Optare Versa

The Optare Versa is a low-floor midibus that was manufactured by Optare at its Sherburn-in-Elmet factory. In total 883 were produced between 2007 and 2018.[1]

Optare Versa
Arriva Midlands Versa at Showbus Rally in 2009 (with horizontal headlamps)
Overview
ManufacturerOptare
Production2007–2018
Body and chassis
Doors1 or 2
Floor typeLow floor (outside UK)
Low entry (inside UK)
Powertrain
EngineCummins ISBe
MAN
Mercedes-Benz OM904
Capacity36-57 seated
TransmissionAllison 2100
Dimensions
Length10,400 to 12,100 mm (34 ft 1 in to 39 ft 8 in)
Width2,510 mm (8 ft 3 in)
Height2,840 mm (9 ft 4 in)
Chronology
SuccessorSwitch E1

Description
First Manchester Optare Versa Hybrid in April 2013 (with vertical headlamps)

Optare designed the Versa to fill a gap in its bus product range between the larger Tempo full-size single-decker bus and the smaller Solo minibus. Some operators of the longest of Optare's minibus-derived Solo models commented that the 7,000 mm wheelbase was too long, reducing manoeuvrability, which resulted from the Solo's front axle being ahead of the passenger entrance. It was officially launched at the Euro Bus Expo 2006 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham in November 2006, with the first order of 25 buses being placed by Stagecoach.[2][3][4]

The Versa, with its entrance ahead of the front axle, considerably reduces the wheelbase, to either 5,130 mm or 5,820 mm (depending upon whether the overall length is 10,300 mm or 11,000 mm respectively). It is designed to seat between 36 and 40 passengers. The Versa has a typical Optare design, with a swooping roof line, large glazed area and swept-back front which takes many of its styling cues from the Solo, but with a more modern, updated appearance.

Following the restructuring of Optare in November 2020 and the launch of Switch Mobility the Versa was dropped from Optare's line-up in favour of the Metrocity.[5][6][7] The last Versas were built in 2018.

Hybrid electric version - Optare Versa EV

In 2010, a hybrid electric version was introduced with the first 68 ordered by Transport for Greater Manchester. Of these, 20 were introduced on the FirstBus operated Metroshuttle routes in November 2010, while others were operated by Maytree Travel.[8][9]

Electric version - Optare Versa EV

In 2012, an electric version was introduced with Travel DeCourcey ordering three in 2010, entering service on the Coventry Park & Ride. The Park and Ride trend was continued with First York purchasing 12 for its York Park & Ride services between 2014 and 2015.[10][11][12] Transport for Greater Manchester introduced three on its Metroshuttle services.[13][14]

Operators

United Kingdom

The first Optare Versas entered service in October 2007 with Arriva Shires & Essex.[15] Arriva, FirstGroup, Go-Ahead Group, Rotala, Yorkshire Tiger, Stagecoach Group, Wellglade Group ,Transdev Blazefield and Translink Northern Ireland (37 buses) have all been purchasers. It has been operated by Transport for London operators East London, London United, NSL Buses, Quality Line and Selkent.[1] The Versa has proved popular with independent operators - such as Fleet Buzz - particularly in East Anglia, in the North West of England and also in Wales.

Australasia

In New Zealand Reesby Buses have purchased three Versas from the Optare.[16][17] They are joined by Ritchies Transport Holdings, who purchased 7 from Nottingham City Transport in late 2013.

References
  1. Optare Versa Bus Lists on the Web
  2. Stylish new bus from Optare Bus & Coach Professional 1 November 2006
  3. Stagecoach places £9m order for 100 new buses Stagecoach Group 7 November 2006
  4. Stagecoach orders 100 from Optare Bus & Coach Professional 15 November 2006
  5. Dougall, Emily (1 December 2020). "Optare becomes Switch Mobility as parent company Ashok Leyland unveils global electric vehicle plans". CBW. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  6. "Current Electric Vehicles | Switch Mobility". www.switchmobility.tech. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  7. "Our Vehicles". Optare. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  8. Freedom of the city with Manchester Metroshuttle Archived 30 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine 2 November 2010
  9. Manchester 9 million hybrid school fleet Bus & Coach Professional 26 April 2012
  10. Electric Versas for York - First operating six Optare Versa EVs on new Park and Ride Bus & Coach Buyer 20 June 2014
  11. More Versa EVs for York P+R Bus & Coach Buyer 26 May 2015
  12. More electric Versas for York Optare 19 May 2015
  13. Free city centre Metroshuttle goes electric Optare 31 July 2014
  14. Electric Versas for Manchester Bus & Coach Professional 7 August 2014
  15. First Versas for Arriva Bus & Coach Professional 4 January 2008
  16. Reesby Buses Australian Bus Fleet Lists
  17. Versa makes savings in New Zealand Bus & Coach Buyer 8 August 2013.

Media related to Optare Versa at Wikimedia Commons

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