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Optare Alero 16-seater minibus is the choice of
Torquay Dial-a-Bus for a route that involves
narrow roads and lanes in and around the English
Riviera town of Paignton.
Derek French, who runs the business with his
wife Jeanette, says that the slim width of the
Alero – it’s just two metres wide – makes
it a good size for the narrow Devon lanes and
for coping with seasonal traffic congestion.
“With 16 seats plus five standees, it’s got
the right level of carrying capacity for the
service,” he says. “The low entry step,
combined with its kneeling capability and wide
double door, make it particularly well suited
for use on a service used by many retired
people, some of whom have reduced mobility.
“Free transport in the Borough for people over
60 – to be extended nationally from April –
is also having an influence on the number of
older passengers we carry. And Alero’s unique
styling, externally and internally, projects a
modern image that is helping to attract more
passengers.”
The Alero joins the company’s fleet of seven
buses, including a pair of Solos, which they run
under the brand name ‘Local Links’. The
services are subsidised by Torbay Council to
meet the needs of local residents, particularly
those who do not have access to a bus service
from a mainstream operator. It’s running on
the half-hourly 108 service, which operates six
days a week between Paignton town centre and the
residential district of Great Parks.
The 16 Rescroft seats in the Alero are fitted
with seatbelts that meet M2 standards.
Electronic climate control, which is standard,
provides a comfortable travelling environment
whatever the outside conditions. The bus is also
fitted with electronic destination equipment.
“Our drivers like the Alero for its compact
size and ease of driving,” says Derek French.
“We also get good back-up from Optare’s
Unitec operation and the fact that it came with
a two year warranty also gives us peace of
mind!”
For further information please contact:
David Rowlands, Communications Advisor,
Automotive PR, +44 (0)20 7494 8050
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