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{{Short description|Single-deck bus body on MAN 11.190 chassis}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2016}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2016}} {{Use British English|date=December 2016}}
⚫ {{Infobox automobile
{{Unreferenced|date=February 2007}}
⚫ |name = Optare Vecta
⚫ {{Infobox UK Bus
| background = |image = Readingn812.jpg
|caption = ] Optare Vecta bodied ] 11.190 at ]
⚫ | name = Optare Vecta
⚫ |manufacturer = ]
| image = Optare_Vecta_1.jpg
|production = 1991 - 1997
| imagesize =
|assembly = ], ], England
| caption = An Optare Vecta operating with ] of Liverpool. It was originally an Optare demonstrator.
|capacity = 42-45 seated, 19 standing
| interiorimage =
|length = {{convert|10.2|m}}
| interiorcaption =
|width = {{convert|2.50|m}}
⚫ | manufacturer = ]
| production = 1991–1997 |height = {{convert|3.00|m}}
| assembly = ], ] |weight = {{convert|11500|kg}}
⚫ |floortype = ]
| replaced =
| successor = ] |doors = 1
| capacity = 31 to 39 seated |chassis = ] 11.190
|engine = MAN D0826 TOH<ref name="RoadTest">{{cite news |last=Millier |first=Noel |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/10th-october-1991/33/-while-much-of-britains-beleaguered-bus-manufactur |title=Vecta victorious? |work=] |pages=32-36 |publisher=Temple Press |date=10 October 1991 |access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref>
| operator = ] <br /> ] <br /> ] <br /> and others
|related = ]<br>]
| length = 10200mm
|predecessor =
| width = 2500mm
|successor = ]}}
| height = 3000mm
⚫ | floortype = ]
| doors = 1 door
| weight =
| chassis = MAN 11.180/11.190
| engine = MAN (original) <br /> Cummins (re-engines)
| powerout =
| transmission = ZF automatic
| options = Various customer options
}}


The '''Optare Vecta''' was a ] ] body that was built on ] chassis by ] of ], ] between 1991 and 1997. The Vecta was largely similar to the ] body on the ], but had a straight front end with a separately mounted ]. Most were based on the 11.190 chassis, but there were also two built on the less powerful 11.180. The Vecta is built for ] chassis whereas the ] is built for ] chassis as the ] chassis. The '''Optare Vecta''' was a ] ] body manufactured by ] between 1991 and 1997 on the ] 11.190 chassis.

==Design==
Launched in 1991, the ] Vecta was designed by Optare to fill a gap in its product lineup between the ] full-size ] body on the ] chassis and the integral ] ]. Based exclusively on the MAN 11.190 chassis, the first time this chassis had been built with a bus body for the UK market,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/14th-march-1991/22/optare-vecta-citybus-unveiled |title=Optare Vecta citybus unveiled |work=Commercial Motor |page=22 |publisher=Temple Press |date=14 March 1991 |access-date=6 July 2019}}</ref> the Vecta body was constructed with an ] bolted aluminium frame and shared design elements from the Delta body, including rounded windows, rear panels and a separately mounted ]. However, the Vecta featured a straight front end that was later reused for Optare's ] ].<ref>{{cite magazine |last= |first= |title=Daughters of Delta |magazine=] |issue=690 |page=38-40 |date=September 2012 |location=Stamford |publisher=Key Publishing}}</ref><ref name="RoadTest" />

As a result of smaller-than-average wheels being fitted to the MAN chassis, the Vecta had a low entrance step height of {{convert|295|mm}}. Two {{convert|195|mm}} gangway steps led to the first five rows of interior seats, followed by another step that took passengers to the next four rows of seats. Options for the interior included carpet trim on the roof and walls, luggage racks and high-backed seats.<ref name="RoadTest" />


