Optare has won orders for 26 of its Solo SR model to be used on the Isle of Wight and in Bournemouth.

Go Ahead Group has placed an order for 17 Solo SRs for the Isle of Wight as part of its Go South Coast Southern Vectis operation. They are 9.2 metre full width variants, ten of which are equipped for mobility use with 21 Rescroft seats with integral three point seat belts, and space and fittings for two wheelchairs. The other seven will also have Rescroft belted seating and will be used for school contracts and general service work.

A further nine vehicles have been ordered by Dawson Rentals on behalf of its customer Britannia Parking of Bournemouth who will operate them under a staff transport contract with a local employer. These 9.7 metre buses are also seat-belted and have Mobitec destination equipment.

Optare Sales Director John Horn says: “I am delighted to win this business from two highly respected Optare customers. Along with many other orders this year for our Solo SR they prove what an unrivalled lead the model has in the midi bus sector.”