New contract for Optare

BUSMAKER Optare has secured a contract worth £2.2m to supply 20 of its low floor models to the operator Go Ahead North East.

The Versa buses will be used on Go Ahead’s Quaylink services that connect bus, Metro and rail stations with attractions on both banks of the River Tyne in Newcastle.

The deal comes weeks after winning a £3.6m contract to supply Birmingham-based Rotala with 20 buses, including 15 Versa Hybrid buses supported by the Government’s Green Bus Fund.

Optare also said its chief operating officer Glenn Saint will be extending his responsibilities to include the relocation of the Leeds factory and to deputise for the chief executive, Jim Sumner. As a result Mr Saint will step down as a board member of Optare plc but will continue as a director of the group’s operating companies.

Optare has identified a new site in Leeds which it says will support its growth and be a more efficient base.

Mr Sumner said: “We are delighted to have secured this repeat business on what is an extremely high profile operation. In addition Glenn’s expanded role will be extremely important to the business during a period of significant growth while relocating to a new factory.”