==Operators== ==Operators==
The largest operator of Optare Vectas were ] companies Teesside Motor Services, Tees & District and ], taking delivery of a total of 51 between 1992 and 1994.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/1st-october-1992/16/optare-captures-145m-vecta-order |title=Optare captures £4.5m Vecta order |work=Commercial Motor |page=16 |publisher=Temple Press |date=1 October 1992 |access-date=31 January 2021}}</ref> The first two production Vectas were delivered to Teesside Motor Services in early 1992,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/10th-october-1991/22/optare-vectas-for-teesside |title=Optare Vectas for Teesside |work=Commercial Motor |page=22 |publisher=Temple Press |date=10 October 1991 |access-date=16 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=14 March 1992 |title=TMS Vectas |magazine=] |issue=4 |page=12 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap}}</ref> with Teesside later taking a further six in late 1993, while Tees & District took delivery of 25 Vectas and United took delivery of 18.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/cbw-issue70/page/10/mode/1up |date=19 June 1993 |title=First of Westcourt's new vehicles go into service |magazine=Coach & Bus Week |issue=70 |page=10 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/cbw-issue109/page/11/mode/1up |date=26 March 1994 |title=Optare in brief |magazine=Coach & Bus Week |issue=109 |page=11 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=27 July 2024 |quote=The Westcourt Group, which owns United Automobile of Darlington, Teeside '''' Motor Services of Stockton on Tees and District of Middlesbrough, is taking delivery of a further eight OPTARE Vectas in 1994 taking its total to 51.}}</ref>
A total of 130 were built, with the biggest customer being ] with 51. ] took 15, while ] bought 13, including the two 11.180s. Other significant customers included London bus operators Westlink and R & I Tours (eight and five respectively), ] coach operator ] (seven) and ], ] of Morley and ] of ] (four each).


] were another large operator of the Vecta, taking delivery of 15 in late 1994.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jenkison|first1=Keith|title=The History of Optare|date=2020|publisher=]|location=Stroud|isbn=978-1445696942}}</ref>{{page needed|date=July 2024}} while ] initially purchased five in 1993,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Simpson |first=Richard |url=https://archive.org/details/cbw-issue100/page/12/mode/1up |date=22 January 1994 |title=Coach and bus registrations up |magazine=Coach & Bus Week |issue=100 |page=32 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=27 July 2024 |quote=The MAN-chassis Optare Vecta made good progress in the British market during 1993. Five were delivered to Reading Transport}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=6 November 1992 |title=Reading order Optare Vectas |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |issue=180 |page=5 |location=Spalding}}</ref> following with orders for nine more between 1994 and 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Jarosz |first=Andrew |url=https://archive.org/details/cbw-issue221/page/n7/mode/1up |date=8 June 1996 |title=Deltas 'transform rural services' |magazine=Coach & Bus Week |issue=221 |page=8 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=17 August 2024 |quote=Since then has taken delivery of a total of 87 Optare buses, including nine Spectra deckers and 14 Vecta 10-metre Citybuses.}}</ref> ] subsidiary ], meanwhile, were the only major London bus operator that purchased the Optare Vecta, taking delivery of eight of the type in mid-1995.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/buscoachbuyer-issue328/page/24/mode/1up |date=13 October 1995 |title=Fleet Additions |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |issue=328 |page=24 |location=Spalding |access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref>
===Second-hand===
The ] vehicles were subsequently operated by ], with some having their MAN engines replaced by ] power units.


