Wikipedia

Optare Tempo

TheOptare Tempois an integrallow-floor,heavy duty, full-sizerigidsingle-deck busmanufactured byOptareand was launched in late 2004. It is marketed and sold as the replacement for theOptare Excel.It is designed as a lightweight bus, to use less fuel than traditional heavy duty integral rigids. As of July 2017, 233 had been built, including 27 Tempo SRs.[1]The Tempo SR has since been replaced in the UK market by longer variants of theOptare MetroCity,although production of the Tempo SR continues for the Australian market.

Optare Tempo
Transdev Yellow BusesOptare Tempo in
Christchurchin May 2009
Overview
ManufacturerOptare
Production2005–2013 (Tempo)
2012–2017 (Tempo SR)
Body and chassis
Doors1, 2 or 3
Floor typeLow floor
ChassisIntegral
Powertrain
EngineMercedes-BenzOM906LA
MAND0836
Allison EP40/CumminsISBehybrid
CumminsISL(Oceania)
Capacity26–47 seated
Power output241bhp, 275bhp, 280bhp or 282bhp
TransmissionAllison
ZF
Dimensions
Length10.6, 11.3, 12.0, 12.2, 12.6 & 12.7 metres
Width2.50 metres
Height3.03 metres
Curb weight9,720 kg (21,430 lb) (unladen)
Chronology
PredecessorOptare Excel
SuccessorSwitch E1
Optare MetroCity
Lynx,exTrentbartonOptare Tempo interior

Tempo

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Rear of a Tempo, operated byTransdev Yellow BusesinBournemouth.

The Optare Tempo was launched in October 2004 after the building of two pre-production prototypes (both of which saw use as demonstrators and still exist[1]); one an example of the longest available (12.6 metres), the other an example of the shortest (10.6 metres), with the first production example (12.0 metres) delivered toTrentbartonin February 2005.[2]It came in four different lengths: 10.6 (X1060), 11.3 (X1130), 12.0 (X1200) and 12.6 (X1260) metres and it has a raised roofline in the middle continuously to the rear roof spoiler instead of an arched top. Tempos were to be built in Optare'sCross Gates,Leedsfactory[3](since relocated).[4]

Optare constructed the Tempo as an all welded heavy-duty box section 'one-piece' integral (unconventionally for the time)[2]fromstainlessandcarbon steeldressed in a mix ofGFRP (fibreglass)andaluminiummodular exterior panels with sleek bonded glazing (no gasketted), integrating easy maintenance features like swing out headlamp clusters and multipleLED lamps.Key mechanical services are installed on a demountable frame, connected with "no-loss" couplings.[5][6]Detailed analysis and computer modelling of the design and any impacts of stresses it would see in service were undertaken byfinite element analysisfirmAnalysis by Firth,based in Wigan, UK.[7]The resulting bus underwent testing at theMillbrook Proving Ground.[3]

Achieving interior space comparable to buses 2.55 metres wide (at 2.5 metres wide) with a 900 mm (0.90 m) wide aisle between the front wheel arches,[8]interior amenities offered included an optimised sound insulation package (Tempos were demonstrably up to 5dB(a)quieter at 40mphthan contemporary rivals[3]), ambient saloon uplighting,cantileveredseating, luggage pens,[6]tinted single or double bonded glazing,[5]parcel racks, tables, climate control, power outlets and AV systems amongst others.[9]Tempo cabs, set for an optimal driver/passenger height, include a steering column with telescopic tilt and reach and later Optare's computerised 'EcoDrive' gauge pod withTFT.[10][11]Produced in collaboration with Actia,[12]the revised dashboard incorporatestelematicsanalysis with the ability to alert both the driver and operator in realtime (latter over the internet) to fuel consumption, maintenance issues and driving style.[13]

Interior at night showcasing ambient uplighting

Tempos were originally powered by aEuro IIIMercedes-Benz OM906LAengine (upgraded to Euro IV and V compliance withAdblueandSCRtechnology),[5][14]with a Euro IVMAND0836EGRengine option later introduced (both 6 cylinder),[15]coupled to aZF6HP500Ecomat 2six-speed automatic transmission as standard or optionally anAllisonT310R five-speed automatic transmission. The rearRábaA209 drive axle was engineered to be smoother and quieter, with 4air suspensionbags. ZF 8098 steering gear is implemented through a MAN V9-65L-03drop centrelow-floor front axle suspended on a further two air bags (withelectronic kneeling capabilities).[5][6]Initially utilising (air-operated) drum brakes, by 2007 these were bettered with all-roundanti-lock disk brakes,requiring a switch to aMeritorMC13175 rear axle and alternate MAN VOK 07B O8 front axle.[16]

Also in 2007,[17]ahybridversion was introduced for London operators, utilising a "fully proven" and "fully reliable" Allison EP40Parallel Hybriddrive system powered by removableNiMH batteriescombined with aCummins250 hpISBeEuro VSCR engine.[18][19]This technology was integrated into ten 10.6 metre variants, which also featuredTransport for Londonspec double doors, leaving space for 28 seats.[1]Furthermore, the brochure proudly declares that full electric, bio-methane dual fuel, pure plant oil or used cooking oil drivelines were available, designed to fit in the same space.[10]

The Optare Tempo has stopped production and was replaced with the Optare Tempo SR.

