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Optare Solo facts for kids

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Optare Solo & Optare Solo SR
Bridgwater Broadway - Southern National 611 (KX15BLF) (cropped).JPG
Somerset Passenger Solutions Optare Solo SR
in Bridgwater in August 2017
Overview
Manufacturer Optare
Production 1998–2012 (Solo)
2007–present (Solo SR)
Body and chassis
Class Minibus
Midibus
Body style Single-decker bus
Doors 1 door or 2 doors
Floor type Low entry
Powertrain
Engine Cummins B series/ISB/ISBe
MAN
Mercedes-Benz
Capacity 23–37 seated
Transmission Allison
Siemens (hybrid electric)
Enova Systems (fully electric)
Magtec (fully electric)
Voith DIWA (SR version only)
Dimensions
Length 7.10–10.20 m (23 ft 4 in – 33 ft 6 in)
Width 2.33–2.5 m (7 ft 8 in – 8 ft 2 in)
Height 2.73 m (8 ft 11 in)

The Optare Solo is a low-floor minibus/midibus with one or two doors manufactured by Optare in the United Kingdom since 1998. The Solo name is a play on its low-floor status, the manufacturer marketing its vehicle as having an entrance that is "so low" from the floor, namely 200 mm (8 in) with kneeling suspension. In January 2012 Optare announced the end of production for the original Solo design with a modified Solo SR taking over.

The original innovative design, featuring a front axle ahead of the entrance door, gained a Millennium product award, along with a Queen's Award for Enterprise. 3,857 original model Solos were built between 1998 and 2012. As of April 2017, almost 1,500 Solo SRs had been built.

Slimline

A narrow version called the "Slimline" was launched in 2004

SE

A short version called the "SE" was launched in 2006

SE

An Electric version called the "EV" was launched in 2009

SR

A second generation version called the "SR" was launched in 2007 and replaced the first generation Solo

Hybrid

A First and Second diesel-electric hybrid Solo was also launched.

Gallery

  • Solo INT

    Arriva North West

  • Torquay Strand - Cheslton Leisure YJ06FXL

    First generation Solo Original (M780)

  • Bath Dorchester St - CT Coaches MX57UPO

    First generation Solo Slimline (M780SL)

  • Dartline bus "Mary Ethel" (YJ58 VCK), 30 July 2012

    First generation Solo SE (M780SE)

  • Taunton East Street - Stagecoach 47596 (YJ06YSS)

    First generation Solo Original (M990)

  • Arriva North West 711 MX12KVG (8458490079)

    Second generation SR (M960)

  • A Hybrid Metroshuttle (5173181658)

    Second generation Hybrid

Images for kids

  • Solo INT

    Arriva North West

  • Stagecoach Optare Solo Exeter

    Stagecoach South West Solo Slimline in Exeter in July 2006

  • Penzance Bus Station - First 53503 (YJ06YSK) leaving for Mousehole

    First South West Solo SE at Penzance station in June 2015

  • London Bus route ELS

    Travel London Solo M850 in July 2008

  • Miami 30LFN Curb Front

    Miami-Dade County North American Bus Industries 30-LFN (2 doors) in May 2013

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Optare Solo Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.