An order worth around £2 million has been placed by Arriva Malta for 10 Solo hybrid buses from Optare.
The move comes after Arriva was awarded the contract to run bus services in Malta and Gozo by Transport Malta and the Maltese Government. The new vehicles will commence operations in July this year.
The Solos are 28-seat 8.8m models and will be used on services in Valletta, the island's capital.
Arriva specified the 2.3m-wide 'SlimLine' model to cope with local operating conditions, including Valletta's narrow streets. The specification also includes air conditioning, LED destination equipment and CCTV.
"This low emission technology is particularly appropriate in an ancient city like Valetta and will contribute both to better air quality for its citizens as well as helping protect the fabric of its many historic buildings," says Jim Sumner, chief executive at Optare.
