Optare ColumboRider
Encyclopedia
The Optare ColumboRider was an integral bus built from 1987 designed by British bus manufacturer Optare
. It was based on the Optare Delta
/ Optare StarRider
. As its name suggests, it was designed for export to the city of Colombo
. Parts were also built by Ceymo Automobile Manufacturers Ltd on the outskirts of Colombo. It was also sometimes known as "Le Bus"
This bus was the first time Optare tried selling buses abroad (NABI didn't acquire Optare at this point).
Many ColumboRiders were sold, however, Optare discontinued this model as it cost too much to build and ship the buses to the Columbrian specification. The only other product that was sold abroad was the Optare MetroRider
.
In the early 2000s Optare was acquired by the North American Bus Industries
, this gave Optare another chance to sell buses abroad, so far the Solo
(30-LFN) and the now discontinued Excel
have been sold abroad.
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....
. It was based on 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:...
/ Optare StarRider
Optare StarRider
The Optare StarRider was a midibus/midicoach body produced by Optare between 1987 and 1994. It was based on a Mercedes-Benz 811D/814D chassis, with its body made from a steel frame with aluminium alloy and GPR exterior panels....
. As its name suggests, it was designed for export to the city of Colombo
Colombo
Colombo is the largest city of Sri Lanka. It is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte, the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is often referred to as the capital of the country, since Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is a satellite city of Colombo...
. Parts were also built by Ceymo Automobile Manufacturers Ltd on the outskirts of Colombo. It was also sometimes known as "Le Bus"
This bus was the first time Optare tried selling buses abroad (NABI didn't acquire Optare at this point).
Many ColumboRiders were sold, however, Optare discontinued this model as it cost too much to build and ship the buses to the Columbrian specification. The only other product that was sold abroad was the Optare MetroRider
Optare MetroRider
The Optare MetroRider was a midibus built by Optare between 1989 and 2000. Optare based the original design on the MCW Metrorider after Optare bought the rights following a decision by MCW to end bus production. This model also replaced the less successful StarRider.The MetroRider was an integral...
.
In the early 2000s Optare was acquired by the North American Bus Industries
North American Bus Industries
North American Bus Industries, commonly known as NABI, is a major transit bus manufacturing company based in Anniston, Alabama. NABI was founded in 1992 when the Hungarian firm Ikarus Bus, a key bus supplier to Central, Eastern Europe, spun off a majority share of their American operations to...
, this gave Optare another chance to sell buses abroad, so far the Solo
Optare Solo
The Optare Solo is a low-floor midibus manufactured by Optare in Leeds, UK since 1997. The name "Solo" is a play on the low-floor status of the bus, the manufacturer believing its vehicle having an entrance that is "so low" from the floor, namely 200 mm with kneeling suspension.The innovative...
(30-LFN) and the now discontinued 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...
have been sold abroad.