hire business has led Southampton company Panache Travel to add an Optare Soroco 19-seater to run alongside the Bonito 16-seater they bought two years ago.

09.07.07
Aberdeen adds another Alero
A second Optare Alero 16-seater minibus has been introduced onto the Aberdeen Dial-a-Bus service. The new vehicle was purchased with funding awarded by Nestrans to allow more people to access Dial-a-Bus and benefit from using the service.

03.07.07
easyBus chooses Optare Sorocos for express services
In a ground breaking order, easyBus - owned by Stelios, the serial entrepreneur and founder of the easyGroup of companies including easyJet - has chosen a fleet of Optare Soroco mini-coaches to expand and upgrade the high frequency, low cost express service between Central London and Stansted airport which started operating on 7 June 2007.

02.07.07
Optare Sorocos fill gap in luxury travel market
London’s largest operator of luxury coaches and chauffeur driven cars – Addison Lee plc – has added two Optare Soroco minicoaches to their corporate hire fleet.

22.06.07
Transdev owned Blazefield orders Optare’s new Versa
Transdev owned Blazefields’ Lancashire subsidiary is investing in a new fleet of Optare Versa 11 metre buses to further enhance its services in Burnley.

19.06.07
Orkney based Optare Solo is first SE in Scotland
The first Optare Solo SE compact, low-floor midibus to enter service in Scotland began its life with the longest journey that it’s ever likely to make – the 500 miles from Leeds to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands!

15.06.07
First Aleros in the Irish Republic
The first Optare Alero minibuses to enter service in the Republic of Ireland have joined the fleet of Clare Accessible Transport (CAT) in the west of the country.

12.06.07
Soroco joins five star tour firm fleet
Three luxuriously specified Optare Soroco minicoaches have entered service with Timberbush Tours, the specialist Scottish tours company recently awarded five stars by Scotland’s national tourism agency, Visit Scotland.

11.06.07
Alero provides rides through the park
An Optare Alero minibus acquired by Staffordshire County Council is providing transport for up to 100,000 visitors who come to the 900 acre Shugborough Historic Estate near Stafford each year.

30.05.07
New Solos increase capacity on growing Deeside service
Continued passenger growth on Flintshire County Council’s highly innovative and award-winning Deeside Shuttle home to work transport service has led to the addition of another two Optare Solos. The new pair brings the total number of vehicles on the service to 13.

17.05.07
Blackpool Solos are first with individual route colour scheme
Eight new Optare Solos now in service with Blackpool Transport Services are being utilised to upgrade and re-launch a former Urban Bus Challenge route as part of it’s incorporation into the well-established commercial Metro Coastlines branded network as Line 16.

03.05.07
Optare rebrands Unitec to reflect new customer-focused features
Optare today unveiled its rebranded Unitec after sales service organisation. A smart new look reflects considerable enhancements to the operation which are now live and providing further support for customers and their vehicles.

30.04.07
Optare invests in midi coach innovation
Optare’s ability to provide its midi coach customers with an outstanding range of products – substantially renewed in 2006 – is amply demonstrated at a special media event in Northampton today. Key members of the specialist media have the opportunity to drive several of the new models.

19.04.07
South West Coaches’ Solos offer silver service
Silver Service’ is the name of new bus services in Yeovil run by the local independent operator South West Coaches using four specially branded Optare Solos finished in a stylish two-tone metallic grey colour scheme.

18.04.07
Toro is tops for touring
Eight-day, privately-arranged tours of the Scottish Highlands and Islands that take place throughout the year will be part of the regular work of an Optare Toro executive midicoach that’s just entered service with Shropshire operator Sargeants of Hodnet.

03.04.07
Danish delight
Optare continued their progress into mainland Europe with further sales achieved as they exhibited with their appointed dealer, MCM Karrosseri A/S at the Transport 2007 show, held in Herning, Denmark (March 28th to April 1st).

29.03.07
Warwickshire expands its ‘Accessible Solo’ fleet
The arrival of four new Optare Solo low-floor buses marks a further stage in Warwickshire County Council’s programme of progressive replacement of its welfare vehicle fleet with purpose-built, low-floor accessible buses.

