An Optare Solo new into service in Scotland is following a stunning scenic route between Helensburgh and Coulport that hugs the coastline of Gare Loch and Loch Long in Argyll and Bute.

The Solo joins the 12-vehicle fleet of Helensburgh operator Wilson’s of Rhu. With an overall length of 9.5 metres it suits the rural 316 route well, according to Alistair Wilson, who runs the family firm with his brother Kenneth and their father George, who started the business over 20 years ago.

“It’s compact, which suits the local roads, yet has a good seating capacity of 33,” he says. “We’ve been running Solos on this route since 2001 and they’ve proved very suitable. Our drivers like them and passengers appreciate the low entry and the pleasant interior.”

The 316 operates half hourly through the day from Monday to Saturday, hourly in the evenings after 18.00, and two-hourly on Sundays. It connects the numerous small communities along the 23 mile route with Helensburgh, from where there are onward connections to Glasgow and beyond.

Optare products are not new to Wilson’s. For the past decade they’ve been running first Metrorider and then Solo. Up to now all their Solos have been the 9.5 metre model, but this newest vehicle is about to be joined by a 7.8 metre Solo SE. This will operate on the 340 service that links the local Vale of Leven hospital with the Royal Alexandra at Paisley and is operated on behalf of SPT, although subsidised by the NHS in whose colours the bus will run.

“We’ve been operating the NHS service since February last year and passenger loadings have been relatively light,” says Mr Wilson. “With just 25 seats and two tip-ups in the wheelchair bay the SE is just the right size to meet the demand. It’s also shorter and narrower than our other Solos, being just 7.8 metres long and 2.33 metres in width, which makes it more compatible with the traffic in the busier urban environment around Paisley.”

Both the 9.5 metre full-width Solo and the SE are powered by the Mercedes-Benz 904LA engine. In the 9.5 metre Solo this is rated at 115 kW (154 bhp) and in the smaller SE the rating is 95 kW (127 bhp). The 904 uses SCR technology to meet the Euro 4 emissions standard. Allison automatics are fitted to both buses, with the 1000 Series in the SE and the 2100 Series in 9.5 metre. Both are five-speed units with a lock-up torque converter in gears 3,4 and 5 for improved fuel efficiency.

“Overall we find the Solo to be a reliable, efficient and economic bus to operate,” says Alistair Wilson. “We carry out our own work and find that all the major mechanical units are quite accessible and easy to work on. Parts are readily available and we now have Unitec not too far away at Cumbernauld should we need any warranty working carrying out.

”Our new 9.5 metre Solo replaces one that’s just three years old. It’s given us good service in that time and because it’s held its value so well we’ve been able to sell it on at a good price. That’s enabled us to replace it with a new one, which helps keep the age profile of our fleet down and presents our drivers and passengers with an up-to-date vehicle that’s comfortable to drive and to travel in. Of the four Solo’s we operate, our oldest is now only 19 months old.”

For further information please contact:

David Rowlands, Communications Advisor, Automotive PR, +44 (0)20 7494 8050