The Government’s announcement as part of the Chancellor’s Autumn statement of a £25 million extension of the Green Bus Fund (GBF) has been warmly welcomed by bus manufacturer Optare’s CEO Jim Sumner.
Since Optare introduced eco-friendly buses across its range three years ago it has benefitted significantly from GBF support to its customers. From a total of 540 buses that received GBF aid under previous phases, almost 150 of them were supplied by Optare.
Speaking of the GBF extension, Transport Minister Norman Baker MP, said: “I have been up and down the country meeting with bus operators and manufacturers and one of the things they have consistently been asking for is another round of the Green Bus Fund. I am therefore delighted to announce that they have got one. A further £25 million to fund greener buses across England and a welcome boost to jobs and manufacturing.
“Great British buses have always been attractive ways to get around, and Britain is fast becoming a world leader in clean, green bus manufacturing. This new money will help the industry create even more skilled jobs and get our economy growing.”
The most recent of Mr Baker’s visits to bus manufacturers was to Optare’s new state-of-the-art plant at Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire, at which he saw a range of advanced low-emission buses, including the zero emission Solo EV model, in production.
“Everyone in the bus industry – operators and manufacturers alike – have been calling for the Government to build on the success of its GBF initiative which has significantly stimulated the use of low emission vehicles,” said Optare’s CEO, Jim Sumner. “So it’s great news that our views have been listened too and that this substantial additional funding has been made available.
“This initiative has raised the level of demand from UK bus operators for low carbon buses and enabled companies like ours to accelerate the development of this technology. On the back of rising UK demand we have also been able to take this technology, and our fuel efficient buses into international markets bringing much needed overseas revenues into the UK economy.”
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UK bus manufacturer Optare plc has been selected to supply 190 Solo SR midibus model to the City of Cape Town. The fleet of buses will form a key element of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network being introduced by the City Council as part of a world-class Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system combining all modes of public transport.
Optare has been involved in a comprehensive competitive tendering process involving a number of global bus makers. It has been working with the support of its strategic investor Ashok Leyland and in partnership with South Africa’s leading bus assembler Busmark 2000.The first 30 buses need to be delivered in mid 2012 with the balance supplied at 20 buses month.
Optare Chief Executive, Jim Sumner, said: “We are very excited about the start of what has the potential to be a major ongoing export opportunity. Increasing our export business is a very important part of our turnaround strategy. We anticipate being able to make a formal contract announcement in the near future.”
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To mark the final commissioning of Optare’s new bus assembly plant at Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire, the company was today (Thursday, 03 November 2011) visited by Transport Minister Norman Baker.
The Minister’s visit began with a brief overview of the numerous benefits that Optare and its customers will gain from the new facility. These include the potential to double output to 1,200 buses a year; a significant improvement in efficiency leading to lower costs and shorter delivery leadtimes; the ability to achieve higher and more consistent quality standards; and the opportunity to make substantial environmental gains including reaching the target of ‘zero waste to landfill’ from the new site.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: ”By opening this new plant in Sherburn, Optare is helping to safeguard manufacturing jobs and giving a big vote of confidence in bus manufacturing, which is a great boost for the local economy.
“I was also pleased to see Optare’s involvement in the Government’s £47m Green Bus Fund. Their range of low carbon buses is already in service and helping operators and local authorities to reduce carbon emissions from their buses. Optare is helping both to create growth and cut carbon, which are my two key transport priorities.”
Optare Chief Executive Jim Sumner said: “We are delighted that Norman Baker has found time in his busy ministerial schedule to see for himself what a state-of-the-art bus assembly plant looks like. This is the first new bus assembly plant built on a greenfield site to be opened in the UK for over 40 years and we believe that it will set the benchmark in our industry.
“We have used the opportunity to build on Optare’s quarter of a century of bus building experience to create a highly efficient bus assembly operation employing best practices and processes. And we have also benefited enormously from the support of our strategic partner, Ashok Leyland, who has provided invaluable expertise and practical support based on its recent opening of several new vehicle assembly plants.
“It will be from Sherburn that we will continue the inspirational thinking that lies behind some of the most innovative buses to come onto the British market for many years. And it will be from here that we will expand our presence both in the UK market and, with continued support from Ashok Leyland, into new markets around the world.”
With 140,000 square feet of space, the new assembly plant has substantial capacity to meet both domestic and overseas demand. It includes investment of £750,000 in two new paint plants which feature the best available technology. Productivity gains will also come from more off-line sub-assembly work and the very flexible layout of the plant. The plant currently employs 400 people, but increased volumes could see this number grow significantly.
