Optare Solo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Optare Solo & Optare Solo SR
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 special type of bus made in the United Kingdom. It's known for its low floor, which means it's very easy to get on and off. This bus can be a minibus (smaller) or a Midibus (medium-sized). It was first built by a company called Optare in 1998.

The name "Solo" is a fun way to say its floor is "so low." This makes it easy for everyone, including people with strollers or wheelchairs, to get on. The floor is only about 200 mm (8 inches) from the ground when the bus "kneels" down. This clever design even won awards, like a Millennium product award and a Queen's Award for Enterprise. Optare stopped making the original Solo in 2012. Over 3,800 of these original buses were built. A newer version, the Solo SR, took over and almost 1,500 of those had been made by 2017.

Different Kinds of Optare Solo Buses

Over the years, Optare made several different versions of the Solo bus. Each version had unique features to meet different needs.

Solo Slimline: A Narrower Bus

In 2004, Optare introduced a narrower version of the Solo called the "Slimline." This bus was designed to fit better on smaller, more crowded streets.

Solo SE: A Shorter Bus

A shorter version of the Solo, known as the "SE," was launched in 2006. This compact bus was perfect for routes where a full-sized bus might be too big.

Solo EV: An Electric Bus

In 2009, Optare launched an electric version of the Solo, called the "EV." This bus runs on electricity, which means it's quieter and produces no pollution from its engine.

Solo SR: The Next Generation Bus

The "SR" version of the Solo was launched in 2007. This was the second generation of the Solo bus. It eventually replaced the original Solo design, bringing updated features and a fresh look.

Solo Hybrid: A Mix of Power

Optare also made a diesel-electric hybrid Solo. This bus uses both a diesel engine and an electric motor. This helps save fuel and reduce pollution, especially in cities.

Solo Bus Pictures

• 

  Arriva North West

• 

  First generation Solo Original (M780)

• 

  First generation Solo Slimline (M780SL)

• 

  First generation Solo SE (M780SE)

• 

  First generation Solo Original (M990)

• 

  Second generation SR (M960)

• 

  Second generation Hybrid

More Images

• 

  Arriva North West

• 

  Stagecoach South West Solo Slimline in Exeter in July 2006

• 

  First South West Solo SE at Penzance station in June 2015

• 

  Travel London Solo M850 in July 2008

• 

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