Manchester Community Transport (MCT) is to introduce hybrids into its fleet for the first time, with an order placed with Optare yesterday, Thursday 14 March 2013, for 10 Solo SRs.
Delivery, scheduled for this summer, of all the 9.2-metre Solo SR buses will effectively double the current MCT bus fleet.
Euro 5 Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engines provide the diesel power and deliver 154bhp at 2,200rpm. An associated Siemens electrical system provides for energy storage in roof-mounted, maintenance-free Bluways ultra capacitors.
This combination is claimed to result in up to a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, compared to a similar sized standard diesel engined bus.
The buses were part-funded through a successful bid by TfGM (Transport for Greater Manchester) to round three of the Department for Transport's Green Bus Fund.
Gary Young, operations director at MCT, comments: "We are delighted to have been awarded these contracts by TfGM. Making the investment to purchase these hybrid buses demonstrates our commitment to providing modern, low-floor, cleaner, quieter and more fuel efficient buses."
