Low weight and fuel economy make Versa top choice for Thamesdown 16 September 2010

Thamesdown Transport of Swindon has bought eight Optare Versa buses, worth £1.1 million, because of their low weight and commensurate fuel saving potential.

The new buses are for use on two of its routes serving the main local hospital.

Managing director Paul Jenkins says: "We were looking for a low weight vehicle that would deliver good fuel efficiency and which would suit these less heavily patronised secondary routes. Versa meets the bill in every respect."

The 11.1 metre Versas weigh in at just 7.5 tonnes unladen, compared with 12 metre heavyweight vehicles in Thamesdown's fleet topping 11 tonnes. That low weight is achieved as a result of Versa's integral design as well as the specification of Rowan Telmac's T20 lightweight seats, bringing a weight saving of 9kg for each of the 31 fixed seats.

"The large number of seats in the flat floor area of Versa, along with the low entrance step height of just 245mm when [the bus is] kneeling, were also plus points," says Jenkins. "This was particularly important as services 20 and 24, on which they will operate, both take in the Great Western Hospital. As a result, a high proportion of passengers have reduced mobility.

"The decision to keep total seated capacity down to 37 [31 fixed and six tip-ups in the wheelchair and buggy bays] also contributes to increased legroom," he adds.

Power comes from a MAN DO834 four-cylinder engine, with EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) technology, which is preferred by Thamesdown. It delivers 132kW (177bhp) and 700Nm of torque, and is matched to an Allison 2100 five-speed automatic transmission with built-in lock-up converter for improved fuel economy.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Optare plc

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