Manchester Airport Group has added four airport specification Optare Tempos to its fleet, three of the vehicles feature two doors and one of the vehicles three doors to speed up boarding and alighting time. The buses will be predominately used for the transportation of airport staff on both the external network and the airport roads.
The Euro 5, 12.5m Tempos with Mercedes Engine and Allison Transmission two door vehicles seat up to 43 and the three door vehicle seats up to 29 all the vehicles are fitted with luggage racks.
Hardik Modha, Head of Customer Transport at Manchester Airport Group, said, “We chose the Optare Tempo’s because of the size and space afforded to passengers on board, the triple door vehicle in particular makes boarding and alighting quick and easy and the specification of the vehicle which includes air conditioning is also excellent. We were very impressed with the flexibility that Optare were able to provide with regards to the seat layout and racking designs, and the quality of the communication with me and my team.”
Tim Matthews, Head of Sales at Optare, said, “I’m delighted to be supplying these new vehicles to Manchester Airport and continue our relationship with the team there. The Tempo has proved very successful at Sydney Airport so am pleased to see the vehicle is also ticking all the boxes for the same application in the UK.”
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Optare Group PLC are delighted to announce Bus Corp Oceania Pty Ltd (BCO) as their new distributor for Optare products in Australia and New Zealand. To strengthen the Optare presence and increase the expansion of the brand, BCO is supported technically, financially and logistically by one of Australia’s largest automotive groups.
Graham Belgum, President of Optare commented, “Optare Solo, Versa and Tempo are very well proven products in the UK, European and Australasian markets, particularly attractive to operators because of their low deployment cost, style and fuel-efficient designs. We now also seek to introduce our light weight Metrocity range particularly adapted for heavy use urban environments.”
“We will be working together with BCO to take the Optare brand to a new level in terms of supporting existing customers through further expansion of the sales & after-sales networks in the region, including the introduction of new products to meet the region’s market needs. In addition to our UK manufactured products and in conjunction with our distributor we will be exploring ways of bringing some local assembly to Australia.“
BCO have engaged Jason Pecotic, with over 25 years’ experience in the automotive industry including many years specifically within the bus and transport sector. Leveraging on Jason’s vast experience with the likes of Cummins, Allison and ZF, BCO will develop a highly experienced team to focus on aftersales support for the Australia and New Zealand operations. “Our first round of staff recruitment has begun with our target to have a complete aftersales and spare parts division fully operational within 8 weeks, from BCO’s Moorabbin premises in South East Melbourne” said Jason.
Guy Pex will continue as Sales and Marketing Manager across Australia and New Zealand for the Optare range, after previously working with Optare locally. Shannon Taylor of Optare will continue to provide direct Factory support as the local representative of the Optare Group within the region.
“It’s an exciting time to be joining the Optare family” Jason said, “With Optare’s proven low deployment costs, packaged with running cost saving high technology as well as a passenger comfort focused bus range, the timing is perfect as Australia and New Zealand enter new rounds of operator contract tenders and government procurement negotiations.” We currently have a fleet of demonstrator vehicles available for operators now for trial purposes and as our supply of units increase we will build that fleet to a level where no operator should have to wait too long for their personal experience.
“We believe the Optare product range will save millions of dollars towards Operators’ contract costs, which has benefits for every public transport budget in the region”, added Pecotic.
Optare is confident that its strategy to invest into Australia and New Zealand and introduce new products to provide a complete range of urban buses will provide the foundations to grow Optare into one of the key bus suppliers for this region.
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Nathan Brown, Nikki Kerrigan and Jacob Stubbs, have all successfully gained Institute of the Motor Industry Diploma level 3 in Body Building Competence and level 2 in Vehicle Accident Repair Principles. The three apprentices are the second generation of their families to join Optare and started work with the Company on 7 October 2013. They were presented with their certificates by, Graham Belgum, Optare President, John Fickling, Non-executive Chairman and Steve Norris, Deputy Chairman at a special presentation.
Graham Belgum, President of Optare, said, “We value the importance of investing in the future and developing the skills of our people, Jacob, Nathan and Nikki have worked extremely hard to learn the skills required to attain their qualifications and I am delighted to congratulate them on their achievements.”
The apprentices will continue to use and develop their specialist skills across the manufacturing process. Optare has recently announced an intensive programme of National Vocational Qualifications which is being rolled out across all departments of the business as part of the Company’s commitment to employee development and continuous improvement.
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This year’s ALBUM conference theme is “Driving the customer experience” designed to demonstrate to delegates and industry suppliers how they can improve their business by embracing a customer experience ethos with the customer at the heart of everything they do.
Optare will be displaying a high specification Metrocity that demonstrates some of its range of custom design features, such as wood effect saloon flooring, LED under seat mood lighting and e-leather seats, all designed to entice passengers.