26.03.07
Optare appoints further Regional Sales Manager
Optare has added a further Regional Sales Manager to its team committed to selling its range of bus products. Charles Waggott will be taking responsibility for sales to operators in the east of England.

12.03.07
Tempo takes off at Leeds Bradford Airport
Optare Leeds bus manufacturer Optare has made a further move into the market for airport ‘airside’ transfer buses with the sale of Tempo to its local airport, Leeds-Bradford International.

09.03.07
Optare Soroco Plus auto performs well in St Albans
A luxuriously specified Optare Soroco Plus minicoach is helping Blake Travel of St Albans to grow its high-quality corporate hire business.

06.03.07
Konectbus take two more Tempos for new Norwich service
A pair of Optare Tempos recently acquired by Konectbus Limited are operating on a new service linking a large new housing development on the west of Norwich with the city centre.

28.02.07
Toro is the right size for TW Coaches
Devon operator TW Coaches has introduced an Optare Toro into its 17-vehicle fleet because at 32 seats it’s the optimum size to meet a wide range of work.

20.02.07
Solo suits rural routes in Herefordshire
Herefordshire operator Yeomans Canyon Travel has put another Optare Solo into service following good experience with the model in its 38-vehicle fleet. This latest addition brings the number of Solos now in service with the Hereford based group to 18.

14.02.07
Solo proves versatile in town and country
A pair of Optare Solos in service with Metrobus Limited – part of the Go-ahead Group – and operating out of their Orpington depot are making easy work of a largely rural route that also takes them in and out of town.

13.02.07
Style comes as standard
The shape of Optare’s bus range for 2007 – the all new Versa flanked by the enhanced Solo and increasingly popular Tempo. All are available with a choice of SCR and EGR Euro 4 engines and a range of power ratings, axle ratios and transmissions to match every type of service application giving Optare customers a comprehensive choice of specification to meet their needs.

06.02.07
Optare Alero proved the ‘best of the bunch!’
When looking for a replacement for one of their two minibuses, Pershore Volunteer Centre carried out a thorough sweep of the market resulting in an intensive in-service trial of three makes.

31.01.07
Reliable performance makes Solo a natural choice
The reliable performance of Optare Solos in service with Flintshire operator P & O Lloyd Limited has led to the company recently buying its fifth.

30.01.07
Second Solo wins German friends
Optare’s quest to secure sales on the Continent has received a significant boost with the decision by Vineta Verkehrsgesellschaft GmbH of Kiel, Germany to order a second Solo.

26.01.07
Mistral Orders 110 Optare Solo for 2007
Bus rental and sales specialist, Mistral Group, have placed their largest ever order with Leeds based bus manufacturer Optare.

19.01.07
‘Highly significant’ trent barton order for Tempos and Solos
An order – described as ‘highly significant’ - has been won by Leeds-based manufacturer Optare from East-Midlands-based trent barton.

19.01.07
Optare becomes a partner in Capoco’s mobilicity project
Leading independent bus maker Optare has become a partner in Capoco’s pioneering driverless bus project – the mobilicity PPT system.

19.01.07
Optare Toro is the optimum earner
A 28-seat Optare Toro executive minicoach new into service with Lincolnshire operator Hodson Coaches Limited replaces a similar sized Nouvelle that has been the best earner in the fleet.

16.01.07
Optare Soroco opens avenues for new business
An Optare Soroco Plus luxury minicoach recently acquired by Rendezvous Travel is opening up new business opportunities for the Norwich-based family firm.

16.01.07
Soroco Plus provides super luxury for Stobart Air passengers
A luxuriously appointed Optare Soroco Plus minicoach is providing high quality transport for VIP and corporate clients of Stobart Air Limited – a new venture within the Carlisle-based Eddie Stobart transport group.

12.01.07
Tempos bring added comfort to airport parking service
A pair of Optare Tempo heavy-duty, low-floor buses are being operated by Airport Parking & Hotels Ltd (www.aph.com) as part of its ongoing and proven strategy of providing the highest quality of customer service.

09.01.07
Optare and Allison sign two-mode hybrid agreement
The Optare Group and GM Allison Transmissions have signed an agreement under which Britain’s leading independent bus maker will be the first UK producer to offer Allison’s revolutionary new hybrid transmission system which offers lower emissions, higher fuel efficiency, strong reliability and ease of packaging.

