Optare Versa
{{short description|Low-floor midibus manufactured by Optare}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox UK Bus
| background =
| name = Optare Versa
| image = Arriva bus 2985 (YJ09 LBK), Showbus rally 2009 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Arriva Midlands Versa at Showbus Rally in 2009 (pre-facelift)
| manufacturer = Optare
| production = 2007–2018
| length = {{convert|10400|to|12100|mm|ftin|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|2510|mm|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|2840|mm|ftin|abbr=on}}
| weight =
| floortype = Low floor (outside UK)
Low entry (inside UK)
| doors = 1 or 2
| capacity = 36-57 seated
| engine = Cummins ISBe
MAN
Mercedes-Benz OM904
| powerout =
| transmission = Allison 2100
| predecessor =
| successor = Switch E1
}}
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.[http://www.buslistsontheweb.co.uk/index.htm?http://www.buslistsontheweb.co.uk/list.asp?listname=731&Type=Chassis Optare Versa] Bus Lists on the Web
Description
File:First Manchester 49229 YJ12GXW (8685787863).jpg Optare Versa Hybrid in April 2013 (second facelift)]]
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.[http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/archive/stylish-new-midibus-from-optare/ Stylish new bus from Optare] Bus & Coach Professional 1 November 2006[https://web.archive.org/web/20061110085727/http://www.stagecoachgroup.com/scg/media/press/pr2006/2006-11-07/ Stagecoach places £9m order for 100 new buses] Stagecoach Group 7 November 2006[http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/archive/stagecoach-orders-100-from-optare/ Stagecoach orders 100 from Optare] Bus & Coach Professional 15 November 2006
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.
= Discontinuation =
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.{{Cite web|last=Dougall|first=Emily|date=1 December 2020|title=Optare becomes Switch Mobility as parent company Ashok Leyland unveils global electric vehicle plans|url=https://cbwmagazine.com/optare-becomes-switch-mobility-as-parent-company-ashok-leyland-unveils-global-electric-vehicle-plans/|access-date=13 September 2021|website=CBW|language=en-GB}}{{Cite web|title=Current Electric Vehicles {{!}} Switch Mobility|url=https://www.switchmobility.tech/en/current-vehicles|access-date=13 September 2021|website=www.switchmobility.tech}}{{Cite web|title=Our Vehicles|url=https://www.optare.com/our-vehicles/|access-date=13 September 2021|website=Optare|language=en}} The last Versas were built in 2018. [https://www.buslistsontheweb.co.uk/list.asp?ListName=731&Type=Chassis&Page=2&WW=0]
Hybrid electric version - Optare Versa Hybrid
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.[http://www.tfgm.com/2009_news.cfm?news_id=9005445 Freedom of the city with Manchester Metroshuttle] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330161708/http://www.tfgm.com/2009_news.cfm?news_id=9005445 |date=30 March 2012 }} 2 November 2010[http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/archive/manchester-9million-hybrid-school-fleet/ Manchester 9 million hybrid school fleet] Bus & Coach Professional 26 April 2012
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.[http://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/electric-versas-york-first-operating-six-optare-versa-evs-new-park-ride/ Electric Versas for York - First operating six Optare Versa EVs on new Park and Ride] Bus & Coach Buyer 20 June 2014[http://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/monks-cross-goes-electric/ More Versa EVs for York P+R] Bus & Coach Buyer 26 May 2015[http://www.optare.com/news/2015/5/19/more-electric-optare-versas-for-york More electric Versas for York] Optare 19 May 2015 Transport for Greater Manchester introduced three on its Metroshuttle services.[http://www.optare.com/news/2014/7/31/free-city-centre-metroshuttle-bus-service-goes-electric Free city centre Metroshuttle goes electric] Optare 31 July 2014[http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/archive/electric-versas-for-manchester/ Electric Versas for Manchester] Bus & Coach Professional 7 August 2014
Operators
=United Kingdom=
The first Optare Versas entered service in October 2007 with Arriva Shires & Essex.[http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/archive/first-versas-for-arriva/ First Versas for Arriva] Bus & Coach Professional 4 January 2008 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. 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.[http://fleetlists.busaustralia.com/nz.php?search=REE Reesby Buses] Australian Bus Fleet Lists[http://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/versa-makes-savings-in-new-zealand/ Versa makes savings in New Zealand] Bus & Coach Buyer 8 August 2013. They are joined by Ritchies Transport Holdings, who purchased 7 from Nottingham City Transport in England in late 2013.
= India =
An electric Optare Versa was exhibited at the Bus and Special Vehicles Show in Delhi in 2015.{{Cite web |title=Ashok Leyland Optare Versa EV electric bus unveiled - Optare Versa EV electric bus |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/auto/ashok-leyland-optare-versa-ev-electric-bus-unveiled/optare-versa-ev-electric-bus/slideshow/45962646.cms |access-date=27 March 2024 |website=The Economic Times}}
Gallery
File:Transdev Yellow Buses 25 rear.JPG|Transdev Yellow Buses Optare Versa rear in May 2009. This vehicle is now in service with D&G Bus of Stoke-on-Trent.
File:Manchester Metroshuttle bus 49106 (YJ60 KDF), 2 March 2012.jpg|First Greater Manchester Metroshuttle liveried Versa Hybrid (first facelift) at Manchester Piccadilly station in March 2012.
File:Au Morandarte Flickr DSC01858 (9987797675).jpg|Stagecoach London Optare Versa in London in September 2013.
File:Versa INT.JPG|Stagecoach North West Optare Versa interior.
References
{{Reflist|2}}
External links
{{commons category-inline}}
{{Optare timeline}}
Category:Hybrid electric buses