The Optare Solo has been well received by drivers and customers as a special education bus
The owners of Australian bus operation Donric Group are pleased with the performance of two Optare Solo SRs as special education school buses.
Peter and Linda McKenzie recently visited the Optare production facility in the UK and have taken delivery of two Optare Solo to be operated by Gold Bus – one of the six companies within the group.
The Solos will operate as Special Education School Buses in partnership with the Department for Education in Victoria, serving Ballarat Specialist School.
Donric Group Chief Executive Peter McKenzie says the Solo provides a higher capacity whilst still able to navigate through the urban streets.
“The application of the low floor access, mid-size Solos as a Special Education School Bus is a new concept in Australia, with the growing demand for special education services and access for multiple wheelchairs.”
The Solo’s front axle is forward of the entrance doors meaning fast passenger access can be easily achieved, which is ideal for this application.
The buses also meet ECE-R66 roll over requirements and their fuel efficiency and low floor access are also advantages over the more traditional high floor mini bus solution.
“Optare’s selection of well-known global brands in the Solo’s driveline adds to the maintainability of the vehicles and their performance in high temperatures was also another deciding factor in choosing the Solo,” says McKenzie.
“The vehicles have been very well received by both customers and drivers.”