The remaining majority of the Optare Vecta's customers were small independent bus and coach operators across the United Kingdom. The most notable of these was Hutchison's of ], who purchased seven Vectas new as well as two former demonstrators between 1993 and 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/cbw-issue218/page/n31/mode/1up |date=18 May 1996 |title=Vectas in Hutchison fleet now total nine |magazine=Coach & Bus Week |issue=218 |page=32 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/buscoachbuyer-issue361/page/20/mode/1up |date=7 June 1996 |title=Hutchisons select another pair of Vectas |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |issue=361 |page=20 |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Ltd |access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref> An early adopter, meanwhile, of the Vecta was ], taking delivery of a single example in 1992 for use on town services.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=29 May 1992 |issue=157 |page=10 |title=West Coast Vecta |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |location=Spalding}}</ref> Other operators included ] of ], who purchased four in 1995 as the company's first brand new buses,<ref>{{cite web |title=Crossgates Connection, Optare for Morley |url=https://www.blackprincebuses.co.uk/crossgates-connection-optare-for-morley |website=Black Prince Buses |access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref> R&I Buses of ], who took delivery of five in 1995,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/buscoachbuyer-issue329/page/26/mode/1up |date=20 October 1995 |title=R & I take Vectas |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |issue=329 |page=26 |location=Spalding |access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref> ] subsidiary ], who took delivery of four in 1995,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/cbw-issue153/page/11/mode/1up |date=4 February 1995 |title=Optare boost at Crosville Cymru |magazine=Coach & Bus Week |issue=153 |page=11 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=27 July 2024}}</ref> and the ], who took delivery of the final four Vectas produced in 1997.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://archive.org/details/buscoachbuyer-issue434/page/26/mode/1up |date=7 November 1997 |title=Tillingbourne Prismas |magazine=Bus & Coach Buyer |issue=434 |page=26 |location=Spalding |publisher=Glen-Holland Ltd |access-date=27 July 2024 |quote=Tillingbourne also operates five 'P' registered Optare Vectas and four Optare MetroRiders in the 68 strong fleet.}}</ref>
==See also==
*]


==References== ==References==
{{reflist}}
<references />

⚫ {{commons cat}}
==External links==
{{Portal|Buses}}
⚫ {{commons category-inline}}


{{Optare timeline}} {{Optare timeline}}


⚫ ]
]
] ]
⚫ ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 00:16, 3 October 2024

Single-deck bus body on MAN 11.190 chassis

Motor vehicle
Optare Vecta
Reading Buses Optare Vecta bodied MAN 11.190 at Reading railway station
Overview
ManufacturerOptare
Production1991 - 1997
AssemblyCross Gates, Leeds, England
Body and chassis
Doors1
Floor typeStep entrance
ChassisMAN 11.190
RelatedOptare Spectra
Optare Sigma
Powertrain
EngineMAN D0826 TOH
Capacity42-45 seated, 19 standing
Dimensions
Length10.2 metres (33 ft)
Width2.50 metres (8 ft 2 in)
Height3.00 metres (9.84 ft)
Curb weight11,500 kilograms (25,400 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorOptare Excel

The Optare Vecta was a step-entrance single-deck bus body manufactured by Optare between 1991 and 1997 on the MAN 11.190 chassis.

Design

Launched in 1991, the medium-length Vecta was designed by Optare to fill a gap in its product lineup between the Delta full-size city bus body on the DAF SB220 chassis and the integral MetroRider minibus. Based exclusively on the MAN 11.190 chassis, the first time this chassis had been built with a bus body for the UK market, the Vecta body was constructed with an Alusuisse bolted aluminium frame and shared design elements from the Delta body, including rounded windows, rear panels and a separately mounted destination display. However, the Vecta featured a straight front end that was later reused for Optare's Spectra double-decker bus.

As a result of smaller-than-average wheels being fitted to the MAN chassis, the Vecta had a low entrance step height of 295 millimetres (11.6 in). Two 195 millimetres (7.7 in) gangway steps led to the first five rows of interior seats, followed by another step that took passengers to the next four rows of seats. Options for the interior included carpet trim on the roof and walls, luggage racks and high-backed seats.

Operators

The largest operator of Optare Vectas were North East Bus companies Teesside Motor Services, Tees & District and United, taking delivery of a total of 51 between 1992 and 1994. The first two production Vectas were delivered to Teesside Motor Services in early 1992, with Teesside later taking a further six in late 1993, while Tees & District took delivery of 25 Vectas and United took delivery of 18.

Trent Buses were another large operator of the Vecta, taking delivery of 15 in late 1994. while Reading Buses initially purchased five in 1993, following with orders for nine more between 1994 and 1996. London United subsidiary Westlink, meanwhile, were the only major London bus operator that purchased the Optare Vecta, taking delivery of eight of the type in mid-1995.

