Innovative bus designer and manufacturer Optare reaches for new heights as proud sponsors of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Optare have provided a Tour Support Van wrapped in iconic Lancaster and Spitfire images that will accompany the Flight across the UK during the display season.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aims to maintain the priceless artefacts of our national heritage in airworthy condition to commemorate those who have served and fallen for their country, promote the modern-day Air Force and to inspire future generations.
Flown by regular serving RAF aircrew, the Flight operates six Spitfires, two Hurricane Mk 2Cs, a Lancaster and a C47 Dakota display aircraft.
“The BBMF embodies the values and excellence that we aspire to bring to every part of our business. We are proud and honoured to be supporting the Flight.”
Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, Optare
“We are thrilled to welcome Optare as sponsors in our 60th anniversary year of the founding of the Flight. The van is already proving to be extremely useful.
Lest We Forget.”
OC BBMF
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Marshalls of Sutton on Trent have purchased another two Optare Versa buses. Marshalls of Sutton on Trent, established in 1989 is a family run business, recognised as one of the leading coach & bus operators in the East Midlands.
The Mercedes Euro 6, 11.7m, Versa with Allison T270R transmission seat up to 44, are finished to a high specification and feature front bonnet operator branding illumination. The Versas will join the existing service fleet consisting of one Metrocity, three Optare Versas and six Solos. The new buses will serve the Fosseway Flyer route between Newark and Nottingham.
“We already operate a number of Optare Versas, the striking design is popular with passengers and drivers alike. When we were looking for new additions to our fleet with excellent fuel economy and the latest environmental credentials the Versa was the obvious choice for us.”
John Marshall, Managing Director of Marshalls
“We are delighted that Marshalls a long standing Optare customer have opted for the popular Optare Versa once again.”
Chris Hunt, Business Development Manager at Optare
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Leading Indian truck and bus manufacturer Ashok Leyland Limited, a Hinduja Group Company, has increased its stake in its UK subsidiary Optare Plc by 23.20% to 98.31% by conversion of its existing loans into equity.
“Optare is well known for its innovative bus designs and this is a reaffirmation of our Group’s continuing commitment to making Optare a premier bus player in the U.K. In response to anticipated needs in the UK and overseas, Optare will be investing extensively in the next generation of all-electric buses, utilising higher density batteries and delivering much improved range. These are expected to be positioned by early 2018”.
Vinod Dasari, Managing Director of Ashok Leyland
Welcoming the decision John Fickling, Optare, Chairman, said,
“The move secures the financial stability of the Company towards long-term growth”.
Optare’s President, Graham Belgum predicts a positive outlook for the UK based bus manufacturer next year despite challenges in the UK market,
“The Metrodecker EV completed trials successfully with First York and First West Yorkshire recently, the first trials of a new fully electric double deck bus outside London. We are also seeing significant developments in export with orders being secured in Australia and New Zealand, including a major contract for 114 Metrocity buses for a major operator in New Zealand and several tenders under consideration in the Middle East.”
As part of on-going programmes, Optare continues to invest in further innovations in light-weighting to improve the efficiency of both their diesel and electric buses as well as in the development of Euro 6 low Carbon technologies.
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Steve Whiteway, former Managing Director of Epsom Coaches has joined Optare in its mission to improve air quality in London. Steve will work with the bus manufacturer and operators in London and surrounding areas to support in the implementation of electric bus technologies.
Graham Belgum, President of Optare
“We are delighted to welcome Steve on board, his extensive operating experience in the London area is highly valued and respected and will be invaluable in supporting Optare in its work with operators to implement more sustainable electric bus routes in and around the capital.”
“I am delighted to be working with Optare at what is an exciting time for both the manufacturer and the industry, making sustainable changes in bus travel to improve air quality. Part of the worldwide Hinduja group, Optare are investing extensively in the next generation of electric buses, with vehicles utilising higher density batteries currently in build. This combined with Optare’s advanced integral lightweight construction is the perfect formula, delivering much improved range and reduced power consumption in a product developed and built entirely in the UK”.
Steve Whiteway, Optare Ambassador,
The Metrodecker EV, Optare’s electric double deck bus, completed trials with First York and First West Yorkshire recently and is set to start trials with Go-Ahead London before the end of the year.