However, Optare haven’t stopped the refinement of the Metrocity there, the Metrocity xFE Euro 6 bus features not only the latest Mercedes Euro 6 cleaner diesel technology but also the Allison xFE transmission with a FuelSense® Max software package. Incorporating optimized gear ratios coupled with the FuelSense® Max package, the Allison xFE transmissions have been designed to deliver significantly more lock up operation and operate at lower engine speeds in higher ranges for further fuel economy improvements.
During recent independent testing conducted under conditions representative of actual service, the Euro 6 Metrocity with a T3270R xFE™ transmission and FuelSense® Max returned a fuel economy improvement of 8 percent over the previous model.
Robert Drewery, Commercial Director at Optare, said. “At Optare our focus is to manufacture vehicles that not only reduce operating costs but also entice passengers to use the bus. At Optare we work closely with operators to find ways to enhance our buses to make them more attractive and comfortable for passengers. The Metrocity xFE is a prime example of Optare’s commitment to manufacture a vehicle with reduced whole life costs and maximum passenger appeal.”
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Ulsterbus passengers in the Craigavon area are set to benefit from the introduction of eight new modern buses to the local fleet. Representing an investment of around £1.2 million, they will operate on the high frequency route between Lurgan and Portadown.
The new “Optare Versa” buses are in line with latest high quality fleet standards, with high-back, high specification seats, double wheelchair/buggy spaces, fully accessible and CCTV. Additional features include USB charging points and exterior cantrail LED lighting. They are all fitted with fire suppression equipment.
Ulsterbus Service Delivery Manager for Craigavon, Gary Mawhinney said: “We are delighted to see this investment in the local fleet. Over the last year, we have seen passenger numbers using local services 46 and 47 between Lurgan and Portadown more than double in the off-peak.”
“We hope this fleet enhancement together with our frequent 15 minute bus service in each direction serving Rushmere Shopping Centre and Craigavon Area Hospital will attract even more people to make the smart move to use the bus. Customers can also benefit from a great value special £2 day return fare available after 9.30 a.m. on this route so whether you are going shopping, meeting friends or getting to the hospital it’s easy to make the bus ‘Your First Choice for Travel’”.
Gary Mawhinney also said “In addition, these new buses will among the most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly buses in the region, this is good news for the Craigavon area helping us to provide a healthier environment for all”.
Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, Optare, said, “We are delighted that Translink have decided to continue their relationship with Optare and purchase more high specification Versas with the latest Euro 6 clean engine technology. We recognise the importance of working with our partners to enhance not only comfort but the entire passenger experience. Features such as USB charging and cantrail LED lighting (the first to be seen on an Optare vehicle) are designed specifically with the passenger experience in mind.”
These new buses come as Ulsterbus celebrates its 50th Anniversary serving the local community.
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The pre-production 10.5m Transport for London (TfL) specification Metrodecker demonstrator has completed a successful trail with Go-Ahead London. The Optare double decker was put through its paces operating on routes from Go-Ahead’s Bexleyheath bus garage.
Richard Harrington, Engineering Director for Go-Ahead London, commented: “Go-Ahead are committed to taking care of our customers changing needs, today, tomorrow and always, so we were delighted to be able to put the Metrodecker through its paces in London. We were pleased with the Metrodecker’s overall performance with regards to reliability, serviceability and fuel efficiency. We received very positive feedback from the 95 different drivers who drove the vehicle in service, with the majority reporting that it was a great product with a clear view of the road ahead. Our customers were also very complimentary of the vehicles comfort and design.”
Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, Optare said, “We are delighted with the performance of the Metrodecker in the capital and the positive feedback from Go-Ahead London and their customers. The vehicle will remain with Go-head London for a little longer, moving to New Cross Garage, where drivers and engineers will undergo familiarity training in preparation for the Metrodecker EV prototype route 36 trial in the summer.”
The Metrodecker, powered by the Mercedes-Benz OM934LA, Euro 6, four-cylinder engine with ZF Ecolife transmission, has a fully integral frame, boasts light weight credentials, enviable fuel economy and class leading seating capacity. The Metrodecker is available in two lengths the two door TfL specification measures in at 10.5metres and the single door provincial specification at 11.1metres. A TfL specification fully electric prototype Metrodecker was also launched in November last year at EuroBus Expo.
Photo Caption: Left to Right, Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, Optare with Deborah Cane, Driver Mentor and Type Trainer for Go-Ahead Bexleyheath and Richard Harrington, Engineering Director, Go-Ahead London with the Optare, Metrodecker.
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Easyway Minibus Hire Ltd have purchased an Optare slimline Solo to add to their fleet. Based in Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Easyway Mini Coach Hire Ltd have been providing mini bus hire and bus services throughout South Wales for over 25 years.
