UK bus manufacturer Optare plc has been selected to supply 190 Solo SR midibus model to the City of Cape Town. The fleet of buses will form a key element of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network being introduced by the City Council as part of a world-class Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system combining all modes of public transport.

Optare has been involved in a comprehensive competitive tendering process involving a number of global bus makers. It has been working with the support of its strategic investor Ashok Leyland and in partnership with South Africa’s leading bus assembler Busmark 2000.The first 30 buses need to be delivered in mid 2012 with the balance supplied at 20 buses month.

Optare Chief Executive, Jim Sumner, said: “We are very excited about the start of what has the potential to be a major ongoing export opportunity. Increasing our export business is a very important part of our turnaround strategy. We anticipate being able to make a formal contract announcement in the near future.”