| Optare Solo Switch Solo SR | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).JPG) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Optare/Switch Mobility |
| Production | 1998–2012 (Solo) 2007–present (Solo SR) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Minibus Midibus |
| Body style | Single-decker bus |
| Doors | 1 door or 2 doors |
| Floor type | Low entry |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Cummins B series/ISB/ISBe MAN Mercedes-Benz |
| Capacity | 17–37 seated |
| Transmission | Allison Siemens (hybrid electric) Enova Systems (fully electric) Magtec (fully electric) Voith DIWA (SR version only) |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 7.10–10.30 m (23 ft 4 in – 33 ft 10 in) |
| Width | 2.33–2.5 m (7 ft 8 in – 8 ft 2 in) |
| Height | 2.73 m (8 ft 11 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Optare MetroRider |
The Switch Solo (formerly sold as the Optare Solo) is a low-floor minibus/midibus with one or two doors manufactured by Switch Mobility in the United Kingdom since 1998. The Solo name is a play on its low-floor status, the manufacturer marketing its vehicle as having an entrance that is "so low" from the floor, namely 200 mm (8 in) with kneeling suspension. In January 2012, Optare announced the end of production for the original Solo design with a modified Solo SR taking over.
The original innovative design, featuring a front axle ahead of the entrance door, gained a Millennium product award, along with a Queen's Award for Enterprise, in 2000.[1]
- ^ Gapper, Charlotte (21 April 2000). "Taking care of business". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
Optare Group of Leeds has been given an innovation award for its Solo low-floor bus, which allows elderly passengers and mothers with pushchairs to get aboard the vehicle more easily.