Optare Sigma
Encyclopedia
The Optare Sigma was a step-entrance single-deck bus body built by Optare
between 1994 and 1996 on the Dennis Lance
chassis. The body was constructed from Alusuisse aluminium alloy with GRP front and rear panels.
It was the single-deck version of the Optare Spectra
which had the same lower dash styling. The Sigma is not a low-floor bus although its floor height of 40cm is considered low for a step-entrance design. It was also similar in design to the Optare Delta
.
The Vecta
has the same body styling as the Sigma but is designed for medium-length chassis, the Sigma is for full length chassis.
Unlike the Spectra it didn't last long enough to be developed into a true low-floor bus
and was replaced by the Optare Excel
in late 1995.
Optare
Optare plc is a bus manufacturer and importer based in Leeds and Blackburn, UK. The company operates from three main business units, Bus Manufacturing, Coach Sales and Unitec....
between 1994 and 1996 on the Dennis Lance
Dennis Lance
The Dennis Lance is a single-decker bus built by Dennis between 1991 and 2000, replacing the Dennis Falcon. Its low-floor variant, the Dennis Lance SLF, was built between 1993 and 1996...
chassis. The body was constructed from Alusuisse aluminium alloy with GRP front and rear panels.
It was the single-deck version of the Optare Spectra
Optare Spectra
Launched in 1991, the Optare Spectra is a double-decker bus body built on the DAF DB250 chassis.The vehicle was developed as a joint project between Optare and DAF; based on the designs of the successful MCW Metrobus which Optare had purchased, but they are no means a restlyed Metrobus...
which had the same lower dash styling. The Sigma is not a low-floor bus although its floor height of 40cm is considered low for a step-entrance design. It was also similar in design to the Optare Delta
Optare Delta
The Optare Delta is a single-decker bus body produced for the DAF SB220 chassis. They were built in a factory in Leeds. They are known for their distinctive sloping front window.-Production:...
.
The Vecta
Optare Vecta
The Optare Vecta is a single-decker bus body produced for the MAN 11.180/11.190 chassis. Most were built on the 11.190 variant. Only two were based on the less powerful 11.180, both being K-regs for Reading...
has the same body styling as the Sigma but is designed for medium-length chassis, the Sigma is for full length chassis.
Unlike the Spectra it didn't last long enough to be developed into a true low-floor bus
Low-floor bus
A low-floor bus is a bus that has no steps between one or more entrances and part or all of the passenger cabin. Being low floor improves the accessibility of the bus for the public, particularly the elderly or infirm, or those with push chairs, and increasingly, those in wheelchairs.In the modern...
and was replaced by the Optare Excel
Optare Excel
The Optare Excel is a low-floor full-size single-decker bus manufactured by Optare.Manufactured as an integral bus, the Excel was launched in 1995 as one of the first low-floor single-deck vehicles. The styling of the body was in keeping with existing Optare products, especially at the rear...
in late 1995.