08.01.07
NABI turnaround recognition for Russell Richardson
The role of Russell Richardson, Optare’s founding Chairman and acknowledged bus industry strategist, in saving its previous parent North American Bus Industries Rt from collapse has been recognised by the Society of Turnaround Professionals (STP).

05.01.07
Bus & Coach Buyer. In service report page 1. Jan 07 (pdf - 465kb)

05.01.07
Bus & Coach Buyer. In service report page 2. Jan 07 (pdf - 533kb)

05.01.07
Bus & Coach Buyer. In service report page 3. Jan 07 (pdf - 426kb)

05.01.07
Bus & Coach Buyer. In service report page 4. Jan 07 (pdf - 405kb)

05.01.07
Bus & Coach Buyer. In service report page 5. Jan 07 (pdf - 483kb)

03.01.07
Optare brings a personal touch to Solo specification
When it came to choosing the interior colour scheme for their new – and first – Optare Solo, three generations of the Hanson family had a say.

12.12.06
Solos go into orbit in Preston
Seventeen Optare Solos have been acquired by Preston Bus to operate a new orbital service around and into the City of Preston.

01.12.06
Solo is helping build demand in Bideford
The use of Optare Solos on a town centre service in Bideford is clearly contributing to growth in demand, according to operator Beacon Bus.

27.11.06
Solo takes the cheese in Somerset
An Optare Solo owned by a local authority and run by a leading Bristol operator is providing much-needed services to people living in Cheddar – the Somerset village famous for its spectacular gorge and its world-famous cheese.

23.11.06
Solo is first for private operator in Northern Ireland
The first Optare Solo to enter service on contract stage carriage work with a private operator in Northern Ireland is being used on a town centre service in Portadown.

21.11.06
Tempo trio for new cross border service
Three Optare Tempos have entered service with long-established operator Tanat Valley Coaches on a 46-mile route that connects Llanidloes in Powys with Shrewsbury in Shropshire. They are the first Optare products to enter service with the 60-vehicle family firm.

17.11.06
Soroco is the ultimate for Travelgreen
For Doncaster operator Travelgreen Coaches Limited the latest addition to their fleet is yet another Optare Soroco 16-seat minicoach. This is now the fifth the company has bought since it took its first in 1999 and is currently one of two in the five-strong fleet.

16.11.06
Soroco lets passengers stretch their legs
Extra legroom in Optare’s Soroco NT 16-seat luxury minicoach was a key feature that led to Brookline Corporate Travel of Kenilworth adding one to their 15-vehicle fleet.

16.11.06
New Solo results in all low-floor fleet
The first bus operator in Oxfordshire to run an entirely low-floor fleet has completed the change with the purchase of a new Optare Solo.

10.11.06
Optare at Euro Bus Expo – Highlights
Bob Coombes, Optare Group Managing Director, announces the arrival of the spectacular new Optare Versa.

07.11.06
The Optare Versa – with built in appeal for both passengers and operators
The Optare design team behind the new Versa midibus unveiled today at Euro Bus Expo, set out to produce a new vehicle with strong appeal for passengers and operators alike.

07.11.06
Optare to be first UK user of Allison’s two-mode hybrid system
The Optare Group, Britain’s leading independent bus maker, is to be the first UK producer to offer a revolutionary new hybrid transmission system which offers lower emissions, higher fuel efficiency, strong reliability and ease of packaging.

07.11.06
Stagecoach places £9M order for 100 new buses
Stagecoach Group plc announced today (7 November 2006) that it has placed an £9 million order for 100 new state-of-the-art buses for its regional bus operations in the UK.

06.11.06
Silverline expands with more Solos
The purchase of three more Optare Solo low-floor midibuses has continued the expansion into buses of Solihull executive travel company Silverline LandFlight Limited.

06.11.06
Alero Plus takes the ‘Road to the Isles’
Some of the most spectacular scenery in the world is what passengers are enjoying as they travel on an Optare Alero Plus minibus that has just entered service in the Scottish Highlands.

