Manchester Community Transport (MCT) is to introduce hybrids into its fleet for the first time with an order placed with Optare today, Thursday 14 March, for ten Solo SRs.
Delivery in the summer of the 9.2 metre Solo SRs will effectively double the current MCT bus fleet. The new vehicles will operate on 12 service routes across a number of towns within the Greater Manchester area under five year contracts awarded by TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester).
The buses were part-funded through a successful bid by TfGM to round three of the Department for Transport’s Green Bus Fund.
Gary Young, Operations Director at MCT, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded these contracts by TfGM and making the investment to purchase these hybrid buses demonstrates our level of commitment to providing modern, low-floor, cleaner, quieter and more fuel efficient buses for the communities that we serve.
“Placing this order with Optare followed an extensive procurement process from which the Optare product was selected because of the outstanding value for money that it represents. We also acknowledged the product support available to us locally as a result of the large number of TfGM-owned Optare hybrid products now operating in Greater Manchester following previous bids to the Green Bus Fund.”
The Solo SRs are to a comprehensive specification in line with TfGM and MCT requirements. This includes a seven camera CCTV system by Actia along with a telematics package. Mobitec LED destination blinds will be fitted.
There will be seating for 31 on Esteban Civic V2 seats, which will be trimmed in a moquette specially designed for MCT. With their kneeling capability, book-leaf wheelchair ramp and ample space for wheelchairs or buggies the buses will meet all current and known future DDA requirements.
A Euro 5 compliant Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engine provides the diesel power and delivers 130 kW (154 bhp) at 2200 rpm. The electrical system by Siemens includes energy storage in roof-mounted maintenance-free Bluways ultra capacitors. This combination can result in up to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to a similar sized diesel engined bus.
John Horn, Optare sales director, commented: “We’re very pleased to be supplying these advanced hybrid Solo SRs to such a progressive independent operator as MCT. There are already over 100 of our hybrid products successfully operating in the Greater Manchester area and contributing significantly to providing high quality and environmentally friendly public transport services for the million plus people who live there”.
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us
The first 7.2 metre Optare Solo SR SlimLine model has entered service with West Yorkshire operator TLC travel on rural services around Keighley.
The 915-918 service operates circular routes seven days a week out of Keighley bus station serving local rural communities. This is a tendered service with the Metro ITA and parts of the route are hail and ride.
“These routes include numerous narrow country roads and this called for a more compact bus,” explains TLC Travel’s managing director, Trish Lambert.
“We were already familiar with the Solo product, of which we run over 20 and when the new SR version at 7.2 metres long and only 2.3 metres wide became available we felt that this would be ideal.
“The fact that it is a low floor bus and fully DDA compliant with a wheelchair ramp and bay was also an important factor in our choice, especially as many of our passengers are elderly with mobility problems or young mums with buggies.
“This bus represents a significant investment for us in the Keighley area, where we have only recently started to operate. We will be watching with interest how the Solo SR is received by our passengers and how it performs on these routes.”
The bus has a capacity of 23 seated on Ster 6MS seats and up to nine standees. A CCTV system is fitted along with Mobitec LED destination equipment.
Power is from the fuel efficient Mercedes-Benz OM904LA Euro five engine rated at 95kW and matched to an Allison 1000 Series five-speed automatic transmission. At just 5480 kgs, the low weight of the bus will also contribute to good performance on fuel.
Optare Sales Director John Horn says: “The 7.2 metre Solo SR SlimLine model is a good example of our ability to provide compact buses that meet the needs of independent operators like TLC for use on rural routes. It offers a good passenger carrying capacity and a comfortable travelling environment, and its compact size makes it easy to handle both on narrow country roads or in congested town centre traffic conditions.”
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us
Stagecoach is to take a further 32 Solo SRs and one Versa from Optare as part of its 2013 fleet replacement programme. Deliveries under the multi-million pound order will commence from Optare’s Yorkshire assembly plant in June.
All the Solo SRs are the nine metre SlimLine model. Its narrow width of just 2350mm makes this model well suited to rural operations involving narrow roads and also to high frequency town centre services in heavy traffic.
The Solos will feature a new driveline fitted to meet the specific requirements of Stagecoach. It comprises the four-cylinder Cummins ISBe engine delivering 118 kW (160 bhp) matched to a four-speed Voith automatic transmission with integral retarder.
Speaking of the order, Optare Commercial Director Chris Wise said: “We’re delighted to once again feature in the Stagecoach annual fleet replacement programme. This repeat order results from the good reliability, fuel efficiency, and both driver and passenger acceptance of this and its predecessor model in a variety of demanding operating conditions.
“The Cummins-Voith driveline is new to Optare and is being fitted at the specific request of Stagecoach. It further demonstrates our ability to meet a wide range of specific customer requirements in terms of vehicle drivelines, whether it’s, alternative fuels, hybrid, full electric or conventional diesel.”