“The cost benefits of these improvements, along with our ‘Low Cost Country’ component sourcing strategy, which is being pursued vigorously in collaboration with Ashok Leyland, will enable us to be very competitive on price. It will also allow us to build in larger volume batches for the bigger fleet customers whilst retaining our flexibility to meet the needs of our smaller customers and to grow our overseas sales,” concludes Mr Sumner.
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With production now in full swing at Optare’s brand new factory at Sherburn-in-Elmet, a major new chapter in the history of British bus manufacturing begins – while another ends as the gates at the company’s Crossgates works in Leeds are closed and locked for the last time.
Optare has been building buses at Crossgates since 1985, but the site’s history dates back to the early 1920s when Charles H Roe started the construction of charabanc vehicles on the eight-acre site. The company was soon building both single- and double-deck bodies and established itself as a supplier of high-quality buses to large and small operators in Yorkshire and the north of England.
Over the years the Roe business also built trolleybuses, articulated buses, coaches and a small number of trams. During World War 2 the factory produced over 650 utility bus bodies and also manufactured other specialised vehicles to support the war effort, including trailers for use as mobile map printing units which supported the D-Day landings.
The Roe business became part of Associated Commercial Vehicles in the late 1940s, and then part of what became the British Leyland Motor Corporation in 1961. However, a reduction in demand prompted Leyland to streamline its manufacturing facilities and the Roe plant was an unfortunate casualty. It was closed in 1984, but a group of former employees and managers saw an opportunity for a forward thinking, innovative company to take advantage of new potential in the deregulated market, and their efforts saw the business revived as Optare in 1985.
Optare quickly established itself as a style leader in the bus industry with early models such as the CityPacer, StarRider, Delta and Spectra. That focus on style has continued in the current range of Solo, Versa and Tempo. The Solo has been the most successful model in the company’s history, with over 4,000 in service, including hybrid and battery-electric versions. Total Optare output at Crossgates was just over 8,700 vehicles.
“Those who have worked at Crossgates over the years can take justifiable pride in their achievements,” says Jim Sumner, the company’s chief executive officer. “The factory has produced some of the most exciting bus designs to operate in Britain, attractive vehicles which are designed to encourage people to see public transport as a vibrant and high-quality alternative to their cars.
“As with any factory move of this scale there will always be a settling down period but our new facility brings with it an improved working environment for our team and allows us to streamline production and improve efficiency. We now have the ability to double our output, opening up new opportunities in both UK fleet and export markets, and we maintain a firm focus on the manufacture of stylish, reliable, high-quality buses to ensure that our customers can offer their customers, bus users, a top-quality service.”
The gates at Crossgates were finally locked this week by commercial director Chris Wise, who is Optare’s longest serving employee having started with the company at day one, and also working for the previous Roe business since 1975.
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The first customer for Optare’s new Tempo SR model is leading East Midlands operator trent barton, which confirmed its order for 13 at Coach & Bus Live 2011.
The order is part of an £8 million, three year contract placed last October under which Optare was awarded preferred supplier status by trent barton and which will see around 65 buses from across the Optare range delivered to them.
Whilst the basic development of the Tempo SR was carried out by Optare’s in-house team, the 12 month project involved close collaboration with trent barton and its design consultant, Ray Stenning of Best Impressions. This resulted in a number of detailed styling features being incorporated that both enhance the appearance of the bus and allow for the application of graphics with a stronger visual impact.
The 12 metre Tempo SRs have seating for 41 on Esteban Civic V3 seats trimmed in a specially designed moquette and with standees can carry up to 85 passengers. Double-glazing has been specified and the buses have a six camera CCTV system.
trent barton will use them on its current rainbow 4 route, which operates daily at a ten minute frequency between Derby and Nottingham via Sandiacre and Stapleford. The service accounts for almost two million passenger journeys a year.
Jeff Counsell, managing director of trent barton, said: “The Tempo SRs will replace the current five year old vehicles on this route as part of our on-going product development plans and life-cycle investment.
“Overall vehicle styling and livery has been developed in tandem with Ray Stenning of Best Impressions and we are delighted with the result which we see as yet another step change in what we are offering to our valued customers.
“The vehicles will come finished in a metallic paint finish and the brand identity will also be freshened-up as part of our on-going drive to ‘wow’ our customers into using public transport more by making the bus an attractive travel option.
“The Tempo SRs will also be the first buses to reflect a newly styled and updated trent barton corporate identity which aims to provide our customers with the reassurance that this product comes from us with our usual stamp of quality as standard.”
