Herefordshire operator Yeomans Canyon Travel has put another Optare Solo into service following good experience with the model in its 38-vehicle fleet. This latest addition brings the number of Solos now in service with the Hereford based group to 18.

The new bus – a 35 seat, 9.9 metre full-width model – is running on the 449 service route between Madley and Hereford and which connects a number of small communities that lie to the west of the city.

Managing director Nigel Yeomans says that Solo is ideal for this type of rural operation. “It’s a good size for narrow country roads and our drivers find it an easy bus to handle with excellent visibility. Passengers appreciate the low access and the flat floor through the bus, which makes it safer to move around. It also has a very modern appearance that presents a good image for our business and this must help to attract people back onto the buses.”

Passenger comfort is assured by all-round air suspension, with a four-bag system on the rear axle. The air bags on the front axle incorporate a kneeling capability to further reduce the access height down to just 200mm (8 inches).

The bus has 33 Richards and Shaw Integra seats, plus two tip-ups in the wheelchair bay and each has a seatbelt as schools contracts are operated. Mobitec LED destination equipment is fitted on the front, side and rear.

Yeomans Canyon Travel will maintain the Solo at their modern and well-equipped workshop at Hereford. “Our engineering staff find that Solo is a straightforward vehicle to work on with good access to all the major components,” says Mr Yeomans. “The use of a full multiplex electrical system is also a great aid to fast fault diagnosis and should we need to carry out body repairs, the modular panels are quick and easy to replace.”

A 110 kW (147 bhp) Mercedes-Benz OM904LA engine powers the Solo and is matched to an Allison 2000 Series five-speed fully automatic transmission. The driveline is completed by a heavy-duty Albion single reduction hypoid rear axle and a Klam electro-magnetic retarder adds to safety as well as reducing wear on the service brakes.

“We’re pleased with the Mercedes engine, which is very reliable and for which parts are readily available from the local Mercedes dealer,” says Nigel Yeomans. “On top of this, Optare’s Unitec service provides us with first-rate parts and service back-up.”

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