A new Optare Solo has started operation as a shuttle bus on Hamilton Island, the well-renowned island resort located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.  The island is car free with only golf buggies and a free shuttle service moving guests around the resort.

The 7.5m slim Solo is fully air conditioned and works 18 hour days covering 200km.   Until recently the island has utilized 18-21 seat Midibuses for its shuttle service. The new Solo’s, are the first in their fleet replacement program. 

The Solo offers low floor access and a dedicated wheelchair or buggy space.   The slim Solo can navigate tight roads on the island not suited to other low floor midi buses and passenger boarding and alighting time is decreased.  The Solo has capacity for up to 50 passengers meaning there is reduced waiting time at the island’s bus stops as the Solos have greater capacity than the previous midi buses and passenger boarding and alighting times are also reduced.

Tony Fairweather, Managing Director of Patico Automotive, the exclusive Optare distributor for Australia said, “We are pleased to be partnering with Hamilton Island to improve their transport solution and the guest experience.

The Solo 7.5m is perfectly suited to a mix of passenger loads and provides the ideal combination of peak and off peak passenger numbers in the one vehicle – this is crucial to any bus deployment whether urban routes or tourist activity.”

Enrico Vassallo CEO Optare, said, “I am delighted to see that the Solo is quickly becoming a favourite with our Australian customers as it has been with our UK Operators for many years now.”