Ray Stenning of Best Impressions said: “I believe passionately in the power and purpose of the line in automotive design. There is a singular, prominent line that rises from the front and flows in a continuous blade sweeping along the edge of the roof. It has energy and motion, and with minimally adorned, naturally curving planes and soft radiuses, the road-hugging, curvaceous body shape is deeply satisfying.”
Optare Commercial Director Chris Wise adds that he is pleased that the first Tempo SRs are going to trent barton. “This is a long-standing Optare customer and one that is highly regarded across the industry. I am confident that their use on this well patronised and high frequency service will prove the durability, fuel efficiency and passenger appeal of this exciting new model.
“Our design team found the input that trent barton and Ray Stenning provided throughout the project to be very useful. During a number of detailed specification meetings we were able benefit from their views and advice and to make several changes to the shape that improved the visual impact of the bus whilst ensuring that we produced a vehicle that is fit for purpose.”
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At Coach & Bus Live 2011 Optare is again demonstrating its adaptability and flexibility in producing buses that meet detailed and very different customer specifications. On its stand (G1), it will be showing three models from a comprehensive range that now extends from 18 seater midibuses to 100 passenger double-deckers.
One of the three vehicles on display is the new Tempo SR heavy-duty, low-weight single-decker. This model is aimed at the 10 to 12 metre sector of the UK market and Optare is confident that its proven driveline and exceptional fuel efficiency combined with eye-catching styling will prove a winner.
Alongside the Tempo SR are examples of the popular Versa and Solo SR models.
The vehicles on display are:
• The new Tempo SR, which is from an order for 13 for trent barton who have worked closely with Optare in developing this new model. Full details are contained in an accompanying separate press release.
• An 11.1m Versa for Arriva Southern Counties, which is one of an order for 18 currently being delivered from Optare’s new Sherburn plant and which are the first Versas to be operated by Arriva Southern Counties.
The model on display has seating for 37 on Esteban Civic V2 seats of which three are tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy bay. It is finished internally to the latest version of Arriva’s corporate colour scheme and has Hanover LED destination equipment.
The Versa is powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engine developing 115 kW (154 bhp) and is Euro 5 emissions compliant. This is matched to a five-speed Allison 2100 Series fully-automatic transmission featuring full CAN interface with the engine and incorporating a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
• A Solo SR midibus in the colours of Nottingham City Transport and which is one of an order for 24 recently delivered. The 9.95 metre bus is powered by the Cummins ISBe engine rated at 150kW (201 bhp) and matched to an Allison 2100 Series five-speed transmission.
It has seating for 33 with 31 on fixed Fainsa Punta 7 seats trimmed in Camira leather and a further two tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy bay. Mobitec LED destination equipment is fitted.
Dawson Rentals (stand J31)
Also on display on the stand of Dawson Rentals is an 11.1 metre Versa powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engine developing 115 kW (154 bhp) and matched to a five-speed Allison 2100 automatic transmission. It has seating for 40 on Esteban Civic V3 seats and three tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy bay. Altro slip resistant flooring is fitted and the bus has Mobitec LED destination equipment. Like all models in the Optare integral range, the Versa features the Eco Drive dashboard for driver performance monitoring to support safer driving and better fuel efficiency.
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Veolia Transdev has placed an order with Optare at Coach & Bus Live 2011 for
ten of its Versa midibuses.
The buses will be delivered in the first quarter of 2012 from Optare’s new plant at Sherburn-in-Elmet, Yorkshire.
Transdev Blazefield Chief Executive Officer Martin Gilbert confirmed the order on the day of the show. He said that the new buses will be operated on local services in Harrogate.
Jim Sumner, Optare Chief Executive, commented: “This repeat order from Transdev Blazefield is a ringing endorsement of our Versa model, which has proved itself to be a reliable, fuel efficient vehicle with strong passenger appeal. I am delighted at this vote of confidence from this leading operator and look forward to building these buses at our new showcase plant at Sherburn-in-Elmet, which is now coming on stream.”
The 11 metre Versas will be to a high specification that includes seating for 37 on leather trimmed Esteban Civic V2 seats, of which three are tip-ups. Other features include air conditioning in the driving cab, a nine camera CCTV systems and a powered wheelchair ramp.
Power is from the Mercedes-Benz 904LA Euro 5 engine delivering 115 kW (154 bhp) and which is matched to an Allison 2100 Series, five-speed, fully-automatic transmission.
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The first full-size battery-powered bus to operate at a UK airport – an Optare Solo – has entered service with Flights Hallmark on staff transfer duties with British Airways at Heathrow.
