New: Low-weight 11.7m Versa
On display in the colours of Go Ahead North East – who are to put the vehicle though its paces on extended route evaluation trials over the coming months – is the new 11.7 metre Versa.
A key selling point of this new model is its capacity of 44 seated passengers, plus standees, which is equivalent to that of a 12 metre single-decker, but it weighs in at less than eight tonnes. Optare believes that the lower capital cost and fuel saving potential of such a low-weight model will prove particularly appealing to operators looking for the lowest possible cost per seat in this class of vehicle.
The model on show is powered by the optional Cummins ISBe six-cylinder engine at 201bhp; the Mercedes-Benz 900 Series four-cylinder engine delivering 154bhp being the standard offering, with diesel-electric hybrid and fully electric-powered versions also available.
The engine is matched to a five-speed Allison 2100 Series automatic transmission and a Klam electro-magnetic retarder is fitted to assist braking effort and reduce break wear.
Kneeling front suspension and convenient book-leaf wheelchair ramp ensure easy access for passengers of all levels of mobility and the wheelchair bay is located immediately within the saloon.
The Versa also features the Optare Eco drive™ dashboard which constantly monitors driver performance for real-time feedback leading to improved fuel efficiency and increased comfort and safety for passengers.
New: Bonito small and accessible bus
Optare is re-entering the small accessible bus market with the stylish new Bonito ultra low-floor model. Designed to carry up to 16 passengers, the DPTAC compliant vehicle is fully accessible for people of all levels of mobility.
A deep front windscreen and bonded side windows give Bonito a smooth aerodynamic appearance. The corrosion-proof Glass Reinforced Polyester Composite structural body is built by Plastisol in The Netherlands to Optare’s specification and results in a low unladen weight which will contribute to good fuel efficiency and the use of GRP will ensure durability and an exceptionally long life. It also makes repairs easier and the more vulnerable lower rear corner panels are designed to be easily replaced in the event of accident damage.
A kneeling suspension system is standard and when lowered results in an entrance platform height of just 246mm at the side door, which has no step, and 296mm at the rear doors. Wheelchair access is fast and safe by means of the fully opening double rear doors and the robust two-stage roll-on wheelchair ramp. A side loading wheelchair access ramp can also be specified as an option.
Bonito is based on the proven Fiat Ducato mechanical base with power from a four-cylinder engine of three litre capacity, delivering 157bhp at 3600 rpm. This is matched to a six-speed manual gearbox with the option of a six-speed semi-automatic ‘Comfortmatic’ transmission.
The comprehensive internal specification includes Phoenix semi high-back seats with three-point seat belts, ABS backs and grab handles and which are mounted on Unwin tracking for easy removal or layout re-configuration. The flooring is anti-slip and all interior trim surfaces are wipe clean.
LED strip lighting supplemented by blue ambient spot lights adds to the pleasant environment within the saloon and a high quality CD/MP3 player with four speakers is standard. Heating is provided by a powerful 5kW Eberspacher heater with HVAC systems available as an option.
The compact size of Bonito will help make it more traffic compatible on busy urban streets and narrow rural roads. Overall it is 7509mm long, just 2200mm in width and the height is 2648mm with a wheelbase of 5000mm.
New: MetroCity urban bus
Designed to two-door TfL specification, the new Optare MetroCity is aimed at high intensity urban and suburban operations. Optare believes that it will be of particular appeal to operators in the Greater London area.
The model derives many of its design and structural features from the Versa model and uses the same fully integral stainless-steel structure to achieve low weight. It also shares the same distinctive styling operators have come to expect from Optare.
The model on display is the 10.6 metre variant with seating for 29 plus three tip-ups in the wheelchair bay and which, with standees, can carry up to 60 passengers. A 9.9 metre version is also available.
The power unit is the four cylinder Cummins ISBe rated at 185bhp with the four cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM904LA at 154bhp also being available. Both are matched to the Allison 2100 Series automatic transmission, which in MetroCity has six gears because the model uses a 5.13:1 ratio drive axle. A Klam electromagnetic retarder activated through the brake pedal improves braking performance and reduces wear on the service brakes.
