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 The
arrival of an Optare Solo SE makes it three
in a row in almost as many months for fast-growing
Somerset independent Hatch Green Coaches
of Hatch Beauchamp near Taunton. It also
marks a more than threefold increase in the
company’s fleet size in just two years,
from eight vehicles to 27.
The 7.8 metre Solo is being used on the Somerset
County Council subsidised 776 service connecting
Shepton Mallet, Radstock and Midsomer Norton
which runs six days a week to a one and half
hour frequency.
“We chose the Solo SE because of its
compact size, good passenger capacity and its
fuel efficency, “says Nick Hutt, Managing
Director. “At just 2.33 metres wide it
suits the narrow roads on the country route
on which it is being used and it can seat 27,
which is ideal for the service.
“We’ve also had a good experience
with the two Solos that we put into service
in September 2009. Both have proved to be very
reliable and have turned in encouraging fuel
figures of around 14 mpg. The fact that we
were able to obtain the bus direct from the
manufacturer through Optare Direct was also
a key consideration as it made the whole process
more straightforward.”
A Mercedes-Benz four-cylinder OM904LA engine
powers the Solo and is matched to an Allison
1000 Series five-speed automatic transmission.
This has a lock-up converter in gears 2, 3,
4 and 5 which, along with a low weight KLAM
KA-75 retarder as standard, contributes to
improved fuel efficiency and enhanced braking
performance.
It was on 21st December 2007 that Nick Hutt
and Operations Director Marie Chart finalised
their acquisition of Hatch Green Garage and
renamed it Hatch Green Coaches. With the purchase
came eight vehicles and growth since then has
been rapid, with the mixed fleet of service
buses, minibuses, mini and midicoaches now
numbering 27 and 35 people currently employed
by the firm.
Hatch Green Coaches offers a full range of
transport services including school contracts
for both independent and state schools and
private hires. The company was also recently
a successful bidder under the Green Bus Grant
scheme.
Ends
For further information please contact:
David Rowlands, Automotive PR t: +44 (0)20
7494 8050, drowlands@automotivepr.com
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