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Harrogate Coach Travel, trading as Connexionsbuses have purchased a 9.2m Euro 6, Low Carbon, Optare Solo to add to their fleet. Connexionsbuses is a family run company established in 2002. The Firm operates a network of local bus services in and around Harrogate and York in North Yorkshire as well as Otley and Ilkley in West Yorkshire.
The Mercedes Euro 6, 9.2m, Low Carbon Solo with Allison 2100 transmission seats up to 31 and will operate on route 16 from Acomb to York City Centre.
“We have operated Solos since we started business in 2002 and find them to be particularly well suited to operation in residential urban areas and more remote rural locations, as well as being extremely cost effective to operate. Therefore, purchasing another Optare Solo was the obvious choice for us.”
Craig Temple, Managing Director at Connexionsbuses
“We are delighted that the great reputation and past experience of the Optare Solo has led to Connexionsbuses decision to purchase another Optare Solo. The new technology working alongside the Euro 6 engine means impressive fuel economy and the added incentive of higher BSOG payments (where this is claimed) makes the Euro 6 Solo a great choice for operators and the environment alike.”
Chris Hunt, Regional Sales Manager, Optare
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Optare, one of the UK’s leading bus manufacturers, has secured its biggest ever Australasian export order with a NZ$40m (£21m) deal to supply 114 buses to Tranzit Group, one of New Zealand’s largest public transport operators.
The agreement will see Optare, subsidiary of India-based Ashok Leyland provide 114 innovative and environmentally efficient Metrocity buses to the New Zealand capital, Wellington, and the surrounding region with the first of the Metrocity buses due to be delivered in March 2018 and the entire order set to be fulfilled by July 2018.
The buses feature Euro 6 compliant engines, best in class unladen weight, innovative monocoque design and higher seating capacity altogether delivering significant annual savings in fuel consumption and operating costs.
“This is a significant step for Optare as part of our international export strategy and signals the exciting growth opportunities available to us in Australasia. Further it recognises our continued innovation in lightweight products that use fuel efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.”
Graham Belgum, President of Optare
“A team of us travelled the world to find the ideal lightweight solution (12-tonne GVM) for New Zealand roads. We were impressed with the lightweight design of the Metrocity combined with the excellent passenger capacities it offers. The design’s reputation for excellent performance with regards to fuel efficiency particularly appealed to us.”
“In addition, the Metrocity provided us both a small and medium sized vehicle option 10.1m and 10.8m respectively, with identical body and running gear. The 10.1m Metrocity, with a shorter wheelbase is ideal for travelling through some of Wellington’s narrow streets and hilly terrain.”
“Overall, we were impressed with Optare’s approach and willingness to work in partnership, it was a no-brainer decision for us.”
Paul Snelgrove, Managing Director of Tranzit Group
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Garelochhead Coaches, have purchased two 9.2m Euro 5, Low Carbon, Optare Solos to add to their fleet. Garelochhead Coaches has been in operation for 25 years, providing bus and coach hire services throughout Argyll and Bute.
The Mercedes Euro 5, 9.2m, Low Carbon Solos with Allison 2100 transmission seat up to 30, feature belted seats, wood effect flooring and white destination displays. The new vehicles join an existing fleet of nine Optare Solos including two Optare Solo EVs operated on behalf of SPT and were purchased for two new contracts operating between Luss &. Balmaha on the shores of Loch Lomondside.
“Garelochhead Coaches have operated Solos for many years, these vehicles are of a size that permit ease of operation in both residential urban areas and more remote rural locations but still have excellent passenger capacity, which makes them perfect for the roads along our routes.”
Stuart McQueen, Managing Director, Garelochhead Coaches
“Garelochhead Coaches are a loyal customer of Optare and we are delighted that their great experiences of the Optare Solo have led to the decision to purchase more of these vehicles.”
Chris Hunt, Regional Sales Manager, Optare
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Translink have invested over £3million in a striking new-look fleet and improved timetable.
People in Derry~Londonderry can now enjoy the benefits of Translink’s new Foyle Metro bus service launched on 1 September.
‘Foyle Metro’ is a major development for the City’s public transport network. Operating across 14 bus corridors on a simplified route network, the service features an eye-catching new-look red bus fleet and attractive bus timetable designed to meet the future transport needs of the city.