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us
As announced in December, bus maker Optare has been awarded a contract valued at over £6 million by one of the UK’s leading bus operating companies and the first buses have already begun to roll off the production line.
Arriva Group has placed a substantial share of its 2013 fleet replacement with Optare, ordering 49 of their Versa range. Both the 11.1 metre version, and the recently introduced low-weight 11.7 metre model are being supplied. A single 9.0m Solo SR has also been ordered to meet a specific contract requirement.
The contract was awarded following successful operation of Versa by a number of Arriva operating divisions around the UK. The first Versa entered service with Arriva in 2007 and since then the model has featured in every annual fleet replacement programme.
The decision to order 21 of the 11.7 metre Versa is particularly significant as it follows on from successful trials of four such vehicles by Arriva during last year. The model has a seating capacity of 44, equivalent to that of a 12.0 metre single-decker, but weighs less than eight tonnes. This low weight has contributed to good fuel efficiency with Arriva reporting in excess of 10 mpg from the model on intensive urban operations.
The 11.7 metre Versas will be powered by the Cummins ISBe six-cylinder engine at 201bhp, whilst the 11.0 metre models will have the Mercedes-Benz 900 Series four-cylinder engine delivering 154bhp.
Optare’s Deputy CEO, Glenn Saint, commented: “Beginning the year with an order of this size is a major boost for the company following a year in which we successfully completed a three-year turnaround of the business.
“Our interim results for the six months to the end of September show that revenues were up by 106 per cent, and that we returned to profitability in the third quarter of 2012. Registration statistics show our market share in the eight to thirteen tonne bus sector was almost 34% in 2012, and we secured substantial overseas contracts.
“Winning this order demonstrates that large fleet operators can include our products in their annual fleet replacement programmes confident in the knowledge that we will deliver high quality, fuel efficient products on time and in line with their operating needs.”
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us
The most prestigious annual award for innovation in the UK automotive industry has been won by Optare plc with its all-electric fast charging bus.
The Versa EV beat off tough competition from many of the leading names in automotive design and technology from across Britain to win the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Award for Automotive Innovation 2012.
Optare’s Chief Executive Officer Jim Sumner and Chief Technical Officer Glenn Saint jointly received the award last night at a glittering event at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel attended by leading politicians and motor industry business leaders.
Speaking at the event Jim Sumner said: “On behalf of all our employees at Optare it gives me immense pride to collect this very prestigious award, which is the culmination of three years hard work by the team. We passionately believe that the future of the bus industry lies in EV and that Optare’s demonstrated market leadership will be sustained in the years to come as zero emission technology takes off.
“Amongst the many awards that we have won, the SMMT Award for Automotive Innovation is particularly exciting since we have been judged by our peers in the industry. We have invested a significant amount over the past three years in developing our EV’s and have learned many lessons from our early service vehicles which have been important in this success. Clearly anyone who now doubts the future of EV technology in the bus industry needs to seriously think again”, said Mr Sumner.
Optare is the only producer of full-size, commercially viable, battery-powered buses in the UK, which are manufactured at its modern assembly plant at Sherburn-in-Elmet in Yorkshire.
The Versa EV is the largest of Optare’s range of electric buses and is capable of carrying in excess of 50 passengers. Along with smaller Solo and Solo SR all-electric models, Optare electric buses have been running for up to three years in revenue earning service in Durham, Dorchester (Poundbury), Nottingham, Coventry and at London’s Heathrow Airport. In all of these places the zero emissions and low noise of these vehicles are contributing to increased passenger acceptance and a cleaner and quieter local environment.
Mr Sumner, who stands down as CEO and Director from Optare on 31 December this year having achieved a major turnaround of the company’s fortunes, said after the event: “We see this award as symbolising a strong platform for future growth of Optare under the aegis of Ashok Leyland and I sincerely wish the team all the very best for the future”
“It is hugely important that the government, local councils and operators get behind electric buses which are now a reality, as this prestigious Award demonstrates. This is a great opportunity for the UK to take the lead in the rapidly emerging global market for green transport”, said Mr Sumner.
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us
Visitors to the Persontrafik 2012 exhibition will have their first opportunity to see examples of Optare’s Solo SR vehicles in the Nordic region. The exhibition is open between the 27th and the 29th of November and is being held at the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre in Gothenburg.
BK Invest AB, Optare’s appointed agent for Sweden will showcase two Solo SR vehicles on stand number C02:42.
The first is a Mercedes-Benz, diesel powered 8.2 metre variant, a length specially produced for the Swedish market. It is 2.5 metres in width with a fastflow entrance door and has a seating capacity of 19, plus one wheelchair bay to the rear of the driver.
