The arrival of another Optare Solo SE makes it three for Somerset independent Hatch Green Coaches of Hatch Beauchamp near Taunton, which has seen its fleet more than treble in two years, from eight vehicles to 27.
"We chose the Solo SE because of its compact size, good passenger capacity and fuel efficiency, "says Nick Hutt, managing director of Hatch Green. "At just 2.33 metres wide it suits the narrow roads on the country route on which it is being used, and it can seat 27, which is ideal."
And he adds: "We've also had a good experience with the two Solos that we put into service in September. Both have proved to be very reliable and have turned in encouraging fuel figures of around 14 mpg. The fact that we were able to obtain the bus direct from the manufacturer, through Optare Direct, was also a key consideration."
A Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder OM904LA engine powers the Solo, matched to an Allison 1000 Series five-speed automatic transmission.
That unit has a lock-up converter in gears 2, 3, 4 and 5, and Optare says that, along with a low weight KLAM KA-75 retarder as standard, this contributes to improved fuel efficiency and its enhanced braking performance.