The new service will boost connectivity providing a frequent, reliable, comfortable and affordable way to travel. As part of the launch celebrations, Translink customers can enjoy a special £2 all-day ticket (child £1) available throughout September.
Foyle Metro offers a range of enhanced connections to shops, amenities, schools, hospital and airport services along with improved integration with Goldline Express and NI Railways services.
The striking red fleet represents an investment of over £3million comprising 19 brand new buses which are more environmentally-friendly supporting the council’s focus on air quality improvements and a further 20 refurbished buses to ensure the entire service is looking smart.
Launching Foyle Metro, Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said:
“The people of Derry~Londonderry told us they wanted a modern and attractive bus service that reflects and supports the city’s prosperity. We’ve used their feedback to design the ‘Foyle Metro’ experience – its new-look, routes and timetables – and we’re now looking forward to their first impressions from September 1!
“In recent years we have invested over £55m in bus and rail transport improvements in the North West; Foyle Metro is a further major part of our plans to deliver continued passenger growth and make Translink your first choice for travel in Northern Ireland. As a major local employer delivering more than 270 jobs in the North West, Foyle Metro will also help secure a successful future for our business here.
“Our customers can now pick-up a Foyle Metro timetable in-station or online and find out more about their new service. Also watch out for our launch celebrations in September when we’ll have a special £2 day ticket and plenty of red-themed activities from shopping centre roadshows to social media competitions and tempting giveaways. Just visit our Facebook page or follow @Translink_NI #FoyleMetro for details,”
Translink is also working with the Department for Infrastructure and Derry City & Strabane District Council to deliver road infrastructure improvements in the city over the coming months to enhance bus operations. There are also further plans to improve local Goldline Express Services to Belfast with investment in new fleet and timetable enhancements.
New Translink Foyle Metro timetables are now available online and in-station. For more information visit www.translink.co.uk/foylemetro/ , follow @Translink_NI #FoyleMetro or call 028 90 66 66 30.
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At a special ceremony, family-owned Safeguard Coaches of Guildford has named the latest addition to its fleet, a new Optare Metrocity, after long-serving staff member Linda Chambers, who has recently retired after 28 years’ service. Optare, Regional Sales Manager, Chris Hunt, handed over the newly named Metrocity to Safeguard’s longest serving employee Emilio Dubra who joined the operator 31 years ago in 1986 (pictured).
The 10.8m, Cummins Euro 5 Metrocity with Allison 2100 transmission, seats up to 37 and will join an existing fleet comprising of 10 service vehicles 9 of which are Optare buses. The Metrocity will become a regular addition to routes 4 & 5 Royal Surrey Hospital and Park Barn service, which runs from Guildford bus station. Safeguard have also purchased another Metrocity to the same specification, which is expected to join the fleet in September.
“This is the first time Safeguard has named one of its fleet after a retiring staff member and signifies what a huge role Linda has played in the company’s history. Although she will be sorely missed by all her colleagues and many of our long-standing customers, the bus will serve as a pleasant reminder of her contribution to the business.”
Andrew Halliday, Managing Director at Safeguard Coaches
“I am delighted to see that Safeguard have chosen to add two Metrocity’s to their growing fleet of Optare vehicles. The low weight Metrocity has a reputation for delivering great fuel economy making it a popular choice with operators throughout the country.”
Chris Hunt, Regional Sales Manager, Optare
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Optare’s new distributor for products in Australia and New Zealand Bus Corp Oceania Pty Ltd (BCO) recently visited the Optare Manufacturing site. BCO were accompanied by a group of prospective customers.
The visit included a tour of UK customers, a comprehensive evaluation of the Metrocity Euro 6 Diesel, Metrocity EV, Solo EV and Metrodecker EV.
Graham Belgum, Optare President, said, “I am delighted to see that our relationship with BCO is already delivering enquiries from new territories in line with our plans to strengthen the Optare presence and increase the expansion of the brand in Australia and New Zealand.”
Jason Pecotic, BCO General Manager, added “We are looking forward to writing the next chapter of the Optare story in Australia and New Zealand”
During the visit, senior members of BCO and Optare (pictured) marked the occasion with the official signing of the distributor contract.
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