Manufacturer Optare Doors 1 or 2 | Production 2007–present Capacity 36-57 seated | |
 | ||
Floor type Low floor (inside UK)
Low entry (outside UK) Engine Cummins ISBe
MAN
Mercedes-Benz OM904 | ||
The Optare Versa is a low-floor midibus manufactured by Optare at its Sherburn-in-Elmet factory. As at March 2016, more than 750 had been produced.
Contents
Description
The Optare Versa was designed the midibus 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 7.0m 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.
The Versa, with its entrance ahead of the front axle, considerably reduces the wheelbase, to either 5.13m or 5.82m (depending upon whether the overall length is 10.3m or 11m 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.
Hybrid electric version
In 2010, a hybrid electric version was introduced with the first ordered by Travel de Courcey. Transport for Greater Manchester ordered 68, 20 of them were introduced on the First Greater Manchester operated Metroshuttle routes in November 2010, while others were operated by Maytree Travel.
Electric version
In 2014, an electric version was introduced with First York purchasing 12 for its York Park & Ride services. Transport for Greater Manchester introduced three on its Metroshuttle services.
United Kingdom
The first Optare Versas entered service in October 2007 with Arriva Shires & Essex. Arrva, FirstGroup, Go-Ahead Group, Rotala, Stagecoach Group, Wellglade Group and Transdev Blazefield have all been purchasers. It has been operated by Transport for London operators East London, London United, NSL Buses, Quality Line and Selkent.North Norfolk operated Sanders Coaches, have one.
Australasia
In New Zealand Reesby Buses have purchased three Versas.