02.11.06
Bus & Coach Buyer, Versa launch coverage page one (pdf - 565kb)

02.11.06
Bus & Coach Buyer, Versa launch coverage page two (pdf - 809kb)

02.11.06
routeONE, Versa launch coverage page one (pdf - 1085kb)

02.11.06
routeONE, Versa launch coverage page two (pdf - 1181kb)

02.11.06
routeONE, Versa launch coverage page three (pdf - 338kb)

01.11.06
Coach & Bus Week, Versa launch coverage page one (pdf - 560kb)

01.11.06
Coach & Bus Week, Versa launch coverage page two (pdf - 617kb)

01.11.06
Coach & Bus Week, Versa launch coverage page three (pdf - 516kb)

25.10.06
Introducing the Optare Versa – bridging the gap in the Optare bus range
An all new midibus – the Optare Versa – is set to be the surprise star of the Euro Bus Expo event at Birmingham’s NEC when it opens on 7 November 2006. The Show stopping vehicle is a prototype unit; production models will be entering service in the second quarter of 2007.

25.10.06
New look Optare midi coach range sets the standard at Euro Bus Expo
A new look Optare coach range – featuring two new models – makes its first public appearance at Euro Bus Expo at Birmingham’s NEC from 7 November.

25.10.06
Record Optare Show line-up - debuts new models
An unprecedented line-up of eight vehicles will greet visitors to Optare’s display at next month’s Euro Bus Expo event at Birmingham’s NEC. The exhibits – which include a brand new midibus and two new midi coaches – are so large that Optare has had to take two adjacent stands to give enough room for them all.

17.10.06
Optare’s Solo bewitches in Burnley
An area of Lancashire once infamous for witches (see Editors Note) is the operating ground for a trio of Optare Solos that have just entered service with Tyrer Bus of Nelson.

12.10.06
Alero Plus ensures a level playing field for all
Scottish community transport service Buckie Accessible Bus Scheme has become the latest operator of Optare’s new Alero Plus accessible minibus.

09.10.06
Alero Plus is non-plussed by hills and dales
An Optare Alero Plus in service with K-Line of Honley in West Yorkshire is already proving that it can cope well with the severe hills and dales of the Pennines.

09.10.06
Optare’s Soroco and Toro combine style with discretion
Leading Hertfordshire operator Mullany’s Coaches have introduced two Optare mini-coaches into their 40-strong fleet to further expand the corporate hire side of their business.

02.10.06
Solo on demand in Scotland
The continuing growth of long-established Scottish bus operator West Coast Motors has led to the addition of another Optare Solo to its 120-vehicle fleet.

14.09.06
Optare demonstrates ‘unique’ Euro 4 flexibility
Optare has demonstrated its ‘unique’ ability to offer its customers a totally free choice of technologies to meet the new Euro 4 emissions legislation which comes into effect for new vehicles registered after 1 October this year.

14.09.06
First outing for Optare’s Solo SE
Specialist journalists attending a media event in Rotherham on 14th September had their first opportunity to try Optare’s new Solo entry model – the Solo SE.

08.09.06
Solos show flexibility in central Scotland
A pair of Optare Solo low-floor buses in service with Jay Coach Travel Limited of Airdrie in central Scotland are proving highly flexible for both ‘on-demand’ and scheduled local town services.

07.09.06
Stylish Solos follow the Fosse Way
One of England’s oldest family-run bus and coach company has put three Optare Solos into service on a route that follows one of the country’s most ancient roads, the Fosse Way.

06.09.06
More power for the valleys from new Solo
An Optare Solo new into service with Abertillery operator Henley’s Bus Services is proving to have plenty of power to cope with the demanding terrain of the South Wales valleys.

05.09.06
Long distance luxury from Optare Tempos
The success of Optare’s Tempo heavy-duty, low-floor bus on long distance operations in mid and South Wales has led Ceredigion County Council to acquire two more to a luxurious specification.

30.08.06
The long and the short is that good performance wins Solo orders
Good performance of Optare’s Solo model in its 260-vehicle fleet has led Dunn-Line Group to place orders for a further 20. This is their first major vehicle purchase since the company became part of Veolia in April this year. Four Optare Tempos have also been ordered.

24.08.06
Optare Alero is base for new youth club
When the London Borough of Redbridge was looking for a vehicle on which to base a mobile youth centre it found the Optare Alero low-floor bus to be the ideal choice.

22.08.06
New Solera makes three in a row for Hunters
Excellent reliability and simple but stylish looks are the two main reasons why Alloa operator Hunters Executive Coaches has recently chosen to buy its third Optare Solera.

