Go North East have added another 14 low carbon Optare Solos to their fleet. Go North East is the North East England’s largest bus company, operating a fleet of nearly 700 buses and coaches, and employing more than 2,100 people.  Over a quarter of the Go North East single deck fleet are Optare vehicles.  These recent fleet additions will bring the number of Optare Solos in the Go North East Fleet to 56, which accounts for almost 70% of the overall Go North East minibus fleet.

The 9.2m, Euro 5, low carbon Solo buses have been developed with intelligent energy management, which optimises energy usage and reduces losses.   Nine of the Solos seat up to 30 and feature a wheelchair and buggy bay,  while the remaining five vehicles seat up to 28 and feature belted seats, all the vehicles have leather upholstery and WiFi.  The Solos will operate on routes around Hexham, West Northumberland and North Tyneside.  

Kevin Carr, Go North East, Managing Director, said: “While bus travel is one of the most environmentally friendly forms of transport, we are not complacent about our environmental impact and we are committed to investing in better air quality.  These vehicles bring the total Optare low carbon Solos added to the Go North East fleet in the last 12 months to 28, after 14 new Optare Solos were purchased for the indiGo bus service in Peterlee in August 2015.”

Tim Matthews, Head of UK Sales at Optare, said, “We are delighted that the low carbon Solos are delivering such good results for Go North East and that they have decided to invest further in improving air quality in the towns and cities in the North East of England.”