The second is a diesel electric hybrid vehicle at 9.2 metres in length, believed to be the first small hybrid bus in Sweden. A Mercedes-Benz 130kW engine combines with the Siemens electric motors to drive the vehicle, and roof mounted super capacitor system is used for energy storage. It has a fastflow entrance door and a centre exit, with a seating capacity of 23 plus a wheelchair bay.
In both cases Rescroft CT Lite passenger seats are fitted, each having three-point seat belts and a whole host of optional equipment has been specified in each vehicle, including double glazing, an enhanced passenger compartment heating system, air conditioning, radio/CD system with public address feature, driver’s air suspension seat with three-point belt, electrically heated and adjustable exterior rear view mirrors, engine bay fire suppression system and a number of other features specially developed for the Swedish market.
BK Invest was established in 1996 and is based in Henån on the Island of Orust on the west coast of Sweden – approximately 75km north of Gothenburg. They have a thriving sales and rental business for trucks, trailers, buses and commercial vehicles and offer a range of finance solutions for purchase or rentals to their clients. They were formally appointed as the authorised Optare dealer for Sweden in late 2010, and took delivery of four vehicles during 2011 with a further seven in 2012.
Margareta Lundqvist, co-owner of BK Invest is extremely upbeat about future prospects in Sweden and said “We are pleased to represent Optare in a market place which is of course dominated by international giants like Volvo and Scania, but we firmly believe there are excellent prospects for high quality smaller vehicles which have a proven track record for reliability, durability, build quality and exceptional fuel efficiency so the Optare Solo is an ideal solution.
“We have already had a lot of interest from several key operators in Sweden and our attendance at Persontrafik 2012 will be the perfect stage to showcase these vehicles to other Swedish bus companies.
“I also believe that the Swedish market is ready to look at alternatives to diesel and CNG drivelines. Optare is the UK’s leading manufacturer of low carbon single deck buses with full electric and hybrid drive vehicles in daily service in several British cities. That is why BK Invest have ordered a hybrid drive demonstrator and we will be commencing a nationwide demonstration programme after the show.”
Charles Waggott, Optare’s Director of Export Sales commented “We see growing potential for our Solo product in export markets as the more challenging fiscal environment for operators demands a change in approach. I have worked with many international dealers over the years but the enthusiasm and professionalism of the BK Invest team is nothing short of exceptional. It is very refreshing to work with such a committed and resourceful set of people. Our combined efforts will form the foundation to what can only become a very successful venture for Optare and BK Invest, and our mutual Swedish customers in the years ahead.”
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us
Quality Line, the bus operating division of Epsom Coaches Group, has just put eight Optare Solo SRs into service that are the first two door versions of this model in the UK.
The company is using the buses on TfL route 470, which connects Epsom with Colliers Wood via Cheam and for which the company has recently had its contract extended by a further five years. Increasing passenger numbers on the route led to the decision both to increase the size of buses used and to specify two doors to speed access and exit.
Epsom’s Managing Director Steve Whiteway commented: “We are a big fan of the Optare Solo and the SR styling has resulted in a bus that really gets noticed. Coupled with dual door access, this is a small bus with big capacity and one that is already proving very popular with our drivers and passengers alike.
“The excellent fuel consumption and our experience over the last ten years of Optare products has shown that whole life costs and durability are the best in their class. We look forward to more of the same with these impressive additions to our fleet.”
The 9.7 metre Solo SRs have a seating capacity of 25 plus up to 25 standees. Esteban Civic V2 seats have been specified with those at the rear of the low floor area being Civic V3s. Mobitec Smartblind LED destination equipment is fitted.
Power is provided by the Mercedes-Benz OM904LA Euro 5 engine, which delivers 115 kW (154 bhp) and 610 Nm of torque. The is matched to a five-speed Allison 2100 series fully-automatic transmission with lock-up torque convertor for improved fuel efficiency.
John Horn, Optare Sales Director, said: “I’m very pleased that it is the good performance, passenger appeal and fuel efficiency of our Solo range that has led directly to Epsom choosing the SR model for this route.
These buses, which are the first two-door versions of the Solo SR in the UK, look great and I believe that they will prove themselves well on this demanding route.”
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us
Warrington Borough Transport, which trades as Network Warrington, has taken delivery of six Optare Versa diesel-electric hybrids for use on its Centrelink town centre services and across the network. The buses were purchased with the help of a grant in excess of half a million pounds from the government’s Green Bus Fund.
Warrington’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Peter Carey, formally accepted the Versas from Optare Sales Director, John Horn, at a ceremony outside the town hall on Monday 19th November.
Network Warrington Managing Director, David Squire said: “We are proud to be introducing these stylish and environmentally-friendly Optare Versas into the town as they will assist the Council’s climate agenda in terms of reduced emissions and less fuel use.