The Mercedes Euro 5, 7.9m, slimline Solo with Allison 2100 transmission seats up to 27 and will operate on the Vale of Glamorgan Council route 88 from Barry to Penarth.
Richard Morris, Director at Easyway, said, “We already have several Solos in our fleet as they are very cost effective to operate and particularly well suited to operation in both residential urban areas and more remote rural locations. Therefore, purchasing another of these vehicles was an obvious choice for us”
Steph Baker, Regional Sales Manager, Optare, said, “We are delighted that the great reputation of the Optare Solo has led to Easyway’s decision to purchase a vehicle.”
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Group Travel who operate Private Coach Hire & Bus Services from Bodmin, Cornwall have purchased an Optare Solo to add to their fleet.
The Mercedes Euro 5, 9.2m, Solo with Allison 2100 transmission seats up to 31 and will operate on the 223 Town Service around Launceston.
Dawn Moon, Director at Group Travel, said, “The vehicle was purchased as a replacement for an older model. Our experience of the Solo has proven it to be particularly flexible with the ability to easily operate in residential urban areas and more remote rural locations as well as being extremely fuel efficient and loved by drivers and passengers alike. Upgrading to a new Solo was an easy decision for us to make.”
Steph Baker, Regional Sales Manager, Optare, said, “I am delighted that the flexibility and cost effective operation of the Solo has encouraged Group Travel to purchase yet another Solo.”
Sherburn in Elmet, Feb 2017
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Shuttle Buses, one of the largest independent bus and coach operators in Ayrshire has purchased an Optare Solo to add to an expanding fleet. Established in 1990, Shuttle Buses operate a wide range of services including private coach hire, local bus services, MyBus services, school and private contracts with a diverse fleet of over 40 buses and coaches. The new vehicle brings the number of Solos in the fleet up to 16.
The new 9.2m, Cummins Euro 5, Optare Solo with Allison 2100 Transmission will operate the route between Irvine and Stewarton, an hourly service which is subsidised by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. The new Solo seats up to 30 and is fitted with three-point seat belts.
David Granger, owner of Shuttle Buses said, “We have operated Optare Solos for many years on both commercial routes and MyBus services subsidised by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport. We find that the vehicles are particularly fuel efficient and very good at meeting our requirements for seating capacity, while still being of a size that permits ease of operation in residential urban areas and more remote rural locations. The purchase of this new bus is part of Shuttle Buses continued commitment to making public transport accessible, attractive and easy to use.”
Chris Hunt, Regional Sales Manager at Optare, said, “I am delighted that Shuttle Buses have chosen to purchase yet another of the popular Optare Solos to add to their expanding fleet.”
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Optare are pleased to announce that the Metrocity, 11.5m, Euro 6, demonstrator vehicle has completed a very successful real-world trial with one of the UK’s largest operators, First Bus. The trial has seen Optare’s Metrocity put through its paces operating on the high frequency Red Arrow services 521, 522 and 523, from Halifax to Ovenden and Illingworth (north of Halifax).
Mark Munday, Technical Director at First Bus, commented: “First Bus invest in a unique and rigorous approach to testing, evaluating and procuring new vehicles. In addition to extensive fuel efficiency and performance testing on the track we also conduct real-world operation trials, on actual routes throughout the First Bus network. Working with manufacturers in this way means that we can gather robust data to inform the purchase of vehicles that support Local Authority agendas and positively impact carbon and air quality in town and city centres across the UK, while ensuring that we deliver the best experience for our passengers.
The trial of the Metrocity builds on the work we started last year with Optare, which included a comprehensive assessment of the Metrodecker. After the success of the Metrodecker trial we were particularly keen to evaluate the Metrocity and gain passenger and driver feedback. It has performed really well and it is great to see more Low Carbon certified buses being made available to benefit the environment.”
Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, Optare said, “In light of service experience, expectations of the Metrocity’s performance were high, and we were not disappointed. The Euro 6 vehicle is Low Carbon certified and met or exceeded competitive benchmarks throughout the assessment. Feedback from drivers and customers has been extremely positive, particularly around the driveability, smooth ride and the comfort of the vehicle. It is great to see more efficient buses being made available to benefit the environment.”
The Metrocity is a relatively recent addition to the Optare vehicle portfolio that has been very well received by operators in particular because of its impressive fuel-efficiency. The lightest in class, low floor single deck has a fully integral frame, enviable fuel economy and impressive seating capacity. The Metrocity is available in three lengths (10.1m, 10.8m and 11.5m), with a single door. The 10.1m and 10.8m also available in a two door TfL specification, both as a Euro 6 diesel and as an electric bus.
The Optare Metrodecker undertook a similarly rigorous in-service programme with First Bus last summer on route X78 from Sheffield to Doncaster, where the vehicle was met with very positive feedback from First Bus, passengers and drivers. The Metrocity will shortly commence a further in-service assessment with First Hampshire & Dorset.
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