Oh to be 16 Again

It was 20 years ago that the 16 seater was in vogue. Things have moved on since then and there’s no room in mainstream bus operation for such a limiting capacity. But there *are* applications for 16 seaters, usually as a crossover with demand responsive operations. So, what’s available? Omnibuses’ Northern Correspondent went around this week's CTA exhibition in Manchester to find out.

If you want a van conversion with a rear tail lift or ramp, the sort of vehicle worthy of community transport or welfare roles, there was plenty of choice. Most, probably all, offered a flat floor. The stepped entrance was the issue. Not only is this challenging for those with mobility issues, it challenges the driver, too. Drivers particularly dislike wrong-end tail lifts or ramps that are time consuming.

There were only three (possibly four) super low floor products. All but one was a van conversion. We’ll take a look at those, soon. For now, we’ll concentrate on the only product that’s coach-built, the Optare Alero.

Alero dates from 2001. Optare is now more confident about Alero, and it was the Alero Plus version that made its debut at the CTA show. Optare feels it has overcome the unreliability of early examples. For example, the two Aleros on display featured new gearboxes and rear axles, not to mention Euro IV engines. Yet, the early reliability problems have left a lasting impression on operators, which is probably unfair and unfounded, for the ‘new’ Alero *is* far better. It offers the most robust and easiest access solution for genuine bus services. It’s capable of real bus mileages. And it’s better looking than anything on the market. One of Optare’s strengths is its design flare and Alero, perhaps especially Alero, is no exception.

But it ain’t cheap. And there’s the rub. Whereas a low floor van conversion might be £60-£65,000, the Alero adds at least £15,000 to the upper price tag. For little extra, an operator can chose the more flexible Solo in its 28 varieties, including the 24 seat slimline baby. In whole life terms, the Solo’s probably the winner. It will certainly depreciate less and has a better reputation. Yet, Solo’s size will put off permit operators and it may not necessarily go to every door-to-door location.

It’s quite possible that there’s a gap in the market for a cheaper, robust, real low floor mini-minibus. As long as it’s reliable – smaller SLFs by their nature might suffer, no matter the manufacturer.