Optare has completed delivery of the largest ever bus order placed by North East independent Perryman's Buses, with the handover of 12 of its Versa model to the family-run firm.
Power for each of the buses comes from the six-cylinder Cummins ISBe engine, rated at 201bhp matched to a five-speed Allison automatic transmission with a lock-up torque converter for improved fuel efficiency.
A Klam electro-magnetic retarder, automatically actuated through the brake pedal, has also been fitted, providing smoother retardation, and also contributing to better fuel consumption and reduced brake wear.
Another factor in enhancing fuel efficiency, according to operations manager Roddy Perryman, is the Optare EcoDrive dashboard, which constantly monitors how the bus is being driven and provides real time feedback to the driver.
This feature is a standard fitment on all Optare products and Perryman's has considerable experience of it. Perryman says he has no doubt that it assists drivers in improving their habits to deliver optimum fuel economy and a safer, more comfortable passenger travelling experience.