First West of England has taken delivery of nine new slimline Optare Solos. The new look Euro 6 buses were purchased as part of an initiative to improve air quality, reduce congestion and encourage more people to ditch the car and travel by bus around Bath.

The 8.5m, Euro 6, slimline Optare Solos seat 23, feature seat back USB charging points and will operate on Bath’s city services, where their size and layout makes them ideal to access the UNESCO World Heritage city’s many narrow and difficult streets.

“Slimline Solos have operated on these routes for many years and the slimline Solo’s capacity and compact nature make it ideal for navigating routes around Bath. These new look vehicles feature the latest Euro 6 clean diesel engine as part of our commitment to improve air quality around Bath and the new branding, design and features such as USB charging are designed to encourage people out of their cars and onto the bus, reducing congestion and improving air quality in Bath.”

James Freeman, Managing Director of First West of England

“The compact but high capacity nature of the slimline Solo make it perfect for navigating busy and narrow streets and we are delighted that First Bath have chosen this proven Optare bus once again.”

Robert Drewery, Commercial Director, Optare