Optare Solo

Switch Solo Switch Solo SR
Somerset Passenger Solutions Optare Solo SR in Bridgwater in August 2017
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	19–37 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 (previously called Optare Solo) is a single decker bus, It has low-floor, It has been made by Switch Mobility from 1998 to the present day.

Optare Solo (1998–2012)

The Optare Solo is a single decker bus, it has a low-floor, it was made by Optare from 1998 to 2007.

Slimline

A narrow version called the "Slimline"^[1] was launched in 2004

SE

A short version called the "SE"^[1] was launched in 2006

EV

An electric version called the "EV" was launched in 2009

Gallery

• 
  First generation Solo Original (M1020)
• 
  First generation Solo Slimline (M780SL)
• 
  First generation Solo SE (M780SE)
• 
  First generation Solo EV (M950EV)
• 
  Rear of a Townlynx Solo (M880) in Chester in April 2009
• 
  Rear of an Arriva North East Solo (M950) in Darlington in May 2009. Note the difference in rear lights used on both buses.

Optare/Switch Solo SR (2007–Present)

The Optare Solo SR is a single decker bus, it has a low-floor, It is made by Optare from 2007 to the present day.

In 2012, it was improved, the chrome trim on the front and back bumper was removed, the optare logo on the front was removed and it had new rear lights

In 2020, Optare changed its name to Switch Mobility^[2] and made electric vehicles only.^[2]

In 2023, Optare Solo SR was replaced with Switch Solo SR,^[3] the bus interior and exterior stayed the same.

Slimline

A narrow version called the "Slimline" was launched.^[4]

SE-R

A short version called the "SE-R" was launched.^[5][6]

Hybrid

A diesel-electric hybrid Solo was launched.^[7]

EV

A battery electric Solo was launched in 2012.^[8]

Gallery

• 
  SR (M960) (before improvements)
• 
  Slimline (M890SL) (before improvements)
• 
  Slimline (M925SL) (after improvements)
• 
  SE-R (M720SE) (after improvements)
• 
  Hybrid (M820SR) (before improvements)
• 
  EV (M920EV) (before improvements)
• 
  SR (M960) rear (before improvements)
• 
  SE-R (M720SE) rear (after improvements)

References

1. "Solo - more models, more choice, more flexibility". Optare. Archived from the original on 17 August 2007. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
2. "Optare Group Limited renamed as Switch Mobility Limited". Optare. 30 November 2020. Archived from the original on 15 March 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
3. "SWITCH Mobility restarts Solo production". Bus & Coach Buyer. 20 October 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
4. "Solo SR". Optare. Archived from the original on 15 April 2012.
5. "Solo SPECIFICATION" (PDF). Optare. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 December 2018.
6. MTBP (Chris Nelson) - York Bus Photos (12 May 2016), YJ16DXS Utopia Coaches of Tadcaster mini bus, retrieved 8 July 2024
7. "Freedom of the city with Manchester Metroshuttle". Transport for Greater Manchester. 2 November 2010. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011.
8. "Electric Optare Solo SRs on trial". Coach & Bus Week. Peterborough. 1 June 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2024.

Other websites

Media related to Optare Solo at Wikimedia Commons