The Optare Versa is a low-floor midibus manufactured by Optare at its Sherburn-in-Elmet factory. As of April 2017, more than 800 had been produced.
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 7.0m 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.
In 2010, a hybrid electric version was introduced with the first 68 ordered by Transport for Greater Manchester, 20 of them were introduced on the FirstBus operated Metroshuttle routes in November 2010, while others were operated by Maytree Travel.
In 2012, an electric version was introduced with Travel DeCourcey ordering three in 2010, entering service on the Coventry Park and Ride. The Park and Ride trend was continued with First York purchasing 12 for its York Park and Ride services between 2014 and 2015. Transport for Greater Manchester introduced three on its Metroshuttle services.
The first Optare Versas entered service in October 2007 with Arriva Shires and Essex.Arriva, FirstGroup, Go-Ahead Group, Rotala, Yorkshire Tiger, 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.The Versa has proved popular with independent operators, particularly in East Anglia, in the North West of England and also in Wales.
In New Zealand Reesby Buses have purchased three Versas from the Optare. They are joined by Ritchies Transport Holdings, who purchased 7 from Nottingham City Transport in late 2013.
Media related to Optare Versa at Wikimedia Commons
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