High spec capability and flexibility led to Optare getting the order for two buses for Ffoshelig Coaches in Wales.
Ffoshelig Coaches owner Rhodri Evans, who runs the Carmarthen-based operation, says, he wanted a high specification coach to compete on the 222 Carmarthen to Pendine service with a vehicle that would prove more attractive to passengers.
Optare Direct first supplied a Versa, equipped with 35 Rescroft Defender III high back seats and three-point seat belts, plus three tip-ups in the wheelchair/buggy bay. Optare also fitted red flooring to the company's specification and sprayed the bodywork to its standard cream.
Power for the Versa comes from a 5.9 litre, Euro 5 compliant Cummins ISBe six-cylinder engine, rated at 150kW and delivering 750Nm torque. That unit uses SCR (selective catalytic reduction) and is matched to an Allison 2100 Series five-speed automatic gearbox.
Subsequently, Optare delivered a Solo SE for Ffoshelig's Dial-a-Ride service around Carmarthen town, which runs under contract to Carmarthenshire County Council. That vehicle has 21 Esteban Urban 90 seats, plus two tip-ups, with destination equipment from Mobitec.
Power is from a 4.25 litre Mercedes-Benz OM904LA four-cylinder engine with a power output of 95kW, matched to an Allison 1000 Series five-speed auto transmission.
