30 August 2011

Solong

It seems that the Optare Solo has not been a big hit with Citybus, or it may just be a case that there is a greater need elsewhere. At least 212 has already been noted in Poole as Damory Coaches 3713.
211 &213 had been reported as being out of service while 210 has been on training duties in August with Citybus.
I had one report saying 3 were heading to the South Coast fleets but I would be surprised if we keep just one in Plymouth


8 comments:

  1. That would explain the Step Darts coming back into service on the 13 then. I'd expect that they keep at least one at Milehouse for regular running on the 31.

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  2. Graham all of the Solos are off to GSC. 3 steps kept for 13, 59 and a dedicated school bus. From September 17th one step Dart only for school and 13. All Plymouth stage carriage network should then be low floor bar some school buses.

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  3. That should read commercial Plymouth stage carriage network.

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  4. For some reason the Solos were not popular in the North East and that is why Go North East got rid of them, the last ones ironically to PCB.

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  5. I will miss the solos

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  6. 210 was out on Service 20 earlier today. Also saw an Enviro 200 on the 13 yesterday. Musical buses this week them!! In livery news, spied a double decker in Perry's livery yesterday too, i guess this is advert replacement for 127 which was carrying this livery and is now out of service.

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  7. 152 has been getting alot of variety, in the form of 33, 144 & Citaros. Suprised a Step Dart wasn't kept behind for this service?

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  8. On Tuesday 213 was on the 23/24; I had a quick ride on one of them.

    The interior is fairly tacky and is definitely nowhere near the level of quality of a Dart MPD.

    However, it actually pulled quite well! I expected it to be a very loud, thrashed and underpowered engine, however it did have some 'go' in it. It also had a slight whistle when changing gear; I'm not sure if it has an Allison gearbox or not.

    I also spotted another Solo on Tuesday on the 43A!

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