SOUTH AFRICA Optare is to supply 190 Solo SR midibuses to Cape Town. The fleet will form a key element of a Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) network as part of an integrated system combining many modes of public transport.
Optare was involved in a comprehensive competitive tendering process involving a number of global bus manufacturers. It has been working with the support of its strategic investor Ashok Leyland and in partnership with South Africa’s Busmark 2000. The first 30 buses should be delivered in mid 2012, with the balance supplied at 20 buses month.
Optare CEO Jim Sumner, said: “We are very excited about the start of what is a major ongoing export opportunity. Increasing our export business is a very important part of our turnaround strategy. We anticipate being able to make a formal contract announcement in the near future.”
