Optare has begun delivering against an order for 18 of its Versa model to First Cymru for operation in South Wales. Two versions of the lightweight midibus model are being supplied: nine are the 11.1 metre model and nine are the new low-weight 11.7 metre model, with seating capacities of 36 and 40 respectively. A […]

Thames Travel, a subsidiary of the Go Ahead Oxford, has taken delivery of six of Optare’s Solo SR midibus model which are being used on five new routes in the Bicester area. An important factor in choosing the Solo SR was the low emission levels of the Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engine which is Euro 5 compliant […]

Newbury & District is the first operator to take delivery of the diesel-engined version of Optare’s specially designed 12.1 metre Versa school bus. Six have gone into service and will be used primarily on school contracts although the company may also operate them on its local services in the Newbury area. In designing the 12.1 […]

Optare has formally handed over six of its Slimline Solo model to Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) at an event at Glasgow’s Buchanan Bus Station. SPT Assistant Chief Executive Eric Stewart received the Solos from John Horn, Optare’s sales director. Also present was John Henderson, managing director of Henderson Travel, who will operate the buses […]

Watford independent Mullany’s Coaches has taken delivery of a pair of Optare Solo SR models for use on its local services running in the Watford and Hemel Hempstead area. The buses were required to replace time expired Solo models in the fleet and to support a growth in passenger numbers on the 318 route between […]

Optare anticipates that the recent announcement by the Department for Transport of successful bidders for support for low carbon buses under Green Bus Fund Round 4 will lead to a significant number of orders for the Yorkshire bus maker. The company’s Deputy Chief Executive Glenn Saint says that he welcomes the news that the government […]

Penrith based Alba Travel have added another Optare Solo SR to their fleet for use on a new contract in the Lake District. Their choice of the 2.3 metre wide Slimline model reflects the narrow road conditions along most of the route the bus will follow. The contract awarded by the Lake District National Park […]

Newbury & District is the first independent operator to take delivery of the 11.7 metre version of Optare’s Versa integral model, which was launched last year. The company is using the vehicle on the 14 mile route 4 out of Newbury to Lambourn. This Monday to Saturday service is contracted through West Berkshire District Council […]

A groundbreaking strategic partnership agreement reached with Dawsonrentals bus and coach limited has secured a 50-bus order for Optare. The agreement gives Dawsonrentals access to the international sales force of Optare’s major shareholder, Ashok Leyland, to facilitate the disposal of its used vehicles in right-hand-drive markets outside the UK. In return Dawsonrentals will purchase new […]