The kneeling suspension and ‘Compak’ cassette type telescopic wheelchair ramp at the centre doorway ensure easy access for all passengers, irrespective of their level of mobility and the TfL compliant wheelchair bay incorporates a back rest and gangway stanchion. Fast recovery of the air into the air bags and the wide front entrance and centre exit door help to reduce dwell time at stops.
Optare’s Eco Drive™ instrument panel is standard and provides direct feedback to the driver through an easy to read TFT screen, monitoring key driver performance indicators such as acceleration and braking, and is an aid to better fuel efficiency and safer driving. The moulded driving compartment is easy to clean and features a fully adjustable, air-suspended seat and a fixed protection screen.
Optare Solo EV – all-electric model
Optare is demonstrating its leading position as the UK’s only manufacturer of full-size electric buses with an example of its Solo SR model.
The bus on display is one of two operated by Dorset County Council on a service connecting Poundbury – the internationally famous example of urban development which puts into practice the Prince of Wales’s ideas on town planning – with Dorchester.
The 9.0 metre model on show can carry 28 seated passengers including three tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy bay. It is fully accessible for people of all levels of mobility thanks to its kneeling front suspension and fold out wheelchair ramp. Optare offers the model in other lengths up to 9.7 metres with passenger capacities of up to 37.
The Solo SR EV is driven by an Enova 120kW electric motor powered by 56 Valence lithium iron magnesium phospate batteries delivering 138 Ah, and it has a range of between 80 and 100 miles on a single six-hour overnight charge, costing as little as £6.40. This range can be significantly increased through the use of fast-charging technology to enable opportunity charging during breaks in the operating schedule. Operating cost savings are estimated in excess of £8,000 per bus per year, compared to a diesel powered equivalent.
One of the most significant benefits is the pollution-free operation of the bus, the drivetrain of which is fully zero emission. This means zero exhaust pollution: no PM10s, no nitrogen oxide, no carbon monoxide and no carbon dioxide. It is also very near silent in operation.
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Berkshire based Courtney Coach Group has ordered 11 Optare Solo SRs to form the backbone of a renewal of its bus fleet and to maintain the maximum age profile of five years on its Corporate and Bus network.
Deliveries will commence in November with conclusion of the order in line with Courtney’s requirements in January 2013.
Ten of the vehicles are the standard width version of the Solo SR at 9.0 metres in length. They will be equipped with Esteban Civic V3 seating and will also feature Synetics CCTV and Hanover LED destination equipment. The 11th vehicle is a SlimLine variant, which at just 2.35 metres in width will be well suited to some of the narrower routes on which Courtney’s operate.
Optare Sales Director, John Horn comments: “I am delighted to have secured this business from such a highly respected operator. Rising fuel costs continue to put pressure on all bus operators and we know that our class leading Solo SR continues to prove the most fuel efficient vehicle in this sector.”
Bill Courtney, Managing Director of Courtney Coaches said of the order: “Courtney’s have first-hand experience of Optare products. Operating in both Corporate Business Parks & Public Bus Services, it was imperative that we chose vehicles that could not only deliver a reliable service, but also portray a professional image for our Corporate clients.
In addition, operating costs are such a major factor in today’s marketplace, it is imperative to get the right mix of being able to deliver cost effective solutions whilst catering for passenger’s demands, we feel confident that in placing this order it will enable us to continue with our current commitments and protect long term contracts.
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Optare is to exhibit its highly successful Solo midibus on the Ashok Leyland stand at IAA Hannover between the 20th and 27th of September.
The stand, numbered A21 in hall 11, will also showcase AVIA, Ashok Leyland’s Czech truck and bus chassis operation, which will exhibit four models from its range, and Russian associate Volgabus, which will show one of its new concept medium duty bus models.
The Solo exhibit is a 9.5m left hand drive variant, with front entrance and centre exit. It is powered by a Cummins ISBe, six-cylinder turbo diesel engine which develops 150kW/201bhp, and has a capacity of 6.70 litres. The transmission is the Allison 2100 series, five-speed fully automatic, with an electromagnetic retarder automatically actuated through the brake pedal.