The remaining majority of the Optare Vecta's customers were small independent bus and coach operators across the United Kingdom. The most notable of these was Hutchison's of Overtown, who purchased seven Vectas new as well as two former demonstrators between 1993 and 1996. An early adopter, meanwhile, of the Vecta was West Coast Motors, taking delivery of a single example in 1992 for use on town services. Other operators included Black Prince Buses of Morley, who purchased four in 1995 as the company's first brand new buses, R&I Buses of Park Royal, who took delivery of five in 1995, British Bus subsidiary Crosville Cymru, who took delivery of four in 1995, and the Tillingbourne Bus Company, who took delivery of the final four Vectas produced in 1997.

References

  1. ^ Millier, Noel (10 October 1991). "Vecta victorious?". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. pp. 32–36. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  2. "Optare Vecta citybus unveiled". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 14 March 1991. p. 22. Retrieved 6 July 2019.
  3. "Daughters of Delta". Buses. No. 690. Stamford: Key Publishing. September 2012. p. 38-40.
  4. "Optare captures £4.5m Vecta order". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 1 October 1992. p. 16. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  5. "Optare Vectas for Teesside". Commercial Motor. Temple Press. 10 October 1991. p. 22. Retrieved 16 July 2019.
  6. "TMS Vectas". Coach & Bus Week. No. 4. Peterborough: Emap. 14 March 1992. p. 12.
  7. "First of Westcourt's new vehicles go into service". Coach & Bus Week. No. 70. Peterborough: Emap. 19 June 1993. p. 10. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  8. "Optare in brief". Coach & Bus Week. No. 109. Peterborough: Emap. 26 March 1994. p. 11. Retrieved 27 July 2024. The Westcourt Group, which owns United Automobile of Darlington, Teeside Motor Services of Stockton on Tees and District of Middlesbrough, is taking delivery of a further eight OPTARE Vectas in 1994 taking its total to 51.
  9. Jenkison, Keith (2020). The History of Optare. Stroud: Amberley Publishing. ISBN 978-1445696942.
  10. Simpson, Richard (22 January 1994). "Coach and bus registrations up". Coach & Bus Week. No. 100. Peterborough: Emap. p. 32. Retrieved 27 July 2024. The MAN-chassis Optare Vecta made good progress in the British market during 1993. Five were delivered to Reading Transport
  11. "Reading order Optare Vectas". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 180. Spalding. 6 November 1992. p. 5.
  12. Jarosz, Andrew (8 June 1996). "Deltas 'transform rural services'". Coach & Bus Week. No. 221. Peterborough: Emap. p. 8. Retrieved 17 August 2024. Since then has taken delivery of a total of 87 Optare buses, including nine Spectra deckers and 14 Vecta 10-metre Citybuses.
  13. "Fleet Additions". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 328. Spalding. 13 October 1995. p. 24. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  14. "Vectas in Hutchison fleet now total nine". Coach & Bus Week. No. 218. Peterborough: Emap. 18 May 1996. p. 32. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  15. "Hutchisons select another pair of Vectas". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 361. Spalding: Glen-Holland Ltd. 7 June 1996. p. 20. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  16. "West Coast Vecta". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 157. Spalding. 29 May 1992. p. 10.
  17. "Crossgates Connection, Optare for Morley". Black Prince Buses. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  18. "R & I take Vectas". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 329. Spalding. 20 October 1995. p. 26. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  19. "Optare boost at Crosville Cymru". Coach & Bus Week. No. 153. Peterborough: Emap. 4 February 1995. p. 11. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  20. "Tillingbourne Prismas". Bus & Coach Buyer. No. 434. Spalding: Glen-Holland Ltd. 7 November 1997. p. 26. Retrieved 27 July 2024. Tillingbourne also operates five 'P' registered Optare Vectas and four Optare MetroRiders in the 68 strong fleet.

External links

Media related to Optare Vecta at Wikimedia Commons

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