Diesel power for the 11.1 metre Versas is from a Mercedes-Benz OM904LA Euro 5 engine delivering 130kW. This drives a generator to provide power to the roof-mounted ultra capacitors, which are also topped up through regenerative braking.
Drive to the axle is through twin electric motors and a summation gearbox. This arrangement is expected to deliver fuel savings of up to one third compared to a conventional diesel driveline, as well as significantly reduced CO2 emissions, lower noise levels and a smoother ride.
Esteban Civic V3 seats have been specified for enhanced comfort and passenger appeal with a seating capacity of 39, including three tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy bay and two inward facing seats over the front left wheelarch. A further 21 standing passengers can also be carried.
These are also Network Warrington’s first buses to feature an audio-visual next stop announcement system. “This gives customers information on the next bus stop and is particularly useful for those customers who are visually or hearing impaired, or who are unfamiliar with the area,” says David Squire. Mobitec LED destination equipment is fitted to front side and rear.
Speaking at the handover event, John Horn, Optare Sales Director, said: “I am delighted to once again be supplying buses to Network Warrington. This is a follow-on order from the six Solos that they took last year and which are performing well. These Versa hybrids will deliver better fuel efficiency and will also help to improve air quality in the town through their low emission levels.”
Note to Editors: Warrington Borough Transport (WBT) trades as Network Warrington and its 110 buses operate four million miles a year carrying some nine million passengers. The company was named UK Bus Operator of the Year and Shire Bus Operator of the Year in 2008.
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us
Optare has completed its 10,000th bus since the company was formed in 1985, which is heading for a life on the island of Jersey. The Solo SR is one of a fleet of 33 to be operated on Jersey by CT Plus.
Jim Sumner, Optare CEO, said: “I am delighted that we have reached this significant production milestone and that we have done it here in our new plant at Sherburn-in-Elmet.
“This superb new facility offers the potential to build buses at rates that are unprecedented in Optare’s past and as a result I expect it will take considerably less time to build the next 10,000!
“As evidenced by winning this order from the HCT Group for 33 vehicles, we are now geared up to build buses in larger fleet numbers whilst still retaining the flexibility to meet the needs of our traditional independent sector customers.
“We now have vehicles operating in 14 countries worldwide, with our growing export business also adding to the volumes. Last week we launched the Solo SR into the important South African market, where we are already supplying 190 Solo SRs in kit form from our Sherburn plant. I returned from the launch event feeling confident that it will lead to further export business both in that market and surrounding markets as demand for public transport continues to grow worldwide.
“Our strategic alliance with Ashok Leyland – one of the world’s largest bus makers – will be key to driving this export growth. They are already supporting us on a number of major tenders.”
The 10,000th bus is a 2.35 metre wide Slimline version of the Solo SR. At 9.7 metres in length, it is equipped with Lazzerini 3840 Pratico seating and features Actia CCTV and Mobitec destination equipment.
Optare’s Sales Director John Horn comments: “I am delighted that the 10,000th Optare bus built is to enter service with HCT Group, parent company to CT Plus. They are the UK’s leading social enterprise operator in the public transport field.
“The Solo SR has again proved to be a real winner and has given Optare an unrivalled lead in the midibus sector of the UK market. All 33 buses have been completed on schedule and will carry Jersey registrations with into service dates commencing in January.”
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us
With the first Solo SRs from an order for 190 about to enter service in Cape Town, Optare, along with its partner Busmark 2000, has launched the model to the wider South African market.
At a launch event in Cape Town on 7th November, Busmark also announced plans to expand its presence in the Western Cape by developing an integrated manufacturing business park in Cape Town. At the heart of this will be a new bus assembly plant which will act as a hub for smaller companies producing components both for the plant and for export.
Speaking at the event, Optare CEO Jim Sumner said that he was delighted that they were working with such a progressive and ambitious company. “Busmark is an excellent partner for Optare because we share the same vision to develop innovative solutions to public transport needs with class-leading products like the Solo SR.
“Following delivery of a demonstration Solo SR in February 2011, Busmark went on to win a contract for 190 from the City of Cape Town to be built locally from kits prepared in our Yorkshire plant. Their progress has been impressive and to date they have built over 80 buses, of which the first 30 will enter service next month as planned.
“The launch of the model to bus operators and public transport authorities across South Africa augurs well for further sales as other cities see the success of Cape Town’s Bus Rapid Transport system. This version of the Solo SR has been developed especially for this sophisticated network, which makes extensive use of new technologies and which will itself need more buses as it is progressively expanded. Both Optare and Busmark are hopeful of securing further significant tranches of business as a result.”
Need more info?
If you need more information about our solutions or our company then get in touch.
Contact us