Quality Line, the bus operating division of Epsom Coaches Group has taken delivery of a fleet of 12 new Optare MetroCity buses to operate along its S1 London route.
The Quality Line bus fleet is now made up of 80% Optare vehicles and the new 9.9m 2 door MetroCity buses are to full TfL specification. This marks the largest order so far of the new MetroCity bus for Optare and the first Optare Euro 6 vehicles to enter service in London.
The twelve – strong fleet of MetroCity buses were specified with 115 kW Euro 6 Mercedes Engines, and Allison 2100 5th generation gearboxes.
Epsom Coaches made the decision to introduce MetroCity into its fleet following a comprehensive evaluation of the model on some of its most demanding routes, which showed the vehicle to be ideally suited to intensive urban operations and to deliver exceptional fuel efficiency.
Steve Whiteway, Managing Director, Epsom Coaches, said: “Quality Line prides itself in providing high standards of customer care throughout our network of modern well-maintained buses, so the new Euro 6 MetroCity with its stylish modern look long along with easy access and a bright airy feel inside the saloon seemed like the perfect choice.”
Tim Matthews, UK Retail Sales Manager, Optare, said: “I am delighted that Epsom Coaches chose Optare once again to add to their Quality Line fleet and look forward to our continued relationship.”
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The next milestone in Nottingham’s electric bus project was marked on 12th June 2014 at Queens Drive Park and Ride when Transport Minister Baroness Kramer visited the site.
The visit marked the electric bus network’s extension onto the Medlink service and the establishment of the Queens Drive Park & Ride site as a demonstration ‘Eco Hub’.
The first stage of the electric bus project has successfully operated for over a year, with four fully electric Optare buses used on Centrelink, operated by Trent Barton from Broadmarsh Bus Station, and four electric buses used on the Locallink services run by Nottingham Community Transport.
This latest stage of the project sees a further £5 million to put 17 Optare electric buses into operation by Community Transport on Medilink followed by further Locallink services in autumn 2014.
The final stage will see another 11 Optare electric buses on the high frequency Citylink Park and Ride services to the city centre in autumn 2015.
Medilink Electric is a partnership between Nottingham City Council, Nottingham Community Transport and the Nottingham NHS Health Trust. It provides a free accessible bus service, serving the City Hospital and Queens Medical Centre via two Park & Rides sites, running every 10 minutes, linking the Ring Road with the tram and several key bus services. It currently takes over 1.26 million passengers per year, using up to 10 buses in the peak.
The Queens Drive Eco Hub is being developed as a live demonstration centre for all forms of integrated sustainable transport. As well as electric bus park and ride services, it now has cycle hire and secure storage, cycle training, a new footpath linking the site to the River Trent, car charging points, an Asda home delivery collection point and a brand new wooden visitors’ centre. It is hoped to further develop the Hub in the future to include electric car hire and demonstration days, electric bike hire and even an electric ferry to Trent Bridge.
A brand new electric charging operating base has also been established at the Eco Hub, partially funded the Government’s Plugged-in Places Programme. This has 27 overnight chargers and three daytime fast chargers. Together with charging equipment also installed at Broadmarsh Bus Station and bus operator depots, this gives a network of over 60 chargers, which will be increased by a further 20 over the next year.
The project is jointly funded by the Department for Transport’s Green Bus Fund and the City Council’s Workplace Parking Levy and LSTF, with the whole project costing around £14m.
The extended electric bus network will make a significant contribution to the Council’s commitment to reduce CO2 emissions between 2015 – 2026 by 26%. In addition, this project is projected to make annual fuel savings of nearly £1m a year over the next three years. Unlike many other local authorities, this should enable this contracted network of service to be maintained without any significant cuts.
Cllr Jane Urquhart, Portfolio Holder for planning and transportation at Nottingham City Council, accompanied Baroness Kramer on the visit. She said: “This is a welcome addition to our Medilink fleet of buses, which ensure that local residents are provided with free public transport to access vital medical links. We have award winning public transport in Nottingham and a strong commitment to the environment. These buses will help us continue leading the way in efficient, greener transportation. The use of electric buses has already helped to reduce noise and improve air quality in the city. The use of electric buses will be expanded across the city, taking the total number of electric buses in Nottingham to 50 by September 2015, making our electric fleet one of the largest in Europe.”
Photos with thanks to Neil Hoyle.
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The UK’s top Park&Ride (P&R) service has officially opened two new sites today, including a fully electric P&R fleet at the new Poppleton Bar site.
In partnership with First, the new sites will further increase York’s successful portfolio to six P&R sites – making this one of the largest Park&Ride services in the UK.