24.07.06
Devon delight at Solo
For their first venture into daily stage carriage operation Devon company TW Coaches has chosen a pair of Optare Solos. They are operating a six-days a week, 45-minute frequency service between Lynton, Lynmouth and Barnstaple on the North Devon coast.

19.07.06
Optare Bonito makes debut at Pinewood
An Optare Bonito new into service with Paul’s Private Hire of Langley in Buckinghamshire is already enjoying a glamorous life in film and theatreland.

14.07.06
Optare Sorocos form quiet quartet
A new Optare Soroco NT 16-seat executive minicoach in service with Brownes Minibus Hire of Hillingdon is now the fourth of this model in the company’s 30 vehicle fleet.

06.07.06
Gold rating for Optare Nouvelle
An Optare Nouvelle newly acquired by Watford operator Reynolds Diplomat has been given a top rating by becoming part of the company’s ‘gold’ fleet. The 33 seater will run alongside full-size luxury coaches on a range of prestigious corporate hire work.

04.07.06
Optare employees awarded for support of Barnardos
Optare, the UK bus manufacturer has been awarded a Gold Certificate for payroll giving in recognition of the £36,000 the company has raised for children’s charity, Barnardos.

03.07.06
Stagecoach take their 250th Solo
A ceremony to mark the delivery of a rather special Optare Solo to Stagecoach took place at the Interchange in Chorley, Lancashire, town centre on 30th June 2006. The 24 seat vehicle was the 250th Solo to be bought directly by the company since it took its first one back in August 2001.

03.07.06
Easy parking with Optare Solos
Six more Optare Solos are helping ease the travel stress on frequent flyer businessmen and women by providing a fast link between a car park and terminals 1, 2 and 3 at Heathrow Airport.

27.06.06
Optare Soroco delivers the plus factor
With 22 seats the Optare Soroco Plus minicoach that entered service earlier this year with Bessway Travel of Perivale is proving to be the ideal size.

26.06.06
Optare Tempo brings increased capacity
A 42 seat Optare Tempo has been acquired by Nottinghamshire operator Marshalls of Sutton on Trent to provide increased capacity for a tendered service that is to be extended later in the year.

21.06.06
Familiar driveline leads Safeguard to Tempo
A low-floor, heavy-duty Optare Tempo single-decker has entered service in Guildford with long established local operator Safeguard Coaches Limited. The decision to buy the Tempo was based on good experience with Optare Excels, of which the company runs three.

16.06.06
Optare Solo SE: where access really matters
Optare’s ability to go on expanding its hugely successful Solo range of ultra-low floor midibuses has perhaps reached its ultimate expression today with the introduction of the new Solo SE, a compact, highly manoeuvrable and low-cost entry model which is shorter than any previous Solo.

16.06.06
Solo goes Dutch
Following the Optare Group’s Scandinavian success, with deliveries of ten low-floor Solo buses to Danish operators during 2005, the company has won another significant sale in mainland Europe for this award winning vehicle.

16.06.06
Optare Solera carries only high flyers
A luxuriously appointed Optare Solera, new to the fleet of CCH Aviation Logistics of West Drayton, Middlesex, is dedicated to moving long-haul aircrews between Heathrow and other airports to local and London hotels.

12.06.06
Optare Soroco meets higher customer expectations
Rising expectations from passengers to be carried in more comfort led South Wales operator Thomas Brothers of Llangadog in Carmarthenshire to choose an Optare Soroco when recently in the market for a new minicoach.

06.06.06
First Tempo in Scotland helps raise the standard
The first Optare Tempo heavy-duty, low-floor bus to enter service in Scotland has joined the 33-vehicle fleet of Hamilton operator Henderson Travel.

01.06.06
New accessible bus fleet for Warwickshire
Warwickshire is set to become the country’s market leader in transport for people with disabilities following the acquisition of a fleet of 13 new wheelchair accessible Optare Solo buses by Warwickshire County Council.

01.06.06
New Nouvelle makes a matching pair!
Devon operator TW Coaches were so impressed with the metallic blue paint finish on their new Optare Nouvelle SR3 midi-coach that they had their existing two-year-old Nouvelle repainted to match.