[G-CPTN]

http://www.busandcoach.com/newspage....4&categoryid=0

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/b...ingbidders.pdf

Optare Solo EV

The Government’s £30 million Green Bus Fund is providing backing for Optare’s innovative Eco Drive programme. Following an announcement today of how the fund is to be spent, it is anticipated that orders will be placed for a total of over 70 fully electric and hybrid Optare buses. These would be worth in total over £12 million and would be delivered to operators across the UK during the next two years.

As the only maker of a practical full size zero emission electric bus, Optare is in a unique position to contribute to the Government’s strategy to introduce low carbon buses to British streets. The Optare Solo EV, launched earlier this year and demonstrated to the Prime Minister in Downing Street at the announcement of the Green Bus Fund, has attracted interest from bus operators in the UK and Europe seeking the ultimate in clean transportation for urban environments.

It is clear from the number of joint manufacturer/operator bids determined so far that a total of more than 70 Optare Solo EVs and hybrid buses, will be entering service on the streets of some of the UK’s biggest cities. Decisions on manufacturers have yet to be made on some of the other general bids.

Jim Sumner, Optare’s CEO, commented: “We are delighted to have received this financial support from the Green Bus Fund. It means that major cities across the UK will be showcasing ultra low carbon or zero emission Optare vehicles and enjoying strong environmental benefits at the same time.

“This will be a boost to our order book in 2010. All of our stakeholders can take pride in this news which underlines our position as a leader in zero emission green bus technology”, said Mr Sumner.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/regional/buses/greenbusfund/