The 8.8 metre 25-seater is running between Terminal 5 and the British Airways headquarters at Waterside. With a daily distance covered of between 50 and 60 miles on flat terrain, the service is ideal for an electric vehicle and well within the range of the Solo EV.
The Solo EV’s zero tailpipe emissions will also support the airline’s environmental strategy by cutting around 20 tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to an equivalent diesel-engined bus.
Mark Wiles, Property Compliance Manager for British Airways, said: “Introducing this environmentally friendly battery-powered bus is a further commitment by British Airways to cutting our carbon footprint at Heathrow through improving our ground energy usage.”
Antony Goozee, Business Development Director for Flights Hallmark added: “The electric bus is a new and innovative step for Flights Hallmark and British Airways, it is vital that we continue to look at alternative methods for powering vehicles and reducing our emissions.”
Flights Hallmark, which has been pioneering land transport services at airports since 1913, has applied a distinctive ‘green’ theme to the normal British Airways livery. It will operate the Solo EV at its Heathrow base where it has installed an overnight charging point, enabling the bus to be charged using off-peak electricity prices resulting in an estimated daily ‘fuel’ cost of approximately £7, which is about half the cost of the fuel that an equivalent diesel bus would use.
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Optare has completed delivery of 16 Visionaire open-top tour buses to Arriva for use on its sightseeing operation in London, which trades as ‘The Original Tour’.
Based on the 12.3 metre Volvo B9TL tri-axle chassis, the 97-seater buses were dispatched on time, in line with the demanding delivery schedule set by Arriva and have been put straight into service.
Colin Atkins, managing director of The Original Tour, said: “These Optare Visionaires form part of our continuing investment in new vehicles. Optare has performed well in meeting our detailed and exacting requirements and in delivering them on time.
“ Their many passenger-friendly features include low floor and wheelchair accessibility, which is particularly welcome as London prepares to host both the Olympic and Paralympic games.”
The Original Tour is the largest single operation of its kind in the world and in June celebrated its 60th Anniversary. It began life as London Transport Service J in 1951 as part of the Festival of Britain celebrations and it was in 1996 that it adopted the name by which it is known today. The service covers three main sightseeing routes and is served on a ‘hop on, hop off’ basis.
The Visionaires are fitted with Fainsa Metropolis seats with each seat housing a headset plug point through which passengers can receive digitally recorded commentaries in eight languages through the V6E multi-lingual system. A PA system is also available through which The Original Tour’s renowned live-guided commentaries can be provided. Tinted side windows add to passenger comfort and Hanover LED destination equipment has been specified.
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Optare is pleased to announce the emergence of the first vehicles from its new state-of-the-art facility in Sherburn in Elmet.
The first vehicle to leave the plant was an Optare Versa for delivery to Go North East and is one of a batch of 20 being taken by the operator. Final finishing of the vehicle was carried out in Sherburn.
Progressive transfer of production from Optare’s existing site at Leeds started at the beginning of August with the move of finishing shop activities and pre-delivery inspection leading to final dispatch of buses now taking place directly from the new plant. The company plans to complete the stage-by-stage relocation of production to Sherburn by mid October.
CEO Jim Sumner says “Investing in the new plant will allow us to introduce a far more flexible layout and have all the necessary skills and management focus under one roof. With a continuous U-shape flow line using dedicated line-side sub-assembly areas to balance production, this will allow a far more optimal production flow compared to the current plant layouts.”
“The new plant allows us to introduce a far more flexible layout and have all the necessary skills and management focus under one roof. With a continuous U-shape flow line using dedicated line-side sub-assembly areas to balance production, this will allow a more optimal production flow compared to the current plant layouts.
“One of the major facility improvements is the £750,000 investment we have made in two new paint booths. These have a ‘bake’ drying cycle of less than 40 minutes compared to the current average of up to three hours and this will contribute significantly to achieving the increased capacity of up to 1,200 buses a year on a single shift that Sherburn will be capable of.
The increased capacity and flexibility of this new manufacturing plant enables us to offer a full range of single and double-deck models to satisfy all market sectors and in both left and right hand drive, while keeping fixed costs down
…he says.
The strategic location of the new plant provides fast access to the A1M and M62, supporting easier delivery of finished buses to all parts of the UK and to the Port of Hull for shipment to the Continent. The location will also enable speedier supply of components from a range of ‘Best Cost Country’ suppliers through Optare’s strategic collaboration with Ashok Leyland.
Ashok Leyland has also provided significant expertise based on its recent investments in new vehicle plants,” says Sumner. “This has helped to refine planning for the new factory, again demonstrating the value of the synergy benefits of this strategic collaboration.”
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