Optare Tempo

The Optare Tempo is a full-size single-deck bus manufactured by Optare and was launched in late 2004. It is marketed and sold as the replacement for the Optare Excel. It is designed as a lightweight bus, to use less fuel than traditional heavy duty integrals.

Tempo

The original Optare Tempo came in four different lengths: 10.6, 11.3, 12.0 and 12.6 metres. It can be fitted with Mercedes-Benz engine, with an option of MAN engine followed later on, coupled to an Allison or ZF automatic transmission.

Amongst the first operators in the UK were Trent Barton of Nottingham, Wilfreda Beehive of Adwick-le-Street, Doncaster, and Sargeants Brothers of Kington. Arriva is the only one of the big groups to have taken some on board, for services in West Yorkshire. Regal Busways have bought three vehicles for use on their premier route 1 service between Chelmsford and Canvey Island in Essex. All three buses are fitted with leather seats, power points, and tables. The Welsh Assembly Government purchased several for use on the TrawsCambria bus network, despite protests about the unsuitability of a normal bus for the long distance journeys.