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.