Eight new Optare Solos now in service with Blackpool Transport Services are being utilised to upgrade and re-launch a former Urban Bus Challenge route as part of it’s incorporation into the well-established commercial Metro Coastlines branded network as Line 16.

The Metro Coastlines services are individually route branded in their own paint colours and Line 16 is the fourth of these routes to be operated with Optare Solos.

Blackpool Transport is a long-time user of Solo, which Managing Director Steve Burd says suits their operations well. “It’s an attractive, modern looking bus that is popular with drivers and passengers alike. This latest batch bring the number of Solos we now operate to 43, which is just over a quarter of our total fleet size.

“Here on the Fylde we have an above average proportion of elderly people living in our communities and as those over 60 are entitled to free bus travel, there’s a high level of bus usage. Older people often have reduced mobility and Solo’s low entry height, front kneeling capability, and flat floor through most of the saloon, make it an easy and safe bus for them to use.”

The company has again specified the six-cylinder Cummins ISBe 5.9 litre engine for its new Solos. These are Euro 4 engines using SCR technology and provide an additional 14 kW (16 bhp) over those already in the fleet, delivering 150 kW (201 bhp) at 2500 rpm. An Allison 2100 series five-speed automatic transmission is fitted with integral electro-magnetic retarder.

“Our earlier Cummins engined Solos have proved to be very reliable and we decided to stay with a powerful six-cylinder engine for this batch,” says Steve Burd. “The extra power means that the engine is less stressed and it also makes it easier to maintain good average speeds without compromising on fuel economy.

“We’ve also again bought the 9.5 metre variant as we’ve been particular happy with this longer model. These latest are fitted with 33 Esteban Civic VO seats and have double glazed saloon windows.”

Blackpool Transport Services Limited runs a fleet of 170 buses serving the whole of the Fylde from Knott End in the north to Kirkham and Wesham in the south. It is also world-famous for its operational fleet of 50 trams. The company’s network covers 11 core all-year-round services plus two additional summer season services.

For further information please contact:
Martin Hayes, Communications Advisor, +44 (0) 207 494 8050