The £22.7 million pound project – 70 per cent part funded by the government – has been created in partnership with contractors Balfour Beatty and designers CH2M Hill to develop a new Park&Ride at Poppleton Bar and a larger facility near to the previous Askham Bar Park&Ride.
Congestion levels along the routes into the city centre will be cut by increasing the parking capacity to 1,100 vehicles at Askham Bar and introducing a new 600-vehicle facility at Poppleton Bar, and by offering free parking and low price 15-minute journeys into York. Major improvements are also being made to the A59/A1237 roundabout to help alleviate congestion.
Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “It is great to see joined up journeys in action in York. These cycle-friendly Park&Ride schemes, supported by green buses, will bring significant environmental benefits to the city. They will also help boost growth by reducing congestion and making the city centre more accessible. We are happy to support these schemes which help deliver the government’s long-term economic plan.”
Cllr David Levene, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The £22.7m project represents one of the largest single investments in York’s transport infrastructure since the northern ring road was built in the 80s. This has been our stated priority for the last three years and builds on our existing portfolio of Park&Rides sites. This is critical for York’s future economic prosperity and environmental wellbeing and we are delighted to be delivering this major improvement today.”
Eddie Tribe, North East Delivery Unit Managing Director, Balfour Beatty said; “It is a great pleasure to hand over these fantastic new Park&Ride sites to City of York Council. Working closely with our customer, these challenging projects were successfully completed in heavily trafficked areas, with Askham Bar having the additional challenge of being constructed on a reclaimed landfill. These new Park&Ride sites will ease congestion and provide people with improved journeys into York city centre.”
Local business Optare was procured to manufacture the new electric buses and the new sites will continue to be operated by First bus.
Ben Gilligan, managing director of First in York, said: “First is proud to operate the successful Park&Ride service in partnership with City of York Council. As a member of the York Quality Bus Partnership, First works closely with partners to provide public transport that supports communities and the local economy. The investment by First of nearly £1m in these new Optare Versa Electric Vehicles in York demonstrates our commitment to improving the quality of life by lowering air emissions & congestion and offering low-carbon travel options.
“We look forward to welcoming customers on board from the new Poppleton Bar and improved Askham Bar sites and join the increasing number of people who are travelling on First buses in York.”
Enrico Vassallo, CEO of Optare PLC, said: “York Park&Ride is yet another example that electric vehicles, the introduction of which Optare has pioneered in the UK, have a place in the public transport system. We are particularly proud to be able to contribute to the local economy by supplying buses that are running on routes local to where they are manufactured in Sherburn in Elmet near York.
“Optare’s electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, with orders so far this year totalling 34 vehicles. The new vehicles for York will be in addition to another Optare electric vehicle already operating at the University of York on the campus shuttle service and other Optare electric vehicles already in service in Harrogate, Scotland, Nottingham, Coventry, London, Heathrow Terminal 5, Switzerland and Holland, bringing the total of Optare electric vehicles currently in service to 59.
“The vehicles are proving reliable, resulting in lower maintenance costs, and running costs are significantly lower than an equivalent diesel engine bus. Payback on the additional cost of an EV is well within the lifetime of the vehicle and technological developments that have increased the range that an EV can achieve make them commercially viable across a wider spread of operations”
To position York as one of the best digitally connected cities in Europe by 2015, all six Park&Ride terminals and on-board services across the city are set to get free Wi-Fi. This follows on from the success of the free Wi-Fi access pilot in the city centre.
For more details visit www.itravelyork.info/buses
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Cllr James Lewis, Chair of the new West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee has visited Optare’s bus manufacturing plant in east Leeds, where seven new AccessBus vehicles are to be built.
At its last meeting at the end of March, the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority’s Executive Board agreed expenditure to buy seven Solo SE buses from Optare for Metro’s dial-a-ride AccessBus service.
AccessBus provides door-to-door transport for people across West Yorkshire who have difficulty accessing conventional public transport. Destinations include local shops and facilities and all vehicles are low-entry, easy access minibuses fitted with the most up-to-date safety equipment.
People with limited mobility use AccessBus services to make 550,000 journeys each year.
The current AccessBus fleet is made up of 26 Optare Solo buses and eight Mercedes Mellor Sprinter van conversions. Purchased in 2006, the Mellor Sprinters needed to be replaced due to increasing maintenance costs. When Metro invited tenders for the replacement vehicles, the best tender was received from Optare for the provision of seven more Solo vehicles.
Visiting the factory, Cllr Lewis said, “I am glad that the order for these new vehicles, which will provide a vital lifeline for people with limited mobility across West Yorkshire, will also help to support local jobs and mean money is spent in the local economy.