It has seating for 26 plus a wheelchair location, and has a fully integral low-weight, high-strength stainless steel structure, with a combination of modular aluminium alloy and glass fibre exterior panels. Full air suspension with front end kneeling, and full air disc brakes are standard features of the Solo range.
Optare’s unique demountable driveline concept, with the engine, gearbox, cooling and exhaust system fitted to a demountable frame, with the ability to specify several alternative low carbon mechanical packages, such as diesel electric hybrid, or zero emission full electric, within the same physical space is expected to draw particular attention.
Jim Sumner, Optare’s CEO, commented: “This is the first time an Optare vehicle has appeared on this prestigious European stage and is a direct result of our association with Ashok Leyland. We believe that with the challenging economic environment being faced across Europe, our fuel efficient midi-bus products offer hard pressed operators a serious alternative to more traditional transport solutions”.
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Optare has won a multi-million pound order for 33 of its Solo SR model to be used on the Island of Jersey.
Hackney based social enterprise company HCT Group is taking 33 vehicles to form the backbone of a new bus fleet for an island life on Jersey following its successful win of a competitive tendering process from the island’s government. Operating as CT Plus, it is already providing bus transport on neighbouring Guernsey and will commence operations on Jersey on 1st January 2013.
The CT Plus buses are the Slimline version of the Solo SR, which at just 2.35 metres wide will be well suited to the island’s narrow roads. At 9.7 metres in length, the buses are equipped with Lazzerini 3840 Pratico seating and feature Actia CCTV and Mobitec destination equipment.
Optare Sales Director John Horn says: “HCT has established itself by far as the UK’s leading social enterprise operator in the public transport field. Its choice of the Solo SR is based on good experience with the model in its operations in mainland Britain and will provide a first-class service to the Islanders. Furthermore, its use on Jersey will allow the bus to be showcased to the many thousands of holiday makers who visit the island each year.
“I am delighted to win this business from such a highly respected operator. Along with many other orders this year for our Solo SR they prove what an unrivalled lead the model has in the midibus sector.”
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Optare has added to its popular Versa range with an 11.7 metre model that has the passenger capacity of a 12 metre single-decker, but which weighs in at less than eight tonnes.
The company believes that the lower capital cost and fuel saving potential of such a low-weight model, able to carry up to 44 seated passengers, will prove particularly appealing to operators of inter-urban services.
Four of the new model have already been delivered to Arriva, and Optare also reports considerable interest from a number of other operators needing to respond to the more challenging fiscal environment and looking for the lowest possible cost per seat in this class of vehicle.
The 11.7 metre model draws significantly on Optare’s use of an extended Versa platform in the development of a hybrid school bus. Glenn Saint, Chief Technical Officer, said that the school buses, which have a seating capacity of 57 using a 3+2 arrangement, presented particular challenges in regard to keeping the weight down.
“We were able to meet those challenges and saw the opportunity to carry across the weight saving measures to an extended Versa. The result is this 11.7 metre diesel model weighing less than eight tonnes which will undoubtedly impact positively on the already acknowledged excellent fuel efficiency of our Versa models and further improve their revenue earning potential”, said Mr Saint.
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Optare has won orders for 26 of its Solo SR model to be used on the Isle of Wight and in Bournemouth.
Go Ahead Group has placed an order for 17 Solo SRs for the Isle of Wight as part of its Go South Coast Southern Vectis operation. They are 9.2 metre full width variants, ten of which are equipped for mobility use with 21 Rescroft seats with integral three point seat belts, and space and fittings for two wheelchairs. The other seven will also have Rescroft belted seating and will be used for school contracts and general service work.
A further nine vehicles have been ordered by Dawson Rentals on behalf of its customer Britannia Parking of Bournemouth who will operate them under a staff transport contract with a local employer. These 9.7 metre buses are also seat-belted and have Mobitec destination equipment.
Optare Sales Director John Horn says: “I am delighted to win this business from two highly respected Optare customers. Along with many other orders this year for our Solo SR they prove what an unrivalled lead the model has in the midi bus sector.”
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Optare’s investment continues with a £0.5m pounds recently dedicated to expand paint facilities and upgrade CAD equipment at its Sherburn bus plant to meet projected demand for its products.