Tempo SR

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Tempo SR Demonstrator

In October 2011, a restyled version was launched as the Tempo SR,[20]borrowing from theSolo'snaming convention. The Tempo SR came in three different lengths: 10.6, 11.3 and 12.0 metres and incorporated a Mercedes-Benz OM906LA six-cylinder 210 kW (282 bhp)SCRengine, which continued to be housed on a removable cradle alongside the transmission[20](the MAN engine option being dropped). A notable reversal on the original design,[20][21]ZF's6HP500 six-speed transmission could be specified as an alternative to the now standardAllisonT310R gearbox – both of which feature integral retarders.

Trentbarton,then having a long and close relationship with Optare, sparked the facelift of the Tempo to be "fundamentally different to anything else on the market".[22]Between Trentbarton, transport design and branding agency Best Impressions (led by Ray Stenning) and Optare -featuring suggestions and ideas from Nottingham-area bus users- the Tempo SR was born.[23]

The finalised bus was unveiled at Coach & Bus Live 2011, and marketed as "the new bus for Nottingham".[22]Indeed, the vehicle exhibited wasn't a prototype or demonstrator but a to-spec, fully 'i4'liveriedfleet member for Trent Barton.[24]Stenning reflected that the design "has a natural flow and every line has a purpose" and it wasn't "tarting it up for the sake of it".[22]The design reportedly drew on inspiration from Stenning's 'design heroes'Raymond LoewyandPininfarina,with close attention paid to details.[22]Trentbarton would take delivery of thirteen examples between May and July 2012.[25]

Despite Trentbarton proclaiming their redesign was "taking the transport industry by storm",[23]the vehicle proved divisive. For instance, although the same framework underneath,[22]and constructed using the same methods,[21](even sharing concurrent chassis numbers with the original[1]) operators contracted by the Welsh government continued to order the original Tempo even though the SR facelift had been out for over a year (albeit an order for a discontinued size, 12.60 metres).[1]Following poor sales, the Tempo SR has now been replaced in the UK market by longer variants of theOptare MetroCity.However,Manchester Airporttook delivery of a further four Tempo SRs in May 2017 for use on airport car park shuttle bus operations; these buses came from an order intended for an Australian operator, which was cancelled. As of October 2018, Trent Barton has replaced all Tempo SRs withAlexander Dennis Enviro200 MMCs,which now operate the i4 service.

Tempo SRs built for Oceania can also be optioned with an 8.9 litre CumminsISLeuro V engine.[26]

As of early 2019, municipal bus operatorIpswich Buseshave purchased all 13 ex Trent Barton Optare Tempo SRs.

Operators

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United Kingdom

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Arriva UK Bus,First Cymru,RATP Group,Stagecoach Group,Transdev,Veolia TransportandWellglade Groupall have been purchasers of the original Tempo, not to mention several independent operators.[1]It has been operated byLynx, King's Lynn[27]andTransport for LondonoperatorsEast London,London UnitedandMetroline.[1]TrentbartonandManchester Airporthave both purchased a number of Tempo SRs, thoughIpswich Busesare now their biggest UK operator, having taken on Trent Barton's fleet.[28]

Lynxfully refurbished formerYellow Busesbespoke Optare Tempo from 2009, featuring novelties like Esteban Civic V3 seats, LED saloon uplighting andVersapartitions

Additionally,Lynxare now the largest operators of the Tempo in the world, having purchased large numbers of vehicles second-hand.[29]

Europe

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Arriva NetherlandsOptare Tempo in July 2009

One 36 seat left hand drive Optare Tempo X1200 was exported toKiel,Germany in 2007.[30]Beginning with KVG in Kiel, Germany as 713, registeredKI-EL 7713,in 2010 it moved toBreda,Netherlands where it was re-registeredBV-VH 41and operated by Arriva as fleet no. 1002,[31]before returning to Germany a year later; namelySaarlouisregisteredWND-P 86until around 2014 when it finally served inBayreuthwith Heserbus GmbH asBT-OS 1010.According to records sometime afterward it ended up inCoburgfor spares.[32]

Australia

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In Australia, Tempos have been purchased byCarbridgeandPark Ridge Transit.[33][34][35]