“Over the past 14 years, Metro has ordered over 60 vehicles from Optare and they also supply vehicles to many of West Yorkshire’s bus operators, small and large, as well as to operators across the UK. I hope that in the future, the company will be among the bidders to supply new, state-of-the-art trolleybuses for the NGT network in Leeds, which is due to start running in 2020.”
Enrico Vassallo, CEO of Optare PLC, said: “We are delighted to be supplying more buses to WYITA and we are particularly proud to supply buses that are running on routes local to where they are manufactured in Sherburn in Elmet near Leeds.”
” Optare are a forward thinking and environmentally conscious manufacturer and we have won several awards for our electric vehicles which we are now starting to see in service in Harrogate and York. We are also one of the first suppliers of Euro 6 emissions compliant diesel vehicles to London and Belfast”
Leader of Leeds City Council and WYCA member Cllr Keith Wakefield said, “I am pleased that by ordering these vehicles from local firm Optare, the Combined Authority is supporting the local and regional economy and jobs in West Yorkshire.”
Manufacture of the new AccessBus Solo SE vehicles will begin in August with the new vehicles beginning to go into service in the autumn.
Details of how to register for the Metro AccessBus service online, by phone or by post can be found on the Metro website at www.wymetro.com or by calling 0113 348 1903, Mondays to Fridays (excluding Bank Holidays) between 7.30am and 4pm.
A flat fare of £3 per journey applies but passengers holding English National Concessionary Travel Scheme passes travel free of charge.
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Renowned UK bus manufacturer, Optare, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland – the world’s 4th largest bus manufacturer, launched the MetroDecker, its exciting new double decker bus in London on 21 May 2014 at the Transport Museum in Covent Garden.
The launch was led by the Minister of State for Transport, Baroness Kramer, Cabinet Office Minister Oliver Letwin and Ministers of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change Gregory Barker and Baroness Verma, Nirj Deva, MEP for South of England, and London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport Isabel Dedring. Leading members of the business community local and international media and representatives from the diplomatic community also attended the launch.
Speaking at the event Baroness Susan Kramer commented that the new bus was a prime example of Britain and India working together. Furthermore she commended Optare on its real achievement in reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions. She complimented the Double Decker’s attractive new design, its accessibility especially for disabled passengers combined with breakthrough electrical vehicle technology.
Mr. Gopichand Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to both India and the UK: the Hinduja Group values the UK’s manufacturing excellence, technology and innovation and sees the investment in Optare as the launch-pad for further expansion into Europe and beyond. Mr. Hinduja also stated how the Group has always been on the lookout for enhancing Ashok Leyland’s capabilities in design, engineering and innovation for commercial vehicle sector, acquired engine technology from Japan and Italy, transmission technology from Germany and design capability from other European and Japanese sources.
Enrico Vassallo, CEO of Optare praised the Metro Decker Bus as it represented an evolution of Optare design and quality standards’ and excellence.
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Established coach operator Coachstyle has placed a seven-strong order with Optare, to support its first major bus contract.
Cotswold-based Coachstyle has ordered a fleet of seven new Optare Solo SER buses after it won new contracts to provide scheduled bus services in and around Malmesbury. Coachstyle, based in Castle Combe, Chippenham, also bought an additional used Solo bus with belts, to be used in support of this new fleet.
The order is the first new bus line-up Coachstyle has placed, and will serve scheduled local authority routes from Malmesbury to Circencester, Swindon, Yate and Chippenham, each expecting to cover around 80,000 miles per annum.
The 7.9m Slim Optare Solo buses ordered are 2.33m wide, and all feature 115kW Mercedes Euro5 engine with Allison 2100 transmission. The model has a 27- seat capacity with space for 9 standing and were delivered to Coachstyle at the end of March and went into service at the beginning of April.
Owner operators Andrew and Lynne Jones have owned the business since 1995, building the company’s reputation as trusted providers of coach hire, group travel and day tours as well as supplying coaches to various tour operators for UK and Continental extended tours. New customers to Optare, this is also the first new bus fleet the company has purchased.
Andrew Jones said: “When we decided to increase our bus fleet, we spoke to a range of other operators and their advice was to choose Optare. Purchasing new vehicles is a huge investment and we are more than happy with the support, service and option range Optare have been able to provide. The fleet were delivered earlier this month and look great – I would certainly pass the recommendation on.”
Enrico Vassallo, Optare’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to announce our work with Coachstyle and welcome them as a new Optare customer. It is great to hear other operators are recommending Optare, which in itself is testament to the technology, durability and cost effectiveness of our buses.”
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Western Isles Council has taken delivery of a fleet of five new Optare buses for its cross-Island scheduled routes
The council, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, chose the fleet of Optare Solo SR vehicles to ensure the needs of disabled passengers and parents with pushchairs are fully met, thanks to the model’s low flooring and flexible seating configurations.
