Tracky Transfers - 1
It's strange to think that Optare first introduced the Solo as long as 18 years ago. It's certainly been a success, with over 3,800 examples of the original model having been built in the first 14 years before being replaced by the more rounded 'SR' design. Stagecoach has been a good customer.
Until recently, the oldest examples in Stagecoach's South Wales fleet dated from 2005. However, four 02 and 03-plate 9.2m examples, new to Yorkshire Traction when it was an independent company, have been sourced from the Group's Yorkshire fleet for continued service.
So far, three have entered service at Porth depot and another at Cwmbran. Those at Porth have indirectly replaced 57-plate Optare Versas which are being transferred to the West fleet.
Representing these is 47286, which once carried the plate RHE 194, captured in Tonypandy in early April 2016 when operating Service 170 (Clydach Vale-Tonypandy-Penrhys-Blaenllechau).
A Mercedes Sprinter City 45 demonstrator was recently trialled on the service, and Stagecoach has recently announced an order for 30 as part of its 2016/2017 new vehicle orders. Perhaps some will find their way to South Wales ?
Tracky Transfers - 1
It's strange to think that Optare first introduced the Solo as long as 18 years ago. It's certainly been a success, with over 3,800 examples of the original model having been built in the first 14 years before being replaced by the more rounded 'SR' design. Stagecoach has been a good customer.
Until recently, the oldest examples in Stagecoach's South Wales fleet dated from 2005. However, four 02 and 03-plate 9.2m examples, new to Yorkshire Traction when it was an independent company, have been sourced from the Group's Yorkshire fleet for continued service.
So far, three have entered service at Porth depot and another at Cwmbran. Those at Porth have indirectly replaced 57-plate Optare Versas which are being transferred to the West fleet.
Representing these is 47286, which once carried the plate RHE 194, captured in Tonypandy in early April 2016 when operating Service 170 (Clydach Vale-Tonypandy-Penrhys-Blaenllechau).
A Mercedes Sprinter City 45 demonstrator was recently trialled on the service, and Stagecoach has recently announced an order for 30 as part of its 2016/2017 new vehicle orders. Perhaps some will find their way to South Wales ?