References

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  1. ^abcdefgOptare TempoBus Lists on the Web
  2. ^ab"Optare's Tempo underlines strength of integrals and wins first order".October 2004. Archived fromthe originalon 27 March 2006.
  3. ^abcOptare's Tempo single-deck unveiledBus & Coach Professional30 September 2004
  4. ^"One era ends - and a new one begins".Optare.Optare. 28 October 2011.Retrieved18 September2021.
  5. ^abcd"Optare Tempo product page (archived)".Optare (archived).Internet Archive/Optare. Archived fromthe originalon 5 August 2005.Retrieved24 November2020.
  6. ^abc"Optare Tempo Brochure (archived)"(PDF).Optare (archived).Internet Archive/Optare. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 27 March 2006.Retrieved24 November2020.
  7. ^"Up-Tempo - Optare".Analysis by Firth.Retrieved16 September2021.
  8. ^"Tempo - prepare to be dazzled"(PDF).Optare (via Wikibus).Retrieved22 July2024.
  9. ^"Tempo is the Vehicle of Choice for Traws Cymru".Optare.Optare. 27 March 2012.
  10. ^ab"Optare Tempo Brochure [Late Revision] (archived)"(PDF).Optare (archived).Optare. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 9 April 2011.
  11. ^"Optare Tempo SR Driver's Handbook"(PDF).What Do They Know.8-17: Optare/Ipswich Buses. 8 June 2019.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: location (link)
  12. ^"Telematics - Driver Feedback".actia.co.uk.Actia.
  13. ^Mel Holley (22 March 2012). "Complete Package (Launch: Traws Cymru)".Route One(Magazine) (428): 32–33.
  14. ^Abuelsamid, Sam."Mercedes-Benz using BlueTec on all of their commercial trucks to meet Euro 4/5".Auto Blog.Yahoo Inc.Retrieved29 May2022.
  15. ^"Optare Tempo product page (2007) (archived)".Optare (archived).Internet Archive/Optare. Archived fromthe originalon 28 July 2007.Retrieved24 November2020.
  16. ^Tempo - Desirability meets Drivability (circa 2007 brochure)(2nd ed.). Optare.
  17. ^"Hybrid Tempo confirmed for 2007".Bus & Coach Professional (archived).Internet Archive/Plum Publishing Ltd. Archived fromthe originalon 7 November 2017.Retrieved25 November2020.
  18. ^"UK Bus Maker Selects GM Allison Hybrid System".Green Car Congress.BioAge Group LLC.Retrieved25 November2020.
  19. ^"Optare Shows Hybrid and Electric Buses".Green Car Congress.BioAge Group LLC.Retrieved25 November2020.
  20. ^abcOptare's new Tempo SR sets the standard for style, weight and fuel efficiencyOptare 5 October 2011
  21. ^ab"Optare Tempo SR Brochure (archived)"(PDF).Optare.Retrieved25 November2020.
  22. ^abcde"Optare's Tempo gets the Stenning treatment".Passenger Transport.Passenger Transport.Retrieved25 November2020.
  23. ^ab"trent barton customers shape design of brand new bus".Trentbarton.TrentBarton.Retrieved25 November2020.
  24. ^"Fleet News (November 2011)".Derby Bus Depot.Retrieved25 November2020.
  25. ^"Optare at Coach & Bus Live 2011 - new Tempo SR model strengthens range and adds to choice".Optare.Optare. 5 October 2011.Retrieved25 November2020.
  26. ^"Tempo: Improving Operator Productivity and Profitability (brochure)"(PDF).BusCorp Oceania.Optare / BusCorp Oceania.Retrieved17 November2024.
  27. ^Stuart, Jones (11 February 2015)."Lynx".Bus & Coach Buyer.Bus & Coach Buyer.Retrieved24 November2020.
  28. ^"Ipswich Buses fleetlist September 2020"(PDF).Ipswich Buses (archived).Ipswich Buses. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 18 September 2020.Retrieved25 November2020.
  29. ^"All change in King's Lynn as Stagecoach vacates the town".Coach & Bus Week.Coach & Bus Week Ltd. 2 May 2018.Retrieved24 November2020.
  30. ^Optate Tempo Left Hand DriveBus Lists on the Web
  31. ^"Foto van ARR Optare Tempo 1002 door Nielsh94".busposities.nl(in Dutch).Retrieved8 August2023.
  32. ^"Coburg, Optare Tempo X1200 # o.Kz".busphoto.eu.Retrieved6 June2023.
  33. ^Three-door Optare TempoAustralasian Bus & Coach11 September 2014
  34. ^CarbridgeAustralian Bus Fleet Lists
  35. ^Park Ridge TransitAustralian Bus Fleet Lists
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