The buses will be used to service the council’s W7 Stornoway town route, along with the W5 Stornoway to Point District and the Stornoway to Tolsta route.
The five-strong fleet of Optare 9.95 Solo SR buses were specified with Cummins Euro 5 Engines, and Allison 2100 gearboxes. Each hold 31 belted seats with an additional 3 tip-up spaces, offering versatile space and comfort for passengers.
David Smart from Western Isles Council, said: “We have been very impressed with the quality of the Optare buses and also the time frame in which they were delivered – four weeks ahead of the promised delivery date.”
Enrico Vassallo, Optare’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to be working with Western Isles Council. It is also great that the fleet have been delivered ahead of schedule. The low flooring available on this model really does make a difference to those in wheelchairs or with buggies, and is compliant with the Bus Accessibility Regulations, making it a great choice for a scheduled route.”
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Four new seat belted Optare buses join the fleet of 30 buses at Lloyds Coaches. The award winning Welsh bus and coach operator, has purchased an 11.1m and 11.7m Versa and two 9m Solo SR models to serve bus routes between Bangor, Aberystwyth, Tywyn and Newtown in mid-Wales.
The Solo SR models are each expected to cover around 150,000 miles per annum, predominantly on rural routes, while the Versa models will be used on out of town routes covering 200,000 miles each per year. Optare is taking four buses in part exchange, including an Optare Tempo which the operator has had since 2005.
Lloyds Coaches chose a 115kW Mercedes Euro 5 engine with an Allison 2100 transmission and Rescroft CT Lite seating for both models. The Solo SR’s are slim line models and have a seating capacity of 30 people, while the longer and wider Versa seating 44 people. All front facing seats are fitted with lap and diagonal seat belts. The vehicles are fitted with the lastest Actia Telematics technology which tracks fuel consumption, driver performance, mileage, the number of stops the vehicle makes and its location. The Vehicles are also fitted with Actia CCTV.
Wyn Lloyd, who founded Lloyds Coaches in 2002, commented: “We looked at several buses, but we chose Optare because it offered the best variety of engines and a comprehensive product support and aftercare service. We were attracted to the stylish design of the Solo SR and Versa. The demonstrator Versa which we trialled was very economical and reliable. Overall we were very impressed with Optare’s customer service.
Enrico Vassallo, Optare’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “I know Lloyds Coaches has previously bought buses from rival manufactures, so I am delighted he’s chosen Optare buses again this time, and also received great customer service from our team.”
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Optare’s successful contribution to the UK bus industry has been recognised by an official visit to its factory in Sherburn in Elmet, near Leeds, by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO.
The Royal visit included a tour of the factory where His Royal Highness met staff and saw several buses in production, including Optare’s latest hybrid and electric models.
The Optare factory was officially commissioned on a visit by Transport Minister, Norman Baker in 2011, and now employs over 400 people, exports its vehicles as far afield as South Africa and Australia, and has won awards for its market-leading technology.
Enrico Vassallo, CEO, Optare PLC said: “We were very honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, and toescort him on a tour of our facilities at Sherburn in Elmet. He seemed to have a genuine interest in the success of our business in both UK and international markets and our contribution to the local and UK economy. It was a memorable day for all our staff, and underlines what Optare has achieved in recent years.”
For further information please contact:
Rebecca Green, Marketing Co-ordinator
T: +44 (0) 7810 158 415
E: rebecca.green@optare.com
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Optare is experiencing strong demand for its practical, quieter, efficient and environmentally friendly low carbon buses in 2014, and is delighted to announce another large order worth £3.6m for electric buses for Nottingham City Council, which has one of the largest fleets of electric buses for public transport in Europe.
Optare has previously supplied 28 electric buses to Nottingham City Council, made up of a mixture of Versa. Solo SR and Solo models. The new buses are 9.2m Solo EVs, and the first deliveries are expected in July.
The buses are equipped with a rapid charge system so they can use charging systems installed in the City, and have been part funded by the Department for Transport’s Green bus Fund.
Commenting on the order for the new buses, Andy Gibbons, Head of Public Transport for Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham City Council is committed to continued investment in modern buses to provide a safe, reliable, value for money, integrated public transport network which has the least impact on our environment.”
Enrico Vassallo, Optare’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This is very encouraging for bus manufacturing in Britain, as our factory near Leeds is benefiting from several large orders for new buses this year. We are delighted to be leading the way with the proven technology and efficiency of our electric buses, and hybrid systems, meaning customers like Nottingham City Council are choosing more Optare buses for their low carbon fleet.”
For further information please contact:
Rebecca Green, Marketing Co-ordinator
T: +44 (0) 7810 158 415
E: rebecca.green@optare.com
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