Bus users have played a key role in the development of a new vehicle that is taking the transport industry by storm.

The views of our customers have helped to shape the eye-catching design of a new bus that was unveiled at the industry's showcase event, Coach & Bus Live 2011.

The launch of the new Tempo SR, in a striking new livery, proved one of the highlights of the show and marked the completion of a unique collaboration between us, UK bus manufacturer Optare and design consultancy Best Impressions.

Jeff Counsell, Managing Director explained: "We have enjoyed a long relationship with Optare, one of the world's leading bus manufacturers. They asked for our input into the development of the latest addition to their range.

"Based on feedback from our customers we suggested a number of features that have been incorporated into the final design of the new model."

The trent barton team, Optare representatives, and Ray Stenning of Best Impression proudly present the new design

The 12-metre buses have seating for 41 on seats trimmed in a specially designed fabric, and space for a further 44 standing passengers.

As well as enjoying a comfortable ride, customers are set for a quiet journey thanks to double-glazed windows, whilst security and safety is boosted by an on-board, six-camera CCTV system.

The first of 13 Tempo SR buses will be delivered later this year and will operate on the rainbow 4 route, which operates every ten-minutes between Derby and Nottingham via Sandiacre and Stapleford.

Jeff continued: "At the same time rainbow 4 will be renamed i4, as part of a celebration of our people and our customers, showcasing the many reasons why different individuals like to works with us and choose to travel with us.

"The new buses will also be the first to show off our new logo, which demonstrates how we are moving with the times in an increasingly tough and competitive market place."

Gillian Merron of Bus Users UK alongside the new trent barton logo

Optare Commercial Director Chris Wise said he was pleased that the first Tempo SRs are going to trent barton as part of an £8 million three-year contract that will see it purchase a total of 65 buses from across the manufacturer's range.

"Our design team found the input provided by trent barton and Best Impressions was very useful. It resulted in several changes to the shape that improved the visual impact of the new bus," he added.