Painting capacity has been increased by around 35 per cent through the installation of a third paint booth. Like the two installed when the plant was opened in 2011, it has a ‘bake’ drying cycle of under 40 minutes. The existing booths are already being operated on a continuous three shift system but further capacity was needed to meet planned growth from 2013.
Other recent changes to the plant layout include the setting-up of a dedicated build area for electric vehicles, in which Optare see significant growth potential. And improvements have been made to a number of production processes, including increased use of off-line sub-assembly areas to support faster line speeds.
A significant part of the investment has also been used to replace Optare’s existing mix of CAD design systems with a single system. Following an extensive review the company has chosen the SolidWorks 3D package from Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a world leader in CAD technology.
Optare Chief Technical Officer Glenn Saint says: “Following the consolidation of our design team from three sites down to a single site at Sherburn we had a mix of CAD systems. The decision to invest heavily in the SolidWorks system means that in the future we can control our design processes much more efficiently and enables us to link with design teams in Chennai, India, to benefit from their specialisms and also to bring new products to market faster.”
Speaking of the new investment, Chief Executive Officer Jim Sumner described it as “a mark of confidence in the future of Optare”. He added that the strategic alliance forged with Ashok Leyland had also been a significant factor in the continuing development and growth of the business.
“Ashok Leyland is helping to open up new markets and we are already seeing the benefit of our relationship with some exciting prospects in the Middle East. Here in the UK the large fleet operators now know that we have the capacity to meet their volume requirements and we continue to establish ourselves as the clear leader in the market for electric buses.”
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Ashok Leyland, parent company of Britain’s Optare bus making business, is targeting five country clusters — West Asia, Africa, Russia, Asean and Latin America — to either export to or start local operations.
In an interview with the Indian business media last week, Vinod K Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said the company is looking beyond its traditional export markets of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for new customers for its wide range of buses.
Last year, the company hired Per Gustav Nilsson from German truck-maker MAN as Executive Director, International Operations, to spearhead this strategy.
In the interview, Mr Dasari said the idea is to either take Indian products to these market clusters or bring in multinational products. For instance, he said, buses from Optare are already being sold in South Africa. Ashok is also selling products from its Avia truck plant in Prague, Czech Republic, to customers in Singapore. Ashok’s plant in Ras-al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates achieved full capacity last year, rolling out four buses a day to West Africa and West Asia. Some buses for African markets also supplied direct form Ashok facilities in India.
Mr Dasari explained that the company believes in entering markets by partnering with local players that have both market access and knowledge. Ashok Leyland provides a chassis or chassis kit, on which the local player builds the body. Later on the company introduces CKD kits of components for local assembly.
“This strategy has worked well in markets such as Russia and Ukraine”, said Mr Dasari, and we now have local partners in Chile and others coming forward in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia”.
Though Ashok Leyland is keen to have local partners, it is not averse to acquisitions. “Even a big ticket acquisition. But it must give us two things: market access and technology. We will not acquire companies just to make ourselves bigger”, said Mr Dasari.
Exports grew to 25 per cent of Ashok’s total sales last year and amounted to 12,852 vehicles.
Jim Sumner, Optare’s CEO, commented: “Being part of Ashok presents us with tremendously exciting opportunities in export markets. Our breakthrough contract in South Africa is but the first of a series of opportunities we are working on combining Ashok’s marketing and financial muscle with the excellence of Optare’s low floor and low carbon designs”.
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With a passenger capacity in excess of 50, a trio of Optare Versa EV’s, now entering service with Travel De Courcey in Coventry, are the largest battery-powered electric buses on Britain’s roads.
The buses were handed over to Travel De Courcey by Optare’s Sales Director, John Horn, at an event in Coventry yesterday, Wednesday 13 June, attended by Norman Baker MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport
The Versa EVs are being supported in service by ABB’s Terra 51 fast charging station which can charge electric vehicle batteries to full capacity in less than two hours compared to the standard six to eight hours from a normal charge. This offers the ability to recharge the batteries during the day as well as overnight, which provides the potential to double the daily range of the buses, which is between 75 and 95 miles on a single overnight charge.
Operating costs of the Versa EV’s are exceptionally low too when compared with an equivalent diesel powered bus. Using current off-peak electricity pricing figures a full charge can be achieved for as little as £6.40.
Glenn Saint, Chief Technical Officer at Optare, said: “This is a really exciting breakthrough in the development of EV technology in the UK bus industry, which we have been pioneering at Optare for the past three years.
“A limiting factor in the introduction of electric buses in Britain has been around the time it takes to recharge an EV battery. With the fast charger a bus can be easily charged during a lunchtime layover or at other quiet periods in its schedule. In the Coventry Park and Ride operation, on which these buses are being used, charge stations have been installed at both ends of the route to allow opportunity charging throughout the working day without the buses having to return to base.”
The 11 metre Versa EVs have a seating capacity of 34, which with standees results in a total carrying capacity of over 50. This makes them the largest battery-powered electric buses currently in service in Britain. They also present strong environmental credentials with their zero tailpipe emissions meaning no PM10s, no nitrogen oxide, no carbon monoxide and no carbon dioxide. Electric power also results in near silent operation!
The drivetrain in the Optare Versa EV is an Enova Systems P120 ‘Zero Emissions’ Electric Vehicle drive system with summation gearbox. This provides 120 kW of power and 650 Nm of torque, sufficient for the most arduous of operating conditions. Energy storage is provided by 56 Valance maintenance-free Lithium Ion/Magnesium Phospate batteries. During service recharging is provided by an on-board charging capability using regenerative braking.
De Courcey Travel are using the Versa EVs on the well patronised 400 vehicle Coventry South Park and Ride scheme with journeys into the city centre at 12 minute intervals at peak times.
Travel De Courcey has invested £400,000 in the project. Additional funding for the buses has come from the Government’s Green Bus Fund, which provided £300,000, and from Centro, the West Midlands ITA, which contributed £100,000. Coventry City Council has met the cost of installing the fast charging infrastructure.
The company’s Operations Director, Bob Wildman, is very enthusiastic about the project saying that it brings a new level of passenger comfort and environmental benefits to bus operation in Coventry. “Once again Travel De Courcey is setting the pace for high standards of passenger service and the introduction of the latest vehicles and technology.”
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The first of 190 Optare Solo SR’s destined for a ground-breaking feeder services in Cape Town rolled out of the plant of Optare’s South African partner, Busmark, this week. Assembled from a CKD kit of components, the new bus is the first of 30 scheduled for delivery before the end of June 2012.
The new fleet of advanced, low floor buses will play key role in a new integrated bus transit system being introduced by the City of Cape Town Council and which forms part of its ‘MyCiTi’ initiative. The innovative Solo SR’s, which incorporate doors on both sides for quick boarding and exit, will collect passengers from outlying townships and take them to transfer points where they will board 12 or 18 metre buses for high speed transport to various destinations in the city.
The 9.5 metre version of the Solo SR integral midibus features full air conditioning and is fitted with a real time monitoring and tracking system, CCTV and telematics. Busmark has opened a new factory in Cape Town to produce the buses and its labour force there has been trained with the help of Optare personnel both in Leeds and on the ground. Completion of the Busmark vehicle has demonstrated that both parties can work well together, underlining the close relationship they will have as the full contracted volume of vehicles is delivered.
Glenn Saint, Optare’s Chief Technical Officer, in Cape Town for the handover ceremony, commented: “This is a flagship vehicle in more ways than one. Not only is this Optare’s largest ever export order but it’s the first time the Solo has been delivered in CKD form. It is a signpost to our future export growth, since we will be exploiting our competitive product offering in a number of major markets where we already have firm inquiries.”
CAPTIONS
Picture 1:
The first Optare Solo SR assembled in South Africa leaves the Busmark plant in Cape Town.
Picture 2:
The scene at this week’s handover. Left to right (front row): Councillors Melissa Whitehead and Brett Herron of Cape Town City Council; Herman Stroud, Operations Director and Charles Collins, CEO, of Busmark; and Optare’s CTO Glenn Saint.
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