Optare

First Bus has awarded a contract to repower specialist Equipmake to convert 12 of its older Optare Versa electric buses based in York. Conversion work with Equipmake’s Zero Emission Drivetrain is already underway on the first Versa, with the rest…

Parent company Ashok Leyland has announced that bus manufacturer Optare will now be known as Switch Mobility. The change is said to better reflect the company’s commitment to electrification and the development of new mobility services. Currently, more than 150…

Optare, a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland, has been named OEM of The Year (Bus/Commercial Vehicle) at the 2020 EVIEs Awards. The Electric Vehicle Innovation & Excellence Awards-win was in recognition of the company’s Metrodecker EV, which has entered service with…

Andy Palmer has made the move from chief executive at Aston Martin to non-exec chairman of Optare. We speak to him about his plans and vision for the UK bus company TNB: From luxury sports car maker to bus company…

Jersey’s public transport operator LibertyBus has put an all-electric double decker on trial for the first time. The Mertodecker EV will be put through its paces for six weeks after being loaned to the company by manufacturer Optare. During the…

Salisbury Reds is continuing its investment in new transport and cleaner technology by introducing five brand new buses with Euro 6 compliant engines to services in-and-around the city. The announcement underlines the operator’s commitment to enhancing bus services across the…

UK-based bus manufacturer Optare has appointed a new sales director, Allan Kennedy, who joins the company from bus and coach builder Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL). Optare is a leading British manufacturer of urban buses with a modern assembly facility near…

An Optare Metrodecker EV bus has taken a break from trials with Go-Ahead London to join an electric vehicle gathering at the Ace Café, London. The meeting was the first of its kind to be held at the café for…

Coastal Coaches in Blackpool has completed a renewal of its bus fleet with the delivery of five new Optare Solo vehicles. The new buses have all entered service on routes around Blackpool, rural Fylde and Lytham St Annes. The family-run…

Yorkshire-based bus manufacturer Optare has appointed a new Commercial Director. Robert Drewery brings more than 15 years of senior level sales and marketing experience within the commercial vehicle industry. Drewery